Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival in Calgary

October 13, 2012
By Cody Battershill

Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival

From October 12 – 13, Calgarians will tantalize their palates with the finest wines, liqueurs and local foods at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival. Since its inception in 1997, the Festival has grown exponentially captivating people with an abundance of food and alcoholic beverages.

For the wine enthusiasts, take a trip around the world to 400 wineries from 17 different countries – from Australia to the United States. Engage in a conversation with Cameron Hughes from California – special guest of the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival. Hughes – known as a wine negociant – is a creator, importer and distributor of fine quality of wines at affordable prices.

Gluten-free organic wines and fruit-infused beers have been growing increasingly popular over the past few years. Along with Alberta craft beer and that is evident with the local beer markets popping up like National, Craft Market, Wurst and 1410 Bier Haus.

Other trendy liqueurs include vodka infused with hemp, bacon or cake, wine-infused whipped cream, spicy vanilla whisky and chocolate milk combined with red wine.

One thing that is noticeable compared to previous years is the number of new and growing local restaurants participating in the festival. Exclusively for this year, Bernard Callebaut brought in their life size 500kg bull made entirely out of chocolate. Unfortunately, guests can only look but not touch or taste this monstrous treat.

The festival is not only about showcasing alcoholic beverages and bites but giving back to the community. Portion of the proceeds will go back to SAIT culinary school and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival

The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival is held in Hall D and E at the BMO Centre on October 12 (4:00 – 10:00pm) and October 13 (3:00 – 10:00pm). Tickets range from $24 - $35.