For anyone who has disapprovingly perused restaurant wine lists in their lifetime, good news! We residents of BC can now bring along our own- for a price, of course. Vancouver Foodster has done a great job at compiling a list of who is offering BYOB, and what their corkage fees will be. Some are reasonable, $10-15 but they can reach upwards of $60 in some cases, which makes you wonder if that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion is really worth the extra money?

Here is the link to the most comprehensive corkage list I could find:
vancouverfoodster.com/corkage

Don’t forget to find us on Twitter @wineanddinebc and to like our facebook page www.facebook.com/wineanddinebc for ongoing events postings throughout the month!

Jessica

1)	A Tasting at Sea
	Friday July 27th 2012
	A Tasting at Sea *Last day to buy tickets* "A Tasting At Sea" - A Celebration of Locally Sourced Cuisine, BC Wines and Summer On The Water. Join Executive Chef Natasha Harris for a spectacular five course seated tasting (long table style) and a three hour cruise of Vancouver's most exclusive waterways on board the prestigious Sunset Bay II Yacht. Date: July 27th Time: 6pm - 9pm Location: 1601 Bayshore Drive, The Westin Bayshore Marina www.thewineyacht.com

2)	Vancouver Urban Winery Presents: The Urban Wine Mixer
	Saturday July 28th 2012 Vancouver Urban Winery Presents: The Urban Wine Mixer The Urban Wine Mixer will be the hottest mid-summer party of the year. With a tikki bar, palm trees, misters to keep you cool, live DJ, saxophone & drum players, margarita snow-cone machine and a full service bar. Located at 55 Dunlevy Street in Vancouver’s Railtown district Buy Tickets online here: http://urbanwinemixer.eventbrite.ca/?ebtv=C

3)	Into the Vineyard: USA
	Tuesday August 7th 2012
	Into the Vineyard: USA Tuesday, August 7th 2012 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Harvest Table at Legacy Liquor store 1633 Manitoba Street Tickets are only $20 Legacy Liquor Store and local travel company 'Into the Vineyard' have teamed up to present a series of monthly seminars at the harvest table. Focused on exotic locations, great value wines and wine inspired travel, each session will bring you the inside scoop on great wines from the feature country, bringing you not only a Sommelier's insights on the wines but also tips from an expert on wine-themed travel for the region. Each session will feature six wines from the major wine making regions with a Legacy Liquor Store Sommelier walking you through the appellations, alongside a highly qualified Travel Advisor from Into the Vineyard. About Into the Vineyard: Into the Vineyard is a wine inspired travel company. It’s more than just wine, it’s an immersion in the region itself. It’s about getting behind closed doors through their unparalleled access. Their wine trips are about the experience of meeting with the winemakers and creating genuine connections to a different way of life. They offer custom-made private wine trips, scheduled group trips, and select trusted supplier trips. Each exploring the culture and the customs of the wine regions of the world. For more information, check their website www.legacyliquorstore.com/events/INTO-IN-THE-VINEYARD--USA or contact them directly info@legacyliquorstore.com 604-331-7900

4)	Best of the West
	Wednesday August 8 2012
	Best of the West The Harmony Arts Festival, Presented by Odlum Brown Limited, proudly presents the 2nd annual Best of the West, sponsored by Park Royal and hosted by House Wine where West Vancouver will be enjoying BC’s best in celebration of BC day. Guests will be introduced to food and wine from 13 participating restaurants and wineries; and enjoy a sampling of wines at the BC VQA Regional Wine Bar from the Wines of British Columbia. Set at the foot of 14th St at the Pier, this ticketed event will be an unparalleled waterfront experience. Date: Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: The Pier at the foot of 14th Street*, West Vancouver *Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the location will be changed to a covered venue. You will be notified the day of. Cost: $100 Tickets and more information: harmonyarts.ca/best-of-the-west/

5)	Liberty Wine’s Bottles and Bangers
	Thursday August 16th 2012
	Liberty Wine’s Bottles and Bangers Thursday, August 16th, 2012 | 7:30-9:30pm At the Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park Tickets $29.99 at all Liberty Wine Merchants Locations Featuring wines from the Southern Hemisphere in a picturesque Stanley Park setting overlooking Coal Harbour. All proceeds will benefit amateur sports in BC. This event sells out quickly. We recommend purchasing tickets early to avoid missing out on this wonderful evening! For more information please contact any of our Liberty Wine Merchant stores. libertywinemerchants.com

1)	Orofino Presents the 1.6 Mile Dinner
	Saturday July 28th 2012
	Orofino Presents the 1.6 Mile Dinner A True Farm to Plate Experience This unique event celebrates the beauty of the Similkameen Valley in all her forms. The evening will consist of a five course meal using only the best foods provided by artisan producers from within a 1.6 mile radius of Orofino Winery. Each course will be expertly crafted by chefs Cameron Smith and Dana Ewart, owners of the highly regarded Joy Road Catering Company. Delectable surprises, unique produce and world-class flavours will be paired with Orofino’s best wines. Please join us in our beautiful winery courtyard for an enchanted evening of fine dining, remarkable wine, and good company! The Details: Saturday, July 28th (note the event will only be held on one evening this year!) Bubbly and canapés at 5:30. Dinner to follow. Tickets: $140 per person. For Reservations: Contact Orofino at (250)499-0068 ororofino@nethop.net www.orofinovineyards.com

2)	Riedel Crystal Glass Tasting Ex Nihilo Vineyards
	Sunday July 29th 2012
	Riedel Crystal Glass Tasting at Ex Nihilo Vineyards Sunday July 29th from 7:00-8:30pm. Limited seating so call soon to book your spot 250-766-5522 exnihilovineyards.com Riedel is known world-wide for their stunning wine glasses. Join us at the winery as we taste through Ex Nihilo’s fabulous portfolio of wines in the varietal specific “vinum series” Riedel glasses. This informative evening, hosted by a representative of the Riedel Wine Glass Company, will offer insight as to why certain sizes and shapes enhance the wines flavour. The evening concludes with a set of the 4 Riedel Vinum series glasses to keep, a $135 value. A limited number of additional sets of Vinum Series Glasses will be available for purchase by participants.

3)	Naramata Bench Wineries Tailgate Party
	Saturday, September 8 2012
	Naramata Bench Wineries Tailgate Party Back by popular demand, The Naramata Bench Wineries are dropping their tailgates on September 8 for the Okanagan wine party of the season. It's our let-your-hair down, pop-some- corks and have lots of fun event...THE wine and food event for wine enthusiasts to plan an Okanagan Fall weekend around. The event will take place in the heart of Naramata Village at Manitou Beach and Park starting at 5:30 PM. This year will be a bigger and better event than ever before. That's right, in addition to 21 wineries pouring their wines, there will be great food; an unforgettable half time show that will introduce guests to a whole new side of the wine industry; live music by Shane Philips; dancing; and a Salmon Showdown featuring some of the Okanagan's best chefs. They will square off and an esteemed panel of celebrity judges, along with Tailgate revellers, will vote to crown the Okanagan's best wine and food salmon pairing. The fresh salmon will be provided by Codfathers Seafood Market and the event is supporting Ocean Wise, a Vancouver Aquarium Conservation Program. The salmon dinner will be rounded out with signature fixin's from The Bench Artisan Food Market. Celebrity judges include: Gloria Macarenko - CBC TV Evening News Anchor; Shelley Boettcher - Calgary Herald Wine Columnist /Wine Access Editor; Robert Clark - C Restaurant Chef; Jamie Maw -Food writer; Neal McLennan - Western Living Editor; and Cole Danehower - Editor & Chief, North West Palate magazine. Chefs committed to date are from the Eldorado, P. Inc. Patio at Red Rooster Winery, The Naramata Heritage Inn, The Bench Artisan Market, Misconduct Wine Co., Hillside Winery & Bistro, and Lake Breeze Vineyards Patio Restaurant. And if that is not enough, there is also an after party, the Super Gate, which picks up where Tailgate leaves off, but only 100 tickets are available. Think of it as a VIP after-party with our winemakers, winery owners and guest chefs. There will be an oyster bar, exclusive and elusive wines to taste, more food and music. Shuttles to and from Penticton all evening are sponsored by Westland Insurance. Tickets Main Event Tx: 5:30 - 8:00 PM~ $89. Super Gate Tx: 5:30 - 10 PM~ $155. includes After Party. For more info and tickets: www.naramatabench.com / 1-800-663-1900

4)	Chef Vs Chef Winemaker Dinner at Tinhorn Creek
	Friday September 28 2012
	Chef vs Chef Winemaker Dinner at Tinhorn Creek A winner-takes-all face-off at Miradoro Restaurant Friday September 28 at 6:30pm. Join Sandra Oldfield as Miradoro Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest and Hawksworth Restaurant Executive Chef David Hawksworth alternate courses, pairing their dishes with the latest Oldfield Series releases from Tinhorn Creek. This is sure to be an unforgettable dinner: $95 per person, reservations required. Please call Miradoro at 250.498.3742. www.tinhorn.com/

1)	Arts & Music in the Gardens
	Saturday & Sunday August 11-12 2012
	Arts & Music in the Gardens Mark your calendar for Saturday Aug 11 and Sunday Aug 12 and prepare to be enchanted by local artists and musicians, presenting their crafts in the beautiful setting of The Gardens at HCP. Over 60 artists displaying their artwork and meeting visitors A gallery displaying the works of 8 emerging artists Live music throughout the Gardens Classic car display, with parade of classic cars at end of each day Children’s entertainment Food & Drink, including HCP’s own Nourish Bistro; beer from Hoyne Brewery and cider from Sea CideryEntry at gate: $12 Adults, $9 Students/Seniors (under 16 free)$11 Adults, $8 Students/Seniors (under 16 free) Free parking http://hcp.ca/events/arts-music/

2)	Brewery and the Beast
	Sunday September 23 2012
	Brewery and the Beast Sunday September 23, 2012 welcomes an exciting new local culinary event: Brewery & The Beast, Victoria’s first-annual Festival of Meat, taking place at the Phillips Brewing Company (2010 Government). From the producers of Culinaire, Brewery & The Beast promises to entice the meat enthusiast in us all. Local chefs will demonstrate their skill and passion for meat through a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes—from classic BBQ, charcuterie, smoked meats, and house-made sausage, to ethnic-inspired creations, whole pig roasts, and other full-flavoured, exotic foods. “Brewery & The Beast will stand alone among food festivals as a unique and one-of-a-kind culinary experience,” said event mastermind Scott Gurney. “It focuses on the use of the finest quality ingredients available from our region. The chefs will construct each dish with passion to bring out the full flavour profile of the meats being featured.” Foodies and lovers of fine foods will truly embrace Brewery & The Beast. The festival focuses on great cuisine and premium quality: all meats served will be locally-sourced, hormone and antibiotic-free, and free range—the highest possible quality for the conscientious consumer. Accompanying the decadent dishes will be beverages provided by Phillips Beer and Merridale Cider, along with homemade soda and traditional iced tea to wash down the savoury, sweet, and smoky flavours. We are delighted to invite Victorians to enjoy a unique culinary adventure at Brewery & The Beast. Tickets are $35 and are all-inclusive of the incredible foods and beverages being showcased. They can be purchased at The Bard and Banker Pub (1022 Government), Phillips Brewing Company (2010 Government), or online via Ticket Rocket (www.ticketrocket.org). Visit www.breweryandthebeast.com for full event details and a current list of who will be presenting. Brewery & The Beast: Victoria’s first-annual Festival of Meat Location: Phillips Brewing Company (2010 Government) Date: Sunday, September 23 2012 Time: 1:00 PM—4:00 PM Tickets: $35 at The Bard and Banker Pub (1022 Government), Philips Brewing Company (2010 Government), or online: www.ticketrocket.org Website: www.breweryandthebeast.com Email: info@breweryandthebeast.com