New to the wine world or just want to increase your understanding? Book your Cornucopia “wine flight” for seminars such as Keeping It Local: BC Wines with BC Cheeses or the VIKING stage series – Sushi, Sake & Wine.

Wine flights are usually intended for those new to the experience of tasting wine, or those who want to increase their understanding of a specific region, vintage, or varietal. With Cornucopia, there are flights for all fancies.

After indulging your wild side at CRUSH and Casino Royale, cultivate your culinary skills and sharpen your palate with Cornucopia’s wine seminars and Viking stage series.  Mingle with world renowned chefs and sommeliers….from the young guns to the Masters of Wine in an intimate setting.

Marking its 14th year, Cornucopia takes place in Whistler from November 11-14 and welcomes guests of all walks of life – from the newbie wine consumer to the seasoned aficionado. The culinary and wine fusion brings a bounty of local produce, award-winning chefs and world-renowned wineries offering four days of events not to be missed. Many of the attractions are $35 and less which means budget-conscience but discerning guests can enjoy a plethora of wine and food experiences.

The Viking Stage Series presents Sushi, Sake and Wine with Chef Kame of Sushi Village – one of Whistler’s venerable dining establishments. Learn the art of sushi making and pairing wine and sake with Japanese cuisine for only $25 per person.

Have your passport ready for the Regional Walkabout ($35 per person) on Saturday and Sunday as your tastebuds take a trip around the world with wines from South Africa, Australia and the Golden Mile – three of the most acclaimed wine regions of the world. This is a rare opportunity to meet vintners and explore the wines from these fascinating regions. The afternoon wine tastings are accompanied by a menu of canapés inspired by the acclaimed regions.

Kurtis Kolt, Vancouver’s Sommelier of the Year, returns to Cornucopia to host the Mini Tasting Series featuring B.C. wines from the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. A broad overview of the region with samples from the Naramata Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Falls and the Similkameen Valley will leave you with great insights into this impressive wine region right in our back yard. At $30 per person, the mini tasting series offers incredible value.

The Whistler Chef’s Challenge pits local chefs from some of Whistler’s finest restaurants, including the Bearfoot Bistro, Sidecut, Players Chophouse and Elements, against each other for the title of King of the Cooks. A series of heats see chefs go head-to-head in the ultimate foodie throw down, each hoping to capture the Whistler Chef’s Challenge title. Live commentary adds colour and animation to this event, as competitors make the most of their 30-minute spot to produce delicious fare utilizing a themed ingredient. There is no fee for this event.

Always a festival favourite, and for those looking for the ultimate Cornucopia party, Crush! Gala Grand Tasting features more than 75 wineries. Taking place on Friday and Saturday nights – this flagship event is THE party to be part of. Tickets to Crush! are $85 … and remember there are more than 75 wineries featured!

Detailed Cornucopia information including event schedules, ticketing information, participating wineries and restaurants, and an exciting list of celebrity chefs and seminar presenters is available at www.whistlercornucopia.com

Accommodation packages starting at $99 per night are available at www.whistler.com/cornucopia