NSLC Hosts 9th Annual Port of Wine Festival
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is hosting the 9th annual Port of Wine Festival, at the World Trade and Convention Centre from Thursday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 13.
Port of Wines Festival 2004 provides an opportunity for consumers to sample more than 270 wines from around the world including some new products featured at NSLC stores.
The festival kicks off with a Gala Wine Maker's Dinner and Charity Auction on Thursday, Nov. 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Port Royal Room. Diners will enjoy a six-course meal with food that matches NSLC medal-winning wines. Ken Barbet, president and CEO of NSLC, will announce a new retail strategy during the event and a silent auction will be held. All funds raised during the auction will be donated to local charities.
On Friday, Nov. 12, wine patrons will begin tasting the selection of more than 270 wines. This year, the NSLC hosts four gala tastings. On Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a premium tasting will be held. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold to this event. Tastings will also be held: Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets for the Friday night and Saturday night tastings were sold out in record time. A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the afternoon tastings on Friday and Saturday. All tastings take place at the Port Royal Room, World Trade and Convention Centre.
"Long seen as one of North America's premiere wine events, the Port of Wine Festival will feature wines from 12 countries and from well over 100 suppliers," said Mr. Barbet. "Again this year, 5,000 people will attend and enjoy the opportunity to savour some of the world's best wines."
The NSLC honours wineries during each Port of Wines Festival with platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards.
"Nova Scotia will be well represented at the festival amongst its wine producing peers. Domaine de Grand Pré, Jost Vineyards, Lunenburg County Winery and Sainte Famille Wines are all, participating at this year's festival," said Mr. Barbet. "Three Nova Scotian wines were awarded top platinum awards this year -- a first in the history of the festival."
Gourmet food to accompany wine tasting will be prepared by Taste Nova Scotia chefs.
Tickets inquiries can be directed to the NSLC ticket line at 1- 866-850-8269. There will be an on-site NSLC store open during the tastings and featuring all the wines tasted at the event.
For more information on the wine festival and a full list of award winners see the news release on the NSLC website at www.nsliquor.ca .
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation provides world class selection and service of beverage alcohol through the operation of 104 retail and eight agency stores throughout the province. By providing superior customer convenience and service, and hosting events like the annual Port of wines Festival, the NSLC returns substantial revenue to the provincial government while ensuring the responsible enjoyment of beverage alcohol in Nova Scotia.