Vancouver Wine Festival Honors B.C. Restaurants with Wine Program Excellence Awards
The 2026 Vancouver International Wine Festival has unveiled the recipients of its prestigious Wine Program Excellence awards, celebrating restaurants across British Columbia that demonstrate exceptional commitment to enhancing the region's wine and food culture. A well-curated wine list has the power to transform a meal into a memorable experience, and these establishments have been recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Sommelier of the Year and Award Categories
Michael Littleford, whose career includes notable roles at Nightingale, CinCin, and Published on Main, has been named Sommelier of the Year. The awards span 16 categories, with winners primarily based in Vancouver unless specified otherwise. Here are highlights from the 2026 honorees:
- Best Wine Program in an Upscale Restaurant: Gold to Elisa, Silver to Blue Water Cafe, Bronze to Marilena Café + Raw Bar in Victoria.
- Best Wine Program in a Contemporary Restaurant: Gold to Nightingale, Silver to Major Tom in Calgary, Bronze to L’Abattoir.
- Best Food & Wine Pairing Experience: Gold to Mott 32, Silver to AnnaLena, Bronze to L’Abattoir.
- Best Wine Service: Gold to AnnaLena, Silver to Kissa Tanto, Bronze to L’Abattoir.
- Best Micro Wine List: Gold to Burdock & Co, Silver to Yuwa Japanese Cuisine, Bronze to Bistro Lapin Perdu in Naramata.
- Best B.C. Wine List: Gold to Waterfront Wines Restaurant in Kelowna, Silver to Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, Bronze to The Arbutus Room & Bar in Brentwood Bay.
Regional Wine List Recognitions
The festival also highlighted excellence in specific regional wine categories:
- Best Italian Wine List: CinCin
- Best French Wine List: L’Abattoir
- Best Sake List: Yuwa Japanese Cuisine
- Best Spanish Wine List: Bar Oso in Whistler
For the Best Value Wine Program, H Tasting Lounge took Gold, followed by The Arbutus Room & Bar in Brentwood Bay with Silver, and Pizzeria Tratto in Penticton with Bronze. The complete list of winners is available at vanwinefest.ca.
Curated Food Experiences in Ireland
In related culinary news, Good Food Ireland, founded by farmer Margaret Jeffares two decades ago, is promoting sustainable and artisanal Irish food through a new website. The organization connects travelers with curated experiences across Ireland, including tours, cooking classes, and tastings. Options range from afternoon teas and distillery visits to oyster farm tours and Irish soda bread classes. A standout offering is a private tour of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School Gardens and Organic Farm in Cork. These initiatives aim to showcase Ireland's rich food heritage and support local producers.
Return of Popular Dinner Series in Vancouver
Additionally, Suyo Modern Peruvian restaurant in Vancouver is reviving its popular dinner series, offering diners unique culinary events that highlight innovative Peruvian cuisine. This return adds to the vibrant food scene in the city, complementing the award-winning wine programs celebrated at the festival.
The Vancouver International Wine Festival continues to be a key event in recognizing and promoting excellence in wine culture, with this year's awards underscoring the diversity and quality of British Columbia's dining establishments. From upscale restaurants to contemporary eateries, these honorees set a high standard for wine programs that enhance the overall dining experience.
