There’s nothing like a Kingston winter. On the one hand, you have the quintessential skating in the square, the scenic views of a shining, frozen-over Lake Ontario. But, then there are the days when you’re hobbling down the street in a million layers, your eyes are getting teary from the wind, and the snow is slapping you in the face. That’s when winter feels long.
This year, the secret to getting through those days is knowing that a premier festival is coming to Kingston; Corks & Forks Festival, Kingston’s International Wine Festival! Presented by Savvy Company and sommelier Debbie Trenholm, top wine enthusiasts and professionals have already started counting down the days.
The Corks & Forks International Wine Festival is happening in Kingston April 12-14th, and whether you’re a master sommelier or just know you like your reds, you won’t want to miss this. The weekend is filled with wine and food tastings, winemakers’ dinners hosted at Kingston’s best restaurants, panel tastings, seminars, chances to meet the winemakers themselves, and the grand finale Vintner’s Brunch.
“There is an incredible food and wine scene in Kingston,” said Donna Gillespie (Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Economic Development Corporation) in an article by Savvy. “Corks & Forks is a perfect way to showcase the culinary talent locally, regionally and introduce a global scale, too.”
If the idea of a weekend of world-class wine isn’t reason enough to experience the first annual Corks & Forks festival, here are our top seven experiences you can’t miss.
1. For a trip around the (wine) world
On Friday and Saturday nights, experience Discover the Wine World at the Residence Inn by Marriott Waterfront. Going beyond a typical wine tasting, Corks & Forks is welcoming premier Canadian and International wineries so you can meet and speak to the winemakers themselves. Learn about how the wine is made, where it came from, and of course, pick your favourites from the 100 plus wines at the festival.
Friday — Grand Opening special. $70 for two tickets.
Saturday — $80 for one ticket and free access for your plus-one.
Go both nights for $99 for 2 people.
2. For an exclusive industry trade day
Corks & Forks is bringing some of the best wines from around the world to Kingston, and Trade Day is offering special events and seminars for everyone working in the hotel, restaurant, and hospitality industry. It’s the perfect chance to bring Kingston to the next level by connecting with premier winemakers at events like the Meet the Makers Luncheon and Educational Wine Seminars.
Contact Savvy Company at cheers@savvycompany.ca or call 613-SAVVYCO (613-728-8926) for access to the Trade Only ticketing site.
3. To meet the best winemakers in the industry
We already have an amazing food scene, so it only makes sense that winemakers from around the world want to come to see what Kingston has to offer them. Speak to the winemakers and learn about what goes into making your favourite bottle, and learn about new ways to enjoy the blends you thought you knew.
4. Because you deserve to enjoy your glass of wine with a view
There’s no better location to put this international festival than somewhere you can sip your vino that’s easy on the eyes! Combining the best wines with the best view, it’s the perfect weekend getaway (or staycation) to kick off the spring. The festival hubs will be the Residence Inn by Marriott Waterfront and the Delta Hotel Kingston Waterfront, with satellite events at the top restaurants in the city like AquaTerra and Bayview Farm Restaurant.
5. To learn how to become a master sommelier
Okay, so maybe you won’t be a master sommelier, but these wine seminars and tastings on Saturday will get you a lot closer. Whether you’re a pro already, or just a wine enthusiast, the festival is presenting a day filled with tasting panels and seminars lead by top wine writers, and notable industry personalities.
Try out one of their wine classes (like the Magic of Wine and Food Pairing, or Power of a Wine Glass) to learn from winemakers themselves. Finally, a class you’ll actually want to go to!
6. The Winemaker’s Dinners
Fine food and fine wine — has there ever been a better pair? Experience the food scene in Kingston like never before as Corks & Forks teams up with some of the best restaurants from around the city. Each multi-course meal is specially paired with a winery, and the winemakers will be at the restaurants to give a backstory on the wine. It’s a foodie must.
7. The brunch of the year, the Vintner’s Brunch
Get ready for a brunch like no other, the Vintner’s Brunch. An amazing end to a world-class weekend, this brunch held at the Delta Waterfront not only features a live band and silent auction (with proceeds donated to one of Kingston’s charities), but you’ll get an unforgettable feast! Visit different stations to grab delicious food and wine pairings from top chefs and winemakers, and vote for your favourite pair for the People’s Choice Award.
Try out one, two, or all the stations for an entirely new culinary experience. Because really, wine not?
Want to be the first to know about the new events and details about the festival? Email cheers@savvycompany.ca to get insider access. You can also keep up with all the action by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on specific events and to get your tickets, click here!
