Whistler Cornucopia Wine Festival

Bob On the Road in Whistler, British Columia

Howdy, all. I'm in Whistler, B.C. today for the big Cornucopia Wine Festival. This town is a famous ski resort, and it's currently snowing like crazy. They predict a food of snow by the time I leave on Monday morning.

I was privileged to get press credentials to this event, courtesy of my friends at Northwest Palate Magazine. The press junket includes a room at the swanky Pan Pacific Village Center Hotel. It's a big suite with all the amenities, including a gas fireplace in the living room, a huge walk-in tile shower, and a stocked kitchen -plus views of the mountains. It's one of the nicer rooms I've been in.

Events started last night with a reception hosted by Washington wineries. It was at the Whistler convention center, a very large room with a three-story rock fireplace and enormous wood beam ceilings. There were perhaps 750 folks, several dozen wine producers, a D.J. and tons of great food. In addition to the prime rib, I had a baked potato with sour cream, bacon, herbs and CAVIAR. Yep, a baked potato with cavier goes down just fine, thank you.

Today, three events are on tap. First, "Big Guns and Little Sisters" with pair some famous wines with the second-label or vin ordinaire from the same producer. Later today, it's "BC Wines and Food Pairing" with some Asian chefs. The big event, however, is the afterparty tonight.

Held at the Barefoot Bistro in the village, it's a huge bash with about 1,500 people. There will be four bands, unlimited food and wine and champagne (all sabered open, the Bistro's specialty). Plus, a few other surprises. Keith, my buddy here who manages the wine program at the Bistro, promises a couple of dozen naked women at the party for body painting and other pursuits. Apparently one woman will spend the night on a table drenched in chocolate so that folks can scoop the chocolate from her with strawberries. I'll do my best to get some pictures of that one.

More later!