Things to do in Vancouver: 1st Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo

Vancouver is proud to host the First Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE) on May,12 2012.  Vancouver Food Tour previewed a line up of the fine tequilas that will be featured at the VITE.

We were greeted by one of the organizers of the expo, Manuel Otero, the Counsel General of Mexico, and the chair of the BCHF Geoffrey Howes (pictured respectively below).

We sipped and savored fine tequilas, all paired seamlessly with Mexican pinchos (traditional Mexican bar snacks).  The tastings and education was well received and opened our eyes to the vast world of this often misunderstood spirit (in Canada, at least).

Vancouver, you better get ready to get acquainted with one of Mexico’s finest exports!

From press release:

The First Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE) will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East. It is sponsored by Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and the Consulate General of Mexico. Proceeds will benefit the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF), the hospitality industry’s own charity.

VITE schedule

Two Seminars – (Tickets $45 each)

1. 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – “Tequila 101” – history, culture, and production of tequila

2. 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – “Ancient Origins of Agave Spirits” – the prehistoric precursors to tequila

Trade & Media Tasting (nominal fee including donation at the door to BCHF)

3:00 pm – 5:00 PM – Trade and Media Tasting (nominal fee includes donation to BCHF)

Consumer Event – (Tickets $65)

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Consumer Tasting – where guests to sample the full lines of well-known brands like Tequila Don Julio & Cabo Wabo Tequila, and newcomers to the market like T1 Tequila Uno & Tavi Tequila, and brands not yet imported to British Columbia such as Azuñia Tequila.

Tasting Seminars – $45 each

Trade Tasting 3:00 – 5:00PM – (nominal fee includes donation to BCHF)

Consumer Tasting 6:00 – 9:00 PM – $65

Additionally that week there will be 10 to 15 various restaurants in Vancouver & Lower mainland participating with the pairing of tequila & food dinners. Check back often at www.vancouvertequilaexpo.com for updates on the new restaurants as they are added.

About the author: Sean Neild is always hungry and blogs at seanadventuresinflavortown.com and on the Food Network’s hit show Eat St’s blog .  Find him on twitter @YVRBCbro .