Harry Hertscheg and Christopher Gaze kick out the jams at Joey on Burrard Feb 25 2013. Robyn Hanson photo

Launch – Vancouver International Wine Festival 2013

– photos by Robyn Hanson

The 35th Vancouver International Wine Festival officially kicked off Monday night with winery dinners around town.

This year’s festival, which runs until March 3, marks a name-change for the popular festival; its former sponsor the Vancouver Playhouse shuttered its doors last year shortly after the 2012 wine festival. It is now presented by the Vancouver Sun and charitable partner Bard on the Beach.

Bard impresario and noted thespian Christopher Gaze was on hand for the media preview at Joey’s on Burrard Monday. Gaze led a toast, noting that “Shakespeare loved wine.”

Though many events are sold out, tickets are still available for some seminars, dinners, lunches and minglers.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 604-873-3311 or visit www.vanwinefest.ca.