While the summer is filled with beer festivals and other brew-related events, the Galiano Wine and Beer Tasting Festival might be a hidden gem among them. And who would have known that this was the 23rd Annual running of the event?
Breweries in attendance included Howe Sound, Bomber, Lighthouse, Saltspring Island, Pacific Western, Central City, and Yukon. Each brewery brought along at least two different beers to sample, while many had even larger selections available.
For those among us who have partners/parents/friends who have not yet discovered the greatness of craft beer, a number of BC wineries were also present at the festival. Interestingly wine stalls had much longer lines than any of the beer tents, as guests wanted to experience a thorough tasting of the winery’s half-dozen bottles, whereas anyone getting a beer sample would move away and drink their beverage, before returning for the next variety.
Tickets were $45 and gave guests all-inclusive access to all the beer and wine they wanted to enjoy for 3 hours, plus a selection of finger foods that were brought around the grounds by kitchen volunteers. Entry also included both beer and wine taster glasses. Proceeds from the
event went to the Galiano Health Care Clinic, which is largely kept operating thanks to local volunteers.
While some travellers spent the weekend on the island, Galiano ferry times from Tsawwassen made it possible to enjoy a day trip, arriving early in the morning and leaving shortly after the festival. The festival was located about a 20 minute walk from the Galiano Island terminal, which seems longer when walking there for some reason than when you’re coming back!
Planning for the 2016 festival is already underway and should not be missed! For more information, visit their website
Daniel Wilson
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