Event Alert: Flights & Light Bites

Autumn is all about celebrating the harvest on Vancouver Island... and about finding fun things to do help distract from the increasingly colder and shorter days. This is why I'm excited about the series of tastings and pairings that the Hotel Grand Pacific has put together. Starting this month, the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria is offering a series of tastings and pairings on Saturday afternoons, from 4 to 5 pm.

Each session has a theme, including seasonal beers, mead, cocktails made with tea, whiskey, dessert wines and Eaux de Vie (I'll let you look that one up). To accompany all these tasty sips, there will be tasting plates with items such as charcuterie, cheese, olives and nuts, depending on the pairings. Another thing I like about these are they are $20 a session.




October 15, 2011: Tea Cocktails
Come out and taste four of the hotel's signature tea cocktails, and learn how to make tea infusions to make your own cocktails at home.

October 29: Mead
Tugwell Creek's Bob Liptrot will lead a tasting of five of meads, including flavoured and sparkling varieties.

November 12: Seasonal Beer
You will sample four different winter and holiday brews, including seasonal offerings from Driftwood and Phillips Brewing, and two international specialty beers.
January 14, 2012: Scotch, Whiskey and Bourbon
A special preview before the Whisky Festival, guests will taste a range of whiskies from the delicate and floral, through to the big "Peat Monsters."

January 28: Eaux de Vie
Participants will taste their way through some of the world's most famous eaux de vie, including Calvados, Pineau des Charentes, grappa and Poire William.

February 11: Dessert Wines
Just in time for Valentine's Day, this session will focus on different styles of dessert wines from around the world.


Tickets are available in advance through calling the restaurant at 250-380-4478. Tickets will be available at the door, however, buying in advance is recommended.