The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Royal Suite hosted an evening of unparalleled refinement as the House of Oculus Dinner unfolded on the storied 14th floor.
The exclusive event was a celebration of excellence in winemaking and gastronomy, and it was guided by Taylor Whelan, Chief Winemaker; Bram Bolwijn, Guest & VIP Experience Manager; and Rob Achurch, Director of Viticulture. Together, they welcomed an intimate gathering of guests into an immersive reception and wine-paired dining experience that exemplified the artistry of Mission Hill Family Estate.
The evening commenced with an elegant reception in the foyer, where attendees were introduced to the evening’s distinguished hosts and the illustrious wines that would accompany the culinary journey.
Prior to dinner, guests were treated to an ‘Expressions of Okanagan Terroir’ tasting, hosted by Achurch, including the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2022 Merlot—wines that encapsulated the character and depth of the region’s vineyards.
Each course of the meticulously curated three-course menu, designed by Danai Hongwanishkul, Senior Sous Chef of the award-winning Notch8 Restaurant, was a tribute to seasonality and innovation.
The first course, a Crispy Early Spring Morel Mushroom Parsnip ‘Boudin’ with sage, was delicately paired with the 2022 Perpetua, a Chardonnay of remarkable finesse.
This was followed by a striking Two-Tone Beet Carpaccio, complemented by hazelnuts, blackberry jam, horseradish snow, and garlic croutons, offering a dynamic interplay of textures and flavours. Guests had the rare opportunity to experience the depth and evolution of the 2014 Oculus alongside the 2016 Oculus, each sip a testament to the winery’s dedication to excellence.
For the third course, a decadent Sweet Potato Pithivier arrived, its flaky golden crust encasing a sumptuous filling of spinach and smoked King Oyster mushrooms. Accompanied by Cassis Cabbage Compote and a Soy Truffle Glaze, this dish was elevated by the complex and layered expressions of the 2010 Oculus and the newly released and 100-point 2020 Oculus—both of which spoke to the legacy and future of Mission Hill’s winemaking mastery.
To conclude the evening, a luxurious Tofu Chocolate Cake adorned with fresh fruit and passion pearls provided a sublime finale. Each bite harmonized with the lingering notes of the exceptional wines, leaving guests with an enduring impression of indulgence.
As a final gesture of appreciation, each guest departed with an engraved wine glass—a keepsake to commemorate an evening that effortlessly blended fine wine, outstanding cuisine, and the timeless elegance of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
The House of Oculus Dinner was more than an event; it was an ode to the artistry and vision of Mission Hill Family Estate, reaffirming its place at the pinnacle of Canadian winemaking.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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