The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859, once again proved why it remains one of Vancouver’s most anticipated and elegant evenings of the year. Held on Saturday, March 7, at the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the celebrated gala marked the sparkling opening of the 47th Vancouver International Wine Festival, drawing together leaders from the wine world, cultural supporters, and Vancouver’s philanthropic community for an unforgettable night of culinary excellence, exceptional wines, and spirited generosity.

Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze.

A SPARKLING START

The evening began with a lively sparkling wine reception as guests arrived beneath the grand chandeliers of the hotel’s ballroom. Glasses of Champagne and Crémant circulated while roving volunteers assisted attendees in registering for the online silent auction. The atmosphere was warm and convivial as friends reconnected, collectors studied the auction offerings, and anticipation built for the celebrated dinner to come.

A FIVE-COURSE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Following the reception, guests were invited to their tables for a spectacular five-course dinner created by Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Executive Chef Mike Reid. Each course was carefully paired with wines generously donated by wineries and their agents from around the world. Highlights included the Champagne Esterlin Brut Éclat NV from Champagne, France, the Chartron et Trébuchet Pouilly-Fuissé 2024 from Bourgogne, the Unsworth Vineyards “Unsworth Vineyard” Pinot Gris 2023 from Cowichan Valley, and the elegant JoieFarm Winery “En Famille” Pinot Noir 2022 from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Further pairings showcased international excellence with Château de Carles Haut-Carles Fronsac 2016 from Bordeaux, Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añón Gran Reserva 2019 from Rioja, and Cramele Cotnari Castel Vlădoianu Fetească Neagră 2019 from Romania.

BIDDING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Throughout the dinner, guests enthusiastically participated in the silent auction through their mobile phones, bidding on an array of rare wine lots and exclusive wine experiences. Master of Ceremonies Chris Gailus of Global BC, alongside Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze, guided the evening with warmth and humour, ensuring the energy in the room remained high as courses and wines continued to delight the audience.

The excitement reached a crescendo during the live auction, led by the always entertaining auctioneer Howard Blank and assisted by Gala Auction Committee Chair Tim Ellison. The live lots featured extraordinary wine collections and once-in-a-lifetime experience packages, inspiring spirited bidding from guests eager to support the cause while securing unique prizes.

Master of Ceremonies Chris Gailus.

SUPPORTING ARTS AND EDUCATION

By the end of the evening, the Bacchanalia Gala had raised just over $114,000 through its live and silent auctions, wine wall, and 50/50 raffle. Net proceeds from the gala, along with the broader Vancouver International Wine Festival, benefit Bard on the Beach Theatre Society, Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare festival.

“The 2026 Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction was another extraordinary evening of food and wine,” said Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze. “From the first sip of sparkling wine to the last moves on the dance floor, the room was buzzing with excitement and enjoyment. The funds the Gala raised will give our unique Education programs even more impact, and this generous support will help us teach and inspire thousands of young people across British Columbia. All of us at Bard say a huge thank you to the organizing team and to everyone who attended.”

For presenting sponsor National Bank Private Banking 1859, the evening reflected a continued commitment to arts and culture in British Columbia. “Private Banking 1859 is so proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction for the sixth consecutive year,” said Haleh Alexander, Regional Vice President, British Columbia. “Arts, culture, inclusivity, and innovation are all words that resonate for National Bank, and they are what the Gala is about, what the Vancouver International Wine Festival is about, and what Bard on the Beach is about.”

Haleh Alexander, Regional Vice Presidence, BC, National Bank Private Banking 1859.

A CELEBRATION CONTINUES

As the evening concluded and guests made their way to the dance floor, the Bacchanalia Gala once again affirmed its place as the sparkling centrepiece of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, blending world-class wine, exceptional cuisine, and philanthropy in support of the performing arts.

The Vancouver International Wine Festival continues with 33 events featuring 112 wineries from 14 countries, bringing together wine lovers, industry professionals, and culinary enthusiasts for one of Canada’s premier celebrations of wine, food, and culture.