Join NIC Tourism and Hospitality Management students for an evening of intrigue, wine and food at a James Bond-themed wine festival Friday, Nov. 18 at NIC’s Campbell River campus.
“NIC students have been organizing this event every year since 2002,” said NIC Tourism and Hospitality instructor Pedro Caraballo Acosta. “The community really looks forward to it. Many people see it as a fun opportunity to get dressed up, sample the best wines of the season and support education at the same time.”
“In 15 years, it’s rare that it doesn’t sell out,” he adds. “So get your tickets soon.”
This year’s festival is based on the 2006 spy film Casino Royale. More than 20 wineries, distilleries and distributers from Vancouver Island and beyond will bring more than 200 wines to Campbell River for the highly anticipated event.
Students plan the theme, coordinate vendors, organize the promotions, supervise student and staff volunteers and ensure the gala evening lives up to expectations.
Tickets are now available for the NIC Wine Festival in Campbell River, Friday November 18, starting at 7 p.m. Visit a campus bookstore or select liquor stores in Campbell River for tickets.
Tickets are now available for the NIC Wine Festival in Campbell River, Friday November 18, starting at 7 pm. Visit a campus bookstore or select liquor stores in Campbell River for tickets.
“When you coordinate this size of an event, it takes everything you’ve learned and instills a sense of urgency,” Khant says. “It’s a real-life test you can’t get sitting in class.”
NIC Chef Xavier Bauby and a team of gourmet caterers provide exemplary hors d’oevres while Campbell River wine enthusiast Doug Sloan offers wine and cheese pairing seminars.
Bauby’s planned menu, so far, includes savoury gruyère gougères (decadent French cheese puffs), salmon jalousie (a west coast take on a typically sweet French pastry) and other appetizers designed to pair with the wine being served.
A silent auction, door prizes and a complementary shuttle in the Campbell River area will also be available.
All proceeds support NIC student participation in behind-the-scenes tours of top regional, provincial and international resorts. This year’s class is raising money for a five-day field school to visit Mexico’s tourism leaders this January.
“This program is about applied learning,” said Caraballo Acosta. “We want students to learn from the best hotels, resorts and restaurants around the world. What better way to learn about tourism and hospitality in Mexico than to have students visit Mexico’s industry leaders?”
Casino Royale tickets are $55 and on sale now at NIC’s Campbell River and Comox Valley campus bookstores, Merecroft Village Liquor Store, the Royal Coachman Liquor Store, Gourmet Essentials, Metro Liquor Stores at Timberline Village and Discovery Harbour.
