Winnipeg Whisky Festival Celebrates Local Spirits and Future Events

The annual Winnipeg Whisky Festival is currently captivating local enthusiasts, wrapping up tonight at the RBC Convention Centre. Whisky lovers across the city have been sampling a variety of drams, celebrating their passion for fine spirits. With the festival concluding, many are already looking ahead to an exciting lineup of upcoming events that cater to diverse tastes in beverages.

In addition to whisky, beer and wine aficionados will find plenty of opportunities to indulge in their preferences in the coming weeks. Fans of New England IPAs can visit Barn Hammer Brewing Company today at 595 Wall St. as they celebrate their 66 Hazy New England IPA. This event will feature a small-batch trio of variations that will be available starting at noon until supplies run out.

On Tuesday, Ellement Wine + Spirits, located at The Forks Market, will host its ninth edition of the natural wine party. The festivities will include minimal-intervention wines, organic selections, and special dishes crafted by guest chefs Emily Butcher and Stefan Lytwyn. The event will run from 5 p.m. to close, and there is no entry fee, although attendees will need to purchase food and drink.

Further culinary experiences are on the horizon. On March 13-14, Interlake Brewing Company at 72-A 1 Ave. in Gimli will feature a seafood event with Aaron Crawford serving a range of dishes, including oysters, complemented by the brewery’s range of beers. Additionally, on March 14, Little Brown Jug at 479-B Warsaw Ave. will celebrate its seventh anniversary with a day filled with new brews and pop-up food from the Made With Love crew.

A noteworthy event, titled Sip & Slice Through Italy, will take place on March 26 at 139 Scurfield Blvd.. This event celebrates the classic combination of Italian wine and pizza, offering tickets priced at $59 for four slices of pizza and wines from regions including Veneto, Piedmont, Campania, and Bari.

March also marks International Chardonnay Month. Jones & Co., a private wine store at 1616 St. Mary’s Rd., will honour the late Rebecca Lechman, a Chardonnay enthusiast who passed away in 2020. The store will donate $5 from every bottle of Chardonnay sold this month, with the goal of raising up to $5,000 for an education fund set up for Lechman’s niece, Aneska.

Additionally, the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) will host an international Chardonnay tasting on May 4 at 130 Provencher Blvd.. This event will unveil the recipient of the Rebecca Lechman Memorial Bursary, valued at $1,000, awarded to someone pursuing further training in wine or hospitality. Tickets are available for $55 for CAPS members and $65 for non-members.

As a final note, a new wine list recently rolled out at a local venue, curated by drinks writer Ben Sigurdson. This list features a selection of two sparkling wines, two rosés, eight whites, and ten reds, including a sweet red from Georgia, all available by the glass or in flights.

These events highlight Winnipeg’s vibrant beverage culture and showcase the community’s passion for fine drinks. Whether whisky, beer, or wine, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the weeks to come.