Suggested tweet: Bring your stretchy pants; the event schedule for @CornucopiaWine is a veritable "horn of plenty". #Whistler

Whistler, B.C. - Indulgence may become a patron's theme while attending this year's Cornucopia - Whistler's Celebration of Wine and Food.

With 18 restaurant events on the schedule, the number of dining options is more than double this year over last. It could be the never-ending summer or the promise of another epic winter, but whatever the inspiration, Whistler's restaurant community has stepped up to the plate, offering a menu for every taste and budget. 

"The expansion and growth of Cornucopia is an indication of the ever-developing and passionate attitude that surrounds Whistler's incredible food and beverage community," says Jess Smith, Communications Manager with event producer, Watermark Communications. "What is really exciting is the sheer variety we have on offer this year, from winery dinners to luncheons and minglers -- every participating restaurant has a unique concept for the festival and Cornucopia offers the perfect opportunity to sample every aspect of Whistler's diverse culinary scene."

New this year to both the schedule and the festival is local favourite Alta Bistro, bringing six dinner events with a variety of themes including French, Australian and local.

Also new is the Dubh Linn Gate's The Butcher and the Brewmaster highlighting craft beers paired with meats in a street market setting; Fifty-Two 80 Bar at Four Seasons' Cocktail Dinner; a global tour of spirits and cocktails paired with creatively composed dishes and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler's modern twist to the classic afternoon tea marTEAni Party along with the hotel's new Grill Room winery dinner showcasing a fall themed multi-course dinner with wines from Painted Rock.

The Aubergine Grille at the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler returns after a hiatus with chef Bradley Cumming and his locally inspired winemaker dinner. Hy's Steakhouse also returns after a brief absence with a "balanced"  winery dinner with Burrowing Owl winery.

At Aura at Nita Lake Lodge, Chef Michael Guy's winery dinner menu will be paired with Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and vineyard manager and viticulturist, Andrew Moon will host of the evening.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler's SIDECUT's wine director and manager, David Foran will pair handpicked wines to complement "steak with an edge".

Last but certainly not least, Araxi restaurant + bar returns with the annual sell-out event, Big Guns winemaker dinner featuring the creations of one of Canada's leading chefs, James Walt. 

For events earlier in the day, there are three luncheons also on the schedule: Quattro at Whistler has an indulgent White Alba Truffle Mushroom lunch, a three-course traditionally styled Piedmont lunch.  Chef's Table Luncheons are held in two of Whistler's private luxury homes. One features the culinary team and wines of Burrowing Owl Winery with the second presenting visiting guest chefs including Nathan Lyon, host of Good Food America (Veria Living), chef and co-host of Growing A Greener World (PBS), creator and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen (Discovery Health and Fit TV), final four on the second season of The Next Food Network Star and more.

Bubbles & Brunch is the noshing finale -- rejuvenate and re-live your favourite moments of the weekend during brunch at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Cornucopia takes place November 7-11 in Whistler.  For detailed schedule information visit www.whistlercornucopia.com.  For media accreditation, visit http://www.whistlercornucopia.com/media/

Faces of Cornucopia

Executive Chef Vincent Stufano, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

After working his way though some of the finest kitchens in Canada, Vincent Stufano became Executive Chef of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in 1997. Canadian-born and originally from Montreal, Stufano was lured into the culinary world when his passion for the restaurant industry and for food was recognized at an early age. He studied culinary arts at the British Columbia Institute of Technology where he developed his own unique style and flair. Stufano's career continued at exclusive restaurants and hotels such as Chez Danielle, La Belle Auberge, as well as The Pan Pacific and The Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Over the years, he worked under influential leaders of the Canadian culinary profession who helped shape his style and knowledge. He was appointed Executive Sous Chef of The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in 2003. Stufano balances his culinary career with enjoying every spare moment with his children.

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Whistler is Canada's premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totaling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.

Tourism Whistler is the member-based marketing and sales organization representing Whistler, operating the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as 1.800.WHISTLER and whistler.com - Whistler's official source for visitor bookings and information. As the convention and visitors bureau for the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on resort lands including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops.

Media can visit whistler.com/media for Whistler facts, media releases, story starters, local personality profiles and access to images and B-roll.

Media Contact

Tourism Whistler
Mary Zinck
Coordinator, Travel Media
T: 604.938.2702
E: mzinck@tourismwhistler.com

W: www.whistler.com/media
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