As much as skill, it takes guts to launch a wine and food festival. Even more so if your timing falls slap bang in the middle of a steamy summer in a year when tourism numbers are -- to be kind -- soft. But Kathy McAree saw no such impediment when she approached the movers and shakers of the provincial capital to launch Taste -- which turned out to be a very timely salute to the blossoming food and wine culture of Vancouver Island. Through her company Travel with Taste, McAree has developed contacts with the broad network of Island and Gulf Island producers of every kind, many of whom were showcased in the aptly named Main Event at Crystal Garden.

Click here to download Tim Pawsey “Island Wines Worth a Trip”.