Victoria is getting an exclusive wine tasting event this November

Fairmont Empress, a world-famous hotel located in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour, will be opening its wine cellar to guests for the first time in history this November.

Set in the hotel’s iconic lobby lounge, “A Royal Vinous Affair” is an exclusive one-night-only degustation comprised of luxurious fine dining courses paired with the finest red, white and sparkling wines. Think 2004 Dom Pérignon with caviar and Hokkaido scallops.

Sommelier Maeve Fogarty and Chef de Cuisine Tyler Paquette are both leading the degustation, setting the stage for what might be one of the most lavish events Fairmont has ever hosted.

Paquette is a seasoned chef who has previously won a gold medal at the prestigious culinary competition “Chaine des Rotisseurs” while Fogarty has spent several years as a restaurant manager and sommelier at the Fairmont. Sufficed to say, guests will be in good hands.

Some of the wines in the lineup include a 1997 Chateau d’Yqem, a 1996 Chateau Latour le Grand Vin, a 2005 Martha’s Vineyard cabernet sauvignon and a 1999 Gaja Barbaresco.

The food will be just as extravagant. Some of the items that the Fairmont has teased so far are lobster, caviar, scallops and buttery A5 Wagyu beef, though we’re certain that only covers the tip of the iceberg in the extent of the Fairmont’s culinary degustation.

Understandably, this seven-course, bucket-list degustation comes at the price of $1,200 a ticket with only 22 total seats available. If you’re interested, get yours as soon as you can!

You can find more information about the the Fairmont’s exclusive cellar showcase here.