The Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) returns for its 38th year, with Italy taking the spotlight as the theme country for 2016. There are events happening all over town, but the most popular remains the four taking place inside the Acura-sponsored Tasting Room inside the Vancouver Convention Centre.

At the International Festival Tastings, 156 wineries from 14 countries gather in one space offering pours of over 700 select wines. Sixty of those wineries will be from nine regions in Italy like Veneto Tuscany, Piedmont and more. Guests get a rare opportunity to sip, savour and speak to owners, winemakers and other representatives from the various participating wineries.

VIWF 2016 takes place from Feb. 20-28, and the International Festival Tastings happen Feb. 25 to 27. Tickets for the latter start at $75 — learn more and purchase tickets here.