My time at Whistler’s Cornucopia far exceeded my expectations. My presentation schedule included three drink seminars: Chardcore, B.C.’s Best Bubbles and Unusual Grapes, Unusual Wines. I had spent the better part of October sourcing the wines for the sessions and learning (painfully) how to use Keynote and Powerpoint presentation software. While I may still not be a ‘pro’ at Powerpoint, I can now easily navigate Keynote. Hurray!

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With public speaking tips from David and editing awesomeness from one of my favourite (favorite) Americans’ Jason Stubblefield, I drove confidently up to Whistler on Friday morning. Sunlight sparkled off the water and danced on the snow-dusted mountain tops. Madonna’s ‘Apple Essentials’ playlist accompanied me on my drive – all was well in the world.

I was given accommodation at the Listel Whistler Hotel. My time there was excellent: kind service, a great room and the perfect location.

#chardcore started at 11:30 AM on Saturday (#chardcore – a love affair with Chardonnay). I arrived at 11:00 AM to assist with setting up the room, getting my computer hooked up to all of the audio/visual equipment on hand and having a microphone attached so I could walk around a bit. The room was bigger than I had expected, which was perfect for social distancing. I stood on the stage and looked out and thought to myself, ‘OK, Campbell, let’s have fun.’ And I did.

The Chardonnays in the lineup were all well-received. The attendees asked engaging questions and offered feedback when asked. I had positive feedback that my seminar was ‘the perfect blend of education, tasting and fun.’ I’ll drink to that!

I left the Whistler Conference Centre feeling satisfied and excited about my two seminars on Sunday; however, the health authorities shut down Cornucopia on Sunday due to rising B.C. Covid-19 numbers.

I am looking forward to my rescheduled dates, hopefully by mid-December, and heading back up to Whistler to complete my ‘B.C.’s Best Bubbles’ and ‘Unusual Grape Varieties’ seminars.

In case you are interested, here is a list of wines tasted during Chardcore:

Little Engine ‘Gold’ Chardonnay 2017
Foxtrot Chardonnay 2018
Orofino Chardonnay 2018
Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2016
Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2018
McWatters Collection Chardonnay 2018
Haywire ‘Secrest Mountain Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2018
Fort Berens ‘White Gold’ Chardonnay 2017
Upper Bench Chardonnay 2018
Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2018