The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival Returns to Banff

Sip, Sample, and Savour at the Fifth-Annual Celebration of Banff's Finest Fare

BANFF, AB, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - It's time to once again celebrate the world of epicurean and spirituous pleasures during a festive weekend in Banff National Park.

Recognized by TripAdvisor's 2011 Traveler's Choice Awards as one of Canada's top 10 food and wine destinations, Banff will play host to the fifth-annual Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival May 4 - 5, 2012.

The Festival will feature a sizzling array of culinary offerings, Friday through Sunday, throughout the town of Banff. The main event will be the Grand Tasting Hall at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Conference Centre, where samples of the finest local cuisine will be specially prepared by the area's top restaurants over the course of three tasting sessions. In addition to all the fine food fare, Festival-goers will have the opportunity to sip an extensive selection of unique wines, high quality ports, fine single-malt scotches, premium spirits and import and micro-brewed beer.

"Banff is truly one of Canada's culinary capitals and the official home of Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine", says Julie Canning, President & CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival perfectly showcases the gourmet talent in Banff National Park."

It's the perfect opportunity for a weekend visit to Banff or Lake Louise, as local restaurants will be adding to the excitement, hosting a variety of unique and tempting side events from rib cook-offs to lobster boils to winemaker's dinners to clambakes.

"Not only is there a fantastic sampling of local restaurants and tasty sips in the Grand Tasting Hall, but many of the restaurants, hotels and venues have also created special events throughout the weekend. Banff is just a short drive for many Albertans, so there's plenty of time to hop in the car after work and catch Friday evening's tasty festivities," says Cathy Miller, Festival Director.

Grand Tasting Hall event tickets are available online at www.banfflakelouise.com/wine-food for $27, or $30 at the door based on availability. Sampling coupons are available for purchase onsite for $0.50 each.

Grand Tasting Hall - The Fairmont Banff Springs Conference Centre
Friday, May 4, 2012 - Evening Tasting Session 7-10pm
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Afternoon Tasting Session 2-5pm
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Evening Tasting Session 7-10pm

Friday May 4^th
Taste of Switzerland - Ticino Italian restaurant
Dine Around Canada - Eden at Rimrock Resort Hotel
Authentic New England Clam Bake - Elk & Oarsman Pub
Wine Maker's Dinner - Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge
Black Hills Estate Wine Maker's Dinner - Banffshire Club Restaurant at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Stoli Russion Vodka Party - hooDoo Lounge & Nightclub
Michael Sicoly Live - Rundle Lounge at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Saturday May 5^th
Saturday Brunch - Bow Valley Restaurant at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Wild Man of Washington Warm Up Party - Elk & Oarsman Pub
Baby Back Rib Cook-Off - Elk & Oarsman Pub
Great Canadian Lobster Boil - St. James's Gate
Dine Around Canada - Eden at Rimrock Resort Hotel
Italian Dinner Party - Giorgio's Trattoria
Absolut After Party - Aurora Nightclub
Michael Sicoly Live - Rundle Lounge at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Sunday May 6^th
Sensational Sunday Brunch - The Bison Restaurant & Terrace

For a full schedule of the weekend's events, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/wine-food

About Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Lake Louise is a destination marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  Supporting over 800 businesses, our mission is to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with our membership.

The Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is an annual event, sponsored by Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Please visit www.rockymountainwine.com for more information on ticket prices, times, and details on what's being dished up at this year's Festival.

For rights-free destination images, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/images.

For details on all events in Banff National Park, visit www.banfflakelouise.com/events

For media inquiries, contact Mary Morrison, Manager, Travel Media Relations at [phone] or [email protected]