Vancouver International Wine Festival could be hampered by B.C.s liquor laws

When the wine world descends upon Vancouver for the International Wine Festival in February, some winemakersmay not be able to serve their own stock.

Sweeping changes to the province'sliquor laws in Aprilmean anyone wanting to serve alcohol atB.C. events witha special occasionpermitneeds to pass a course on alcohol service, called Serving It Right.

However, the course, which is required in order to be able to pour wine at the festival, is onlyavailable in English.

"It'sincrediblyimportant for us to speak about it on our own with people," says Michael Bartier, co-owner and winemaker atBartier Bros., a small winery in Oliver, B.C..

Personal touch is essential

"It's much more sincere and it's much more resonating if I can speak to them in person."

Bartier is a fluent English speaker and will be able to servehis own wine at the show.

But international wineries without staff proficientin written English could find certifying their own winemakersdifficult.

Vineyards from renownedwinemaking countries like France and Italy will either need someone on staffwhocan pass Serving it Right inEnglish, who can also make the trip to the festival, orthey'll need acertified server from outside their company to do the pouring.

Event organizers don't see the requirementas a significantobstacle.

"There won't be any major impact on the way the festival operates or the number of people there," said Mark Hicken, chair of the festival's gala auction.

Bartier says personal service is by far the best option. Butif he weren't able to pour his wine himself, hiring a server for his booth would be an adequate alternative.

"Actually it might be nice, leave the difficult work to someone else."

The Vancouver International Wine Festival opens February 20, and runs through to the 28th.