The Halifax International Wine Festival returns to the Halifax Convention Centre Ballroom on Saturday, November 28, its second year at the downtown venue after organizers moved the event there in 2025.
The festival runs two Grand Tasting sessions: an afternoon sitting from 3 to 5 p.m. and an evening sitting from 8 to 10 p.m., both at the ballroom at 1650 Argyle St. VIP ticket holders get an extra hour before each session, 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., with access to a set of wines poured only during that first hour.
Attendees can sample 250 wines from more than 40 winery, wine region and agent partners, alongside complimentary food from over 20 vendors, including cheese, chocolate and other small bites. Organizers say the food lineup includes vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-friendly options, along with non-alcoholic wine and cocktail options for guests who don’t drink. An onsite pop-up retail store, run by Harvest Wine Beer & Spirits, lets attendees buy the bottles they liked to take home.
Last year’s edition, the festival’s first at the Convention Centre, included Nova Scotia producers Benjamin Bridge, Devonian Coast and Lightfoot & Wolfville, alongside food partners like Cow’s Creamery, Halifax Honey Co. and Hope Blooms. This year’s vendor list hasn’t been published yet.
Tickets are on sale now through the festival’s website, hfxwinefest.ca, or directly through Showpass: $74.95 for general admission and $94.95 for VIP, both plus HST and a service fee. The festival says all sales are final, with no refunds.
The event is 19-plus, and organizers say ID may be checked at the door or during the festival. Parking isn’t included with tickets; organizers suggest a taxi or rideshare. The Convention Centre offers wheelchair access, accessible washrooms and barrier-free entrances throughout.
