Free Spirit is Victoria’s biggest Non-Alc Wine, Cider, Beer and Cocktail tasting !

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It’s curated and organized by noted wine specialist Kurtis Kolt. Yup, the same guy who is getting ready to open the doors of one of the very best small wine events in Vancouver and Calgary, Top Drop 2026.

Kurtis Kolt

Kurtis explains that he has all the wines he needs to stay in touch with the wineries but he’s also interested in not having to sip for a living and Free Spirit appeals to his future life style.

A little over a year ago Kurtis organized Free Spirit in Vancouver. Twice in one year. He attracted 30 participants to pour at the first one and 60 brands for the second gathering – in the same year. That’s called growth.

Kurtis says over 50 brands were pouring in Victoria.

Terry and Kurtis

Countries and regions include :

California, Denmark, Italy, Great Britain, France, Australia, Sweden, Dubai, Germany and many from BC and all across Canada.

It’s impossible to talk to everyone. Once the doors open they are “fully engaged” with the many fans.

We start with Kurtis Kolt.

He’s part sommelier, part educator and all promoter.

If you need background on the changing world of No/Low, Kurtis Kolt is your guy.

www.kurtiskolt.com

Feature interview guests include:

Janet Helou (Penticton) – one of the co-founders of Glimmer Wine. Makers of premium

de-alcoholized Sparkling Wine. Wonderful success story.

www.drinkglimmerwine.com

A woman standing in a vineyard holding a glass of champagne with mountains in the background.

Janet Helou

Bobby Faurot – co-founder and sommelier Somm Zero (okanagan). Bobby and his partners are in the distribution business and because all three founders are also sommeliers, you know they’re delivering the goods.

Bobby Faurot

Bobby poured a delicious DIVIN ‘Vigneron’ Sparkling Chenin Blanc de Blancs.

www.sommzero.com

Louise Fedyk – Massey Wines (Vancouver) Key team member for one of the most driven wine distributors. Lots of brands to talk about with Louise.

www.masseywines.com

Cassandra Anderton – Sea Cider (Saanichton) One of the best wine/free spirit storytellers. Sea Cider are very successful with both regular ciders and Non.