TorontoWine.Com

your guide to wine in the city

Wine Events in Toronto

The scope of this site is limited to major events in Toronto that recur on an annual basis.  There are many other events that take place but you need to either be a member of a wine club or access their websites regularly, or be on the mailing list of an agency to tap into what's going on.  Wine producers pass through Toronto on a regular basis often to participate in trade and/or consumer tastings, and their agency may sponsor a dinner featuring their wines.  The Toronto section of  LocalWineEvents.com is another source for information.

There are three categories for major events: 

• International Wine Shows
• Other Wine Shows
• Charity Functions
  

See below for a detailed listing for each category.  Note that the month that the event usually takes place in is listed as a default entry, and a specific date is entered when known.  You can obtain further information, including how to obtain a ticket, via the link and/or contact information listed.

If you want to organize or outsource an event with a wine or food/wine theme, whether consumer or corporate, follow the Private Function link.

International Wine Shows

A number of countries and California host an annual show for their wines.  One inclusive price (typically between $60 and $70) allows unlimited drinking for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  You must however acquire your ticket in advance for legal reasons.  These shows provide a great opportunity to broaden your taste buds at a reasonable price especially when many of the wines may not be available at the LCBO.  If you find something you really like, you can then make arrangements directly with the producers wine agency to acquire a case.   

Other Wine Shows

The Toronto Wine & Cheese Show and the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo allow the major wine agencies in Toronto to demonstrate the products that they have on offer - both LCBO general listing and other.  Major wine making countries such as Argentina, Australia, Chile and Spain generally have booths to promote their wines.  You will also find various cuisines, cheeses and snacks available as well as selected accessories.  In addition, the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo has tutored tastings covering a wide range of topics.  There is a lower base price to get into these two shows and you can acquire your ticket at the door.  However, you then have to buy tickets to actually consume anything.

The Salute Wine & Food Festival is a lifestyle event offering one-on-one access to an exciting world of international wine craftsmen, renowned chefs, fine dining, educational seminars and stylish tastings to be enjoyed by novice and serious wine lovers alike.

The Vintages Auction & Gala begins with a three-course dinner and reception featuring all 100-point wines.  It is a rare opportunity to experience some of the best wines in the world.    

The other shows listed focus on Ontario wines.  The Ontario Wine Awards were founded in 1995 by Tony Aspler to recognize the growth and quality of the Ontario wine industry.  Sip & Savour Ontario was subsequently developed as a means of publicly showcasing these award-winning VQA wines, and pairing them with local cuisine prepared by some of Ontario's most celebrated chefs.

Charity Functions

Fundraisers with a wine theme are becoming increasingly popular for charities. The fundraiser might consist of an auction of rare wines, a high priced tasting, a food and wine experience with a visiting notable, or all of the above.  

if you buy a wine at auction, you may be able to treat the amount in excess of the appraised value as a charitable donation for tax purposes.  You should check with the organizers beforehand. 

If you are the organizer of a charity function and want to publicize it, send an email to Ian Campbell, Executive Director of Drinks Ontario, who distributes a detailed event listing to the wine trade on a regular basis.  Also contact the publications / people listed under Publications    

If wine is being donated to your charity auction, your donors may be able to get a tax receipt for the appraised value.  If you don't already have an appraiser on board, I suggest touching base with Irongate.