TorontoWine.Com

your guide to wine in the city

Wine Events in Toronto

Wine events in Toronto can be divided into three categories.  The scope of this site is limited to the first category:    

• Major Annual Events
• Club specific events - see Clubs.
• One-off events.  I recommend joining a wine club as a first step since you often get advance notice of events in their mailings.  Several clubs now have a regular e-newsletter for their members.  You can also try the events section of Vintage Assessments or the Toronto listings at LocalWineEvents.com if there is a specific event that you are trying to track down. 

If you want to publicize your own wine event, send a note to Ian Campbell, Executive Director of OIWSBA and also get in touch with the publications / people listed under Publications

If you want to organize your own wine or food/wine event, follow the party planning link.

Major Annual Events

Recurring events can be divided into four categories.  See below for a brief description of each category and an event summary.  The month that the event usually takes place in is listed.  The exact date is provided once it is known.  You can then obtain further details via the link and/or contact information listed.

• International Wine Shows
• Domestic Wine Shows
• Charity Functions
• Other
  

International Wine Shows

A number of countries or wine regions put on an annual fair.  One inclusive price (typically between $45 and $55) allows unlimited drinking for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  You must however acquire your ticket in advance for legal reasons.  Many of the products presented may not be readily available in Ontario so it's a great opportunity to broaden the taste buds. 

Domestic Wine Shows

There is a lower base price to get in to these events,  typically between $10 and $15, and you can acquire your ticket at the door.  However, you then have to buy tickets to actually consume anything.  The domestic shows are primarily a marketing opportunity for the various Toronto wine agencies to strut their stuff.  You will also find various cuisines, cheeses and miscellaneous snacks on offer.  Come to these events if you want to experience a wide variety of LCBO general listing and Vintages wines plus some agency specialties.  

Charity Functions

Fundraisers with a wine theme are becoming increasingly popular for cash strapped 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.  

These events are usually somewhat pricey however note that you may be able to treat some or all of the amount you pay for a wine as a charitable donation for tax purposes.  You should check with the charity concerned beforehand.  For additional information on this subject, I suggest touching base with a reputable auctioneer such as Ritchies.    

Other

The Canadian Culinary Championships "Gold Medal Plates" are a Olympics fundraiser and feature Canadian excellence in  food, wine and athletic achievement.  The Ontario Wine Awards were initiated by Tony Aspler and include a consumer tasting.  The annual Vintages auction is run by Ritchies.