Our Famous Holiday Party Returns!

Wednesday December 7th – St Pauls’s, Bloor Street

Much has changed since 2019, the last time we were able to host our Annual Winetasters’ Holiday Party. While not all of that change has been good, we have all been good (right?), and so we deserve a bit of holiday cheer! Our cellar has had 3 extra years of rest and promises to provide us lots of treasures to enjoy.

So the famous Winetasters’ Holiday Party returns on Wednesday, December 7th! As we have done for many years, members and guests will get the opportunity to taste a dazzling array of carefully chosen, and perfectly-aged vinous treasures from the extensive Winetasters’ cellar accompanied by seasonal fare.

Highlights will include: Scharzhofberger Egon Mueller Kabinet 2007, Ch Haut-Brion 1990, Ch d’Yquem 1996, Grange Bin 95 1993, Ch Montelena 1996, Taylor Quinta da Vargellas 1987 … and more (see below). In addition we have. as a feature wine. a hundred and two year old Madeira: Malvasia Reserva Reserva Velha – Barbeito 1920 (there is a surcharge for this and quantities are limited). Matched with them will be a selection of seasonal meats, cheeses, breads, veggies, and sweets – enough to make a meal and to perfectly complement the wines.

Alas, Osgoode Hall is closed indefinitely for renovations. However, we were fortunate enough to find a beautiful and convenient alternative for our favourite annual event – the Great Hall at St. Paul’s, Bloor Street East. The Great Hall was the original church on the site, built in the 1840’s. It’s a lovely example of gothic architecture that is also conveniently located a short walk from Bloor Station and close to ample parking. We hope that you will all find this location a welcome new site for our event.

In the spirit of the festive season Toronto Winetasters is extending an invitation to members of Toronto Vintners Club to attend at member prices.

Sold already? Sign up here, or read on ….

How The Event Works

It’s a walk around party, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialize. The wines are set out at six serving tables. Each will have a selection of wines at the start of the evening, both red and white as well as “others” (Armagnac, whisky, port, etc). When you arrive you will be given a packet including a list of the initial set of wines and where to find them. And then, as the first wines run out, look for top-quality replacement surprises throughout the evening. These will be prominently identified at the various stations as the wines appear, so look out for the “pink” signs, or just listen for the buzz in the room.

Note that some of the wines mentioned will be in the initial flight and some will come out later. You may have to be patient for your favorite wine to appear! Note also that for some wines we have only a single bottle available.

Your packet includes an initial allocation of 70 tickets to buy tasting samples (1 0z each). Pricing of the samples starts at 3 tickets.. If you find yourself in need of additional tickets they can be purchased at the desk at the event for $1 each (cash or credit).

The Wines

We’ll be posting more info closer to the event, but you’ll have a chance to sample some rare finds, like:

Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett – Mosel – Egon Muller – 2007
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, Les Referts – Burgundy – Remoissenet Père & Fils 2007
Château d’Yquem – 1er Cru Sauternes – 1996
Château Haut Brion – Pessac-Leognan – 1990
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle – Rhone – 1992
Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG, Italy – 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon Estate – Chateau Montelena – 1996
Penfolds Grange Bin 95, Australia – 1993
Alion – Alion (Vega Sicilia) – Ribera del Duero – 2012
Vintage Port, Quinta da Vargellas – Taylor’s 1987

See here for the current full list of wines.

Feature Wine – 1920 Malvasia Reserva Reserva Velha – Barbeito

Toronto Winetasters is known for its Feature Wine at the Holiday party: a very old Port or Madeira. This year, to mark our return to Holiday Parties in style, we’ve dug deep into the cellar and are excited to pour a rare Malvasia Reserva Reserva Velha – Barbeito 1920. This is a fantastic opportunity – it’s not every day you can taste a hundred (and two!) year-old wine! Madeira is famed for its longevity and this will be a real treat. For context: 1920 will be remembered as the year when the League of Nations was created, the 19th Amendment was passed in America giving women the right to vote, and a flight from London to South Africa took 45 days. You will be tasting history!

The rare and valuable wine is in limited supply, so there is a supplementary charge and its first come first served! You will reserve your sample when you register.

Santa

And, as you are all judged to be good, you’ll get a taste of a bubbly or two from Santa who will be appearing during the evening.

Admin

Register here. You will receive a confirmation email.
Cancellations accepted up to December 1, 2022 – Cindy Taylor (416.458.3147). No reservations by phone, please.

As always with tastings, please ask your guests not to wear aftershave, cologne or perfume. We do get many first-timers at our event who may not be familiar with our etiquette. A scent-free environment ensures we all get to fully experience this exceptional assembly of wines.

And, of course, do not drink and drive. The subway is nearby (Sherborne or Yonge St)

The 411:
Location:          St. Paul’s Church 227 Bloor St E
Date:                  Wednesday, December 7
Registration:    6:00 PM
Tasting:              6:30 PM
Fees:                    Members of Toronto Winetasters or Toronto Vintners $150; Non-Members $200. HST Included
1920 Madeira   $50