2022 Holiday Party

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 all have been (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.

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.

As we have done for many years, members and guests get to be amazed by a carefully chosen array of perfectly-aged vinous treasures from the extensive Winetasters cellar. Some highlights are below.

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.

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 favourite wine to appear! Note also that for some wines we have only a single bottle available.

Your packet includes an initial allocation of 40 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
  • Chateau Trotanoy – Pomerol – 1997
  • Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle – Rhone – 1992
  • Alion – Alion (Vega Sicilia) – Ribera del Duero – 2012
  • Vintage Port, Quinta da Vargellas – Taylor’s 1987

 

Feature Wine – 1895 Bual Madeira – Yes that’s Eighteen Ninety Five!

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 Vintage Bual Madeira – Cossart Gordon 1895  This is a fantastic opportunity – it’s not every day you can taste a nineteenth century wine!   For context: In 1895 Mackenzie Bowell (yes, really) was Prime Minister of Canada, Grover Cleveland was President of the US, Queen Victoria was on the throne.  You will be tasting history!

The wine is in limited supply, so 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 $150; Non-Members $200.  HST: Included
1895 Madeira   $XX

More from 2019 archive:

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