Making the savoury connection between food and wine, the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo has been the
one-stop shop for foodies and wine connoisseurs.
With more than 1,500 fine wines, beer and spirits from around the world, the expo has been known for
providing educational resources and showcasing cooking styles from experts.
“We bring the best international food, wine, beers and spirits to Toronto for the one weekend,” says show
manager Jennifer Campbell. “It’s an amazing weekend if you enjoy the wine and culinary experience.”
The expo celebrated another widely successful year in November. For 16 years, it has brought together the
leading vendors in food and wine.
Taking it to a whole new level is the InterVin International Wine Awards reception that the
expo presented for its second consecutive year. The elaborate exhibit held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre showcased some of the world’s
best wine selections.
After a three-day blind tasting competition at White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the end of August, the wines
were awarded in the levels of bronze, silver, gold and best value.
Sixteen judges that included wine experts, sommeliers, wine writers and winemakers evaluated more than 960
wines that were entered into the competition. A diversity of wine types and regions were part of the
competition, with wines from 13 countries represented.
Of the wines entered, 138 received the silver medal award. From Niagara Peninsula, Inniskillin Wines’ 2008 Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards
and 2007 Reserve Series were two of the seven Cabernet Franc wines awarded. Peller Estates Okanagan was awarded silver medals for its 2009
Family Series Chardonnay, 2008 Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie and 2009 Family Series Pinot Gris. Wines
from Italy, France, Australia and Spain, to name a few, also made an impact with their silver-medal
wines.
To change things up this year, Campbell decided to host an elegant gala on Nov. 19 at the expo to announce
the wines that received gold medal awards.
“We wanted to celebrate those wine awards and do something special. People kept asking me, ‘what are you
going to do to celebrate these award-winnings?’ These are the top gold-medal wines that we’re pouring at this
gala so that’s one of the reasons, so we can showcase an incredible array of wines. We’ve got some
international wines paired with some incredible foods.”
Out of all the wines in the competition, only 35 were given top honours with the gold medal award for
excellence.
Canadian winemaking company Tawse Winery is a leader among the gold medal winners with
five wines including their varieties of Pinot Noir and Riesling. Spy Valley Wines from New Zealand had three wines
awarded with gold medals for its Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. Canadian wineries Inniskillin Wines, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery and Hillebrand Estates Winery also received the top award
for their wines.
The best value wines were also recognized. Retailing for less than $15 per bottle, the 28 wines awarded are
ones where price doesn’t mean a compromise in taste.
For all of the wines awarded, Campbell says it’s the experience that helps to create the connection between
food and wine.
“It’s the foundation of some of your best memories and celebrations. To me, a certain wine can bring back all
of these memories. The smells, the aroma and the company you share it with. I think it’s a big part of it,”
she says. “People are very busy these days and to be able to meet your girlfriends for a glass of wine… your
favourites and your classics that you want to enjoy.”
When selecting wine for the holidays or an upcoming party, the InterVin Wine Award selections are a winning choice.
•
