Get ready to experience Ontario VQA wine in a novel way as Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) virtually delivers the best that the Cuvée Grand Tasting has to offer.

The Cuvée 2020 Online Experience will launch at noon Friday, May 22, offering an immersive opportunity to explore Ontario VQA wine, craft beers and ciders alongside partnering culinary partners for delicious take-away food options.

This online format brings the story of the winemakers’ favourite wines to life and is free with no tickets required. The site will remain accessible until the next Cuvée, giving guests the ability to enjoy it whenever — and as often — as they like.

“The Cuvée Grand Tasting is a much-anticipated part of both our guests’ and industry partners’ calendars every year, and we worked hard to ensure we could still celebrate and support the local industries in a fun way during these challenging times,” says Cuvée Manager Barb Tatarnic.

The online experience came after the decision was made to cancel the 32nd annual Cuvée Grand Tasting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It brings the Grand Tasting and Après Cuvée structure right into guests’ homes, connecting them to the excitement of Cuvée through unique video content created just for the experience.

Participating winemakers will virtually pour and reveal the wines they selected as their favourites for Cuvée 2020 in these unique videos, giving guests a glimpse at the best of the best in VQA wine.

Similar to the Cuvée Grand Tasting event, all 48 participating wineries are divided into six wine stations in the online experience. Guests can easily shop more than 100 VQA wines available in the experience to taste in the comfort of their own home. Links are provided to make it easy to order their favourites online, for curbside pickup at the winery (many of which are also offering free shipping options) or through the LCBO (online or in-store).

“Introducing the wines through the Cuvée Online Experience gives people the chance to familiarize themselves with the wines and hone in on the ones they want to try themselves first before committing to a purchase,” Tatarnic explains. “Once they’ve made the decision, it’s as easy as clicking a link to bring that wine home and follow along with the winemaker’s tasting notes whenever they wish.”

Guests can also browse the line-up of amazing participating Cuvée chefs and explore some unique food pairing options through take-away options, with the event’s headline band, Jonesy, providing the soundtrack to the evening.

“Cuvée brings the top wine and cider makers, brewmasters and chefs in the province together under one roof, and while we wish we were all celebrating in-person, the online experience allows guests to celebrate in their own way from home,” says Tatarnic. “We hope the experience will provide opportunities to craft amazing virtual tastings and online get-togethers with friends and family, where guests can pick great wines to try, order takeout dishes and share their passion for great wine and food whenever the Cuvée mood strikes them.”