It\u2019s that time again, when people mark their calendars for one of Ontario\u2019s favourite and most delicious fundraisers.<\/p>\n
The annual Cuv\u00e9e Grand Tasting takes place on Friday, March 24 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, where last year nearly 800 people attended a sold-out party characterized by top vintages, gourmet food and live music.<\/p>\n
Organized by Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), the popular event exposes participants to Ontario\u2019s best wines while raising thousands of dollars to fund academic scholarships and research.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only does Cuv\u00e9e showcase VQA wines to consumers,\u201d says CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis, \u201cit helps Ontario students and our grape and wine industry by supporting important research and scholarships.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cuv\u00e9<\/em>e begins with the Friday evening Grand Tasting, when 48 VQA wineries uncork some of their best wines and guests get to sample the winemakers\u2019 personal favourites. A change to this year\u2019s event will see each winery offer not one but two of their winemakers\u2019 selections.<\/p>\n To complement the wine, 12 culinary partners from the Niagara region will be presenting signature dishes at live cooking stations.<\/p>\n \u201cAs much as the oenophiles enjoy the event, the foodies do, too,\u201d said Cuv\u00e9<\/em>e manager Barb Tatarnic.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s chefs include:<\/strong><\/p>\n The tribute continues through the March 25-26 weekend with the Cuv\u00e9e en Route program. Participants get an electronic passport that lets them visit up to 38 wineries across the region, to sample exclusive flights from each of the wineries\u2019 collections.<\/p>\n\n