Mark your calendars for one of the most sought-after wine events. The annual Cuv\u00e9e Grand Tasting has been set for Saturday, March 23, 2019.<\/p>\n
The event will be held at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls and is the largest celebration of VQA wine of its kind, featuring more than 100 wine selections from Ontario\u2019s top winemakers.<\/p>\n
Online tickets are now available and wine and food enthusiasts can take advantage of early-bird prices.<\/p>\n
This marks the fifth year that Brock University\u2019s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has taken the lead in organizing Cuv\u00e9e, a weekend-long celebration of Ontario VQA wine and local cuisine from chefs from across the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only does Cuv\u00e9e showcase the finest VQA wines to consumers, it supports the growth of the grape and wine industry by funding valuable research and student scholarships,\u201d says CCOVI Director Debbie Inglis, adding that more than $122,000 has been generated for the Cuv\u00e9e Legacy Fund over the past four years.<\/p>\n
Cuv\u00e9e 2019 will see the return of the popular \u201cWinemakers\u2019 Favourite Wines\u201d feature, along with gourmet food delicacies prepared by celebrated chefs at live cooking stations, and an Apr\u00e8s Cuv\u00e9e party with live music and selections from micro-breweries, cideries and VQA wineries.<\/p>\n
Cuv\u00e9e Manager Barb Tatarnic said the 2018 event drew a record crowd to the Grand Tasting event, with nearly 900 guests in attendance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really is a unique experience because those aren\u2019t just any wines, they are the selections of the winemakers themselves,\u201d said Tatarnic. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled with Cuv\u00e9e\u2019s success and the positive feedback we\u2019ve received from our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the weekend-long event, the Cuv\u00e9e en Route passport program allows ticket holders access to exclusive tasting flights at more than 30 Niagara wineries from March 22 to 24. Passports are included with the Grand Tasting or can also be purchased individually for $30.<\/p>\n