Cuvée’s 25th anniversary wine and food event marks a significant rebirth

2013 Cuvée Weekend Wine Experience to Mark a Silver Celebration 

St. Catharines, ON, October 1, 2012 –Next year’s annual Cuvée Weekend (March 1 to 3, 2013) is not only the occasion of its 25^th Anniversary – it will also mark the rebirth and renewal of one of the wine industry’s most celebrated events, where hundreds of food and wine enthusiasts will savour Ontario’s best wines alongside winemakers and industry insiders

The hallmark of the Cuvée Weekend Wine Experience has always been the Cuvée Gala at Fallsview Casino Resort, and this year will be no exception.

On Friday, March 1, 2013, in the spirit of a grand tasting, guests will sample some of Ontario’s best wines while celebrated chefs and food purveyors wow food lovers with live cooking stations.  This year, however, the wines that will be poured at the Gala will not be chosen by a panel of winemakers via an awards judging process as in the past.

The Cuvée awards have been replaced with an invitation to participating winemakers to pour a singular, very special VQA wine – one that they have chosen themselves as their personal favourite.  In this way, wines offered for tasting will be hand selected and “curated” by the winemakers themselves, ensuring that guests can taste the true highlights of what the Ontario wine industry has to offer.  At the same time, they will gain a unique insight into the stories behind the wines and a glimpse of the personalities of the winemakers who make them.  

The invitation for all wineries to participate will broaden the wine tasting experience for attendees as it now includes wineries who previously may not have attend due to competition philosophies.

According to Liz Palmieri, Director of the Niagara Community Foundation, which presents the event, “It is exciting to be celebrating the personal favourites of our acclaimed Ontario winemakers.  As we mark Cuvée’s 25^th year, what better way to launch our Silver Anniversary than with our new tasting format.  It will be a memorable party to mark our memorable milestone.” Other highlights include Icewine and Sparkling Wine Bars and an enhanced Après Cuvée party – all heralding a rejuvenation that will be welcomed by both guests and the Ontario wine industry.

Cuvée en Route passport program will remain unchanged -- from Friday through Sunday, weekend guests can top off their experience by touring and tasting their way along the Wine Route.

Proceeds from the Cuvée Weekend go to the Niagara Community Foundation. Established in 2000, the Foundation has raised almost $20 million and granted over $4 million from its endowment fund created to support local charities working in the arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development. Community foundations are one of the world’s fastest growing philanthropic movements, with more than 1,100 similar organizations in 42 countries.

Cuvée Gala Tickets are now available for $175 (before December 31^st), which includes the Cuvée en Route passport, at www.cuvee.ca or by calling 905-684-8688.  Cuvée en Route passports can be purchased separately for $30 per person, via the same outlets or at participating wineries on or before Cuvée Weekend.   

Ticket and event information and announcements about participating wineries and chefs, details about each winery’s Cuvée en Route tastings, and overnight accommodation packages, can all be found on the Cuvée web site, www.cuvee.ca. 

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