

About TVC
Philosophy: To learn about and enjoy drinking wine through guided tastings with fellow wine lovers based in Toronto
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-2023

Shauna Sexsmith
(President)
Favourite Wines
Anything by Vega Sicilia - especially Unico
Bordeaux & Bordeaux style blends
Chablis - especially with oysters!
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Favorite Regions
Bordeaux
Ribera del Duero
California
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Favourite Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tempranillo
Chardonnay

Chris Morris
(Vice-President)
Favourite Wines
Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Huet Vouvray Cuvée Constance
Quintarelli Alzero
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Favourite Regions
Southern Rhone
Tuscany
Spain
Favourite Grapes
Grenache
Sangiovese
Chenin Blanc

Alex Gluskin
(Treasurer)
"I may be (officially) a 'non-drinker'; however I do like expensive Champagne & Bordeaux now and again!"

Smruti Patel
(Secretary)
Favourite Wines
Chablis
Champagne
Anything under $20 that tastes good 😉
Favourite Regions
Burgundy and Champagne
Niagara
Favourite Grapes
Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Syrah & Grenache
Most aromatic white varietals

Ilona Brodovska
Favourite Wines
All whites!
(I drink reds too)
Favourite Regions
Alsace
Burgundy
& Exploring South Africa!
Favourite Grapes
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir

James Murphy
Favourite Wines
Domaine Weinbach Riesling
Olivier Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet
Gary Farrell Pinot Noir
Corison Cabernet Sauvignon
Chateau Lynch-Moussas
Favourite Regions
Alsace
Sonoma/Russian River Valley/Napa
Burgundy
Champagne
Mosel/Pfalz
Prince Edward County
Favourite Grapes
Riesling
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay

Carlo Roco
Favourite Wines
Single varietal expressions
Age-worthy blended reds
Favourite Regions
Bordeaux, Tuscany, Northern Rhone
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Favourite Grapes
Syrah, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir

Kate Simpson
Favourite Wines
Châteauneuf du Pape Reds
+ Beamsville Bench Chardonnays
+ Anything Funky, Aromatic & Biodynamic!
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Favourite Regions
Southern Rhône
Beamsville Bench
Champagne
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Favourite Grapes
Red Blends (ideally with Carignan)
Cool-Climate Chardonnays
Cool-Climate Pinot Noirs

Rick Wood
"If the first five words that I hear upon arriving in heaven are not "here's a glass of champagne", I will seek alternative accommodation."
ANNUAL REPORT
"The future looks bright for TVC, with many great events planned for 2022 and beyond. On behalf of the board I would like to thank you for your continued support of the Club. Any feedback, ideas or general questions you may have are always welcome."
SHAUNA SEXSMITH, PRESIDENT


ORIGINS
The Toronto Vintners Club was founded in June 1975 by businessman and entrepreneur Ted Turner and incorporated on May 25th, 1977, making it Toronto's first and now longest operating wine tasting club. An article written by Bob Pennington of the Toronto Star newspaper back in 1975, appealed to the public to contact Ted Turner, described as "world traveler . . . head of a Toronto personnel agency, part-time actor and amateur winemaker" if they were interested in starting "a private organization dedicated to the serious study of wine." Having traveled to San Francisco where a Vintner's Club existed, Ted thought Toronto might be interested in, ready for and benefit from starting a similar wine tasting club.
The Toronto Star article brought in a flood of interest. The very first tasting was of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style wines on Tuesday, June 17, 1975 at the Regency East Ballroom of the [then] Hyatt House Hotel and attracted 150 people. The cost of the event was $6.50 by mail and $7.00 at the door. The wines served that evening ranged in price from $2.10 for Sommet Rouge to $17.70 for 1966 Chateau Rausan Segla.
Here's the ranking order of the wines from that evening, with No. 1 being the favourite of the group:
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1966 Chateau Rausan Segla $17.70
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1970 La Cour Pavillon $4.55
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Dumons Bordeaux Superieur $2.90
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1962 Chateau Montbrun $8.25
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Andres Vin de Chuanac $2.40
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1970 Chateau du Cadillac $4.05
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Colona Sommet Rouge $2.15
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1970 Marques de Riscal $4.55
The second event, a Riesling tasting, attracted 160 people and the rest is history - the club was born.
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In 2020, Toronto Vintners celebrated 45 years of organizing and hosting wine tastings. That's a lot of wine!