Pleasures of Life at Your Table Brought by Annual Tasting of Wines from Italy 

Savouring the season pairs well with the pleasures of life as Vancouver’s wine enthusiasts come into the holidays ahead after their cherished annual tradition: A Tasting of Wines from Italy. The 29th edition of the wine roadshow launched at Vancouver’s elegant Terminal City Club on October 28, 2024. The Italian Trade Commission hosts the Canadian tour, that brings together wine agents, wine writers, influencers and liquor boards to interact directly with Italy’s top producers. Guests sample Italy’s finest vintages while celebrating life’s everyday pleasures and the art of Italian winemaking.

The Afro News attended the Vancouver leg before the event, a highlight in Canada’s wine calendar moved on to Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Hundreds of guests gathered to “Taste the Passion,” that remains undiminished even as the event grows. In 2024 it included 28 prestigious Italian producers, present and enthusiastic to share their heritage and the seasonal vibrancy of Italian wines with the Canadian market. 

The tasting event, designed as a walk-around experience, gives guests the freedom to explore a wide variety of wines, from newly released vintages to undiscovered gems. Attendees experience the passion together in an atmosphere brimming with Italian hospitality. Tasting stations throughout the venue were laden with Italian delicacies available to pair with the wines, adding depth and harmony to the experience as attendees pause to savour the flavors. 

This year’s theme is all about deepening connections—between Canadian professionals, Italian producers, and wine itself. Everyone present had an intimate opportunity to not only enjoy the flavours of Italy but to learn about the evolving landscape of Italian wines in the international market. 

The Italian Trade Commission offers additional masterclasses tailored for media and top sommeliers, furthering the mission of educating and inspiring those dedicated to bringing Italian wines to Canadian tables. In Toronto, sommelier Michael Godel guided participants through the evolution of “Super Italian” wines, focusing on Italy’s IGT and IGP classifications, the varietals that define these labels, and the new winemaking techniques that enrich their profiles. Montreal’s masterclass, led by Master Sommelier Élyse Lambert, who spotlighted 2024’s emerging wine trends, blending Italy’s rich winemaking heritage with a forward-thinking approach. 

One of the most beloved aspects of this event is the Italian Trade Commission’s commitment to welcoming new Canadian agents who are passionate about promoting Italian wines. Producers such as Giulia Bernazzo, representing Cantina di Solopaca in the Campania region, are actively seeking Canadian representatives, ensuring that Italian wines remain a prominent and growing segment in Canada’s wine market. This year’s roadshow underscores the vibrant demand for Italian wines and the importance of fostering connections that make these unique offerings accessible to Canadian consumers. 

Canadians seeking authentic and high-quality wines are delighted by Italian producers who meet their demand with wines that reflect their terroirs, traditions, and a dedication to quality. The popularity of Italian wines in Canada powerfully connects the two countries, enriching Canada’s wine industry and allowing Canadians to experience a taste of Italy in their own homes and holiday gatherings. 

The 29th Annual Tasting of Wines from Italy celebrated Italian culture, food, and the joy of shared moments. Canadians from foodies to family members and company party planners once again have a perfect way to usher in the holiday season with a nod to the everyday pleasures that great wine can bring. 

Afro News readers will sip, savour, and discover new flavours as they celebrate the art of winemaking and the Italian lifestyle—a lifestyle that emphasizes passion, quality, and the simple yet profound joys of life. 

The entire staff at The Afro News would like to wish you, dear readers, a memorable celebration of the season. We raise a glass of Italian wine and toast the pleasures that fill our everyday lives with meaning.