Transform your appreciation for fine dining into a mastered skill through Toronto’s premier food and wine pairing workshops, where seasoned sommeliers and culinary experts guide you through the nuanced art of matching exceptional wines with exquisite cuisine. From the robust tannins of Bordeaux complementing perfectly seared wagyu to the delicate interplay between Loire Valley whites and fresh seafood, these intimate classes offer both novice enthusiasts and experienced connoisseurs an opportunity to refine their palate in sophisticated yet welcoming environments.
Discover curated experiences ranging from traditional Old World wine regions to contemporary New World selections, all while learning the fundamental principles that govern successful pairing decisions. Whether you’re seeking to host memorable dinner parties or simply enhance your own dining experiences, Toronto’s leading culinary institutions offer hands-on workshops that combine technical expertise with practical application, ensuring you leave with confidence in your ability to create harmonious food and wine combinations.
Join an exclusive community of gastronomes and oenophiles who understand that the perfect pairing elevates both the dish and the wine, creating moments of culinary synergy that transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Premium Pairing Workshops in Downtown Toronto
LCBO’s Premium Tasting Experiences
At LCBO’s flagship locations across Toronto, wine enthusiasts can indulge in premium tasting experiences that elevate the art of food and wine pairing to new heights. Led by certified sommeliers, these intimate sessions offer an sophisticated journey through carefully curated wine selections and expertly matched cuisine.
The flagship Summerhill location, housed in a restored heritage railway station, presents an especially memorable setting for these exclusive tastings. Here, groups of 12-16 participants gather in the dedicated tasting room, where century-old architectural details provide an atmospheric backdrop for exploring premium vintages.
Each two-hour session focuses on a specific theme, from Old World classics to New World discoveries. Participants sample 5-6 premium wines, accompanied by artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal small plates prepared by local culinary partners. The sommelier guides guests through proper tasting techniques, sharing insights about terroir, vintage variations, and food compatibility principles.
Particularly popular are the “Collector’s Corner” events, featuring rare and limited-release wines from LCBO’s finest collections. These premium tastings often showcase vertical tastings of prestigious labels or comparative flights of grand cru selections, offering participants access to bottles that rarely appear in regular inventory.
Advanced booking is essential, as these sought-after experiences typically sell out weeks in advance. Sessions range from $120 to $250 per person, reflecting the caliber of wines and expertise provided.
Restaurant-Based Master Classes
For those seeking the pinnacle of wine education, Toronto’s elite restaurants have crafted intimate masterclasses that transcend typical tasting sessions. These extraordinary dining experiences pair premium vintages with expertly curated dishes, all under the guidance of distinguished sommeliers.
Alo Restaurant’s exclusive pairing workshops accommodate just eight participants, offering an intimate setting where guests can engage directly with their master sommelier while sampling rare vintages alongside seasonal tasting menus. These monthly sessions frequently sell out weeks in advance, testament to their exceptional quality and popularity among Toronto’s oenophiles.
At Canoe, perched high above the city, resident wine director and sommelier Emily Pearce-Bibona leads sophisticated workshops that expertly blend Canadian terroir with international wine traditions. Participants explore carefully selected wine flights paired with innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients through a global lens.
George Restaurant’s cellar sessions provide an atmospheric setting for their acclaimed pairing workshops. Here, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto collaborates with the sommelier team to create bespoke tasting experiences that illuminate the intricate relationship between food and wine. These sessions often feature vertical tastings of prestigious labels alongside progressive cooking demonstrations.
Advanced booking is essential for these exclusive experiences, with prices typically ranging from $175 to $350 per person. Many venues offer private group bookings for special occasions, complete with personalized menus and rare vintage selections from their cellars.
Craft Beer and Culinary Adventures
Brewery-Led Tasting Sessions
Toronto’s craft brewery scene has evolved beyond simple tastings into sophisticated culinary experiences. Leading establishments now offer immersive craft brewery pairing workshops that elevate beer appreciation to new heights.
At these sessions, expert brewmasters guide participants through carefully curated flights of artisanal beers, each thoughtfully paired with complementary small plates. You’ll discover how the malty sweetness of a Belgian dubbel harmonizes with aged cheeses, or how the citrus notes in an IPA cut through rich charcuterie.
The experiences typically span two to three hours, combining technical knowledge with sensory exploration. Participants learn to identify subtle flavor profiles, understand hop varieties, and master the principles of beer and food synergy. Many sessions include behind-the-scenes brewery tours, offering insights into the crafting process and fermentation techniques.
Notable workshops feature seasonal ingredients and rotating beer selections, ensuring each experience remains unique. Some breweries collaborate with local chefs to create innovative pairings that challenge traditional expectations. Whether you’re exploring the interplay between a robust porter and chocolate desserts or discovering how wheat beers complement seafood, these sessions offer sophisticated perspectives on craft beer’s culinary potential.
Advance booking is essential, as these intimate gatherings typically accommodate no more than twelve participants to ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction with the brewmaster.
Gastropub Pairing Experiences
Toronto’s gastropub scene has evolved beyond traditional pub fare, offering sophisticated culinary education experiences that rival classical wine schools. These elevated establishments combine the relaxed ambiance of a premium pub with expert-led tutorials on seasonal beer and food pairings, creating an approachable yet refined learning environment.
At venues like The Oxley Public House and The Queen and Beaver, seasoned cicerones guide participants through carefully curated tasting experiences. These intimate sessions typically accommodate 8-12 guests, allowing for personalized attention and detailed exploration of craft beer profiles alongside expertly prepared dishes.
Participants learn to distinguish subtle hop variations, understand malt characteristics, and master the art of matching beer styles with specific cuisine elements. From rich imperial stouts paired with house-made chocolate truffles to crisp pilsners complementing delicate seafood preparations, these workshops elevate the common perception of beer appreciation.
Many gastropubs offer monthly rotating programs that highlight regional specialties and seasonal ingredients. The curriculum often includes hands-on elements, such as guided tastings of rare craft releases and interactive cooking demonstrations with resident chefs. These experiences typically conclude with a multi-course dinner where participants can apply their newly acquired knowledge in a convivial setting.
For those seeking a more casual yet educational approach to food and beverage pairing, these gastropub experiences provide an excellent alternative to traditional wine academies while maintaining the same level of expertise and sophistication.
Private and Corporate Pairing Events
Boutique Wine Schools
For those seeking an intimate and personalized wine education experience, Toronto’s boutique wine schools offer exclusive small-group sessions that elevate the art of food and wine pairing. These specialized establishments, often housed in elegant private venues, provide bespoke learning experiences tailored to your group’s interests and expertise level.
Notable among these is The Wine Academy, where master sommeliers guide participants through curated tastings in their sophisticated tasting room. Sessions typically accommodate 6-12 guests, ensuring personal attention and meaningful interaction. Similarly, The Fine Wine Reserve offers private group classes combining structured learning with convivial atmosphere, perfect for corporate teams or special celebrations.
These boutique experiences often feature premium wine selections from renowned regions, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Many schools also provide take-home materials and tasting notes, allowing participants to continue their wine journey beyond the classroom. Advanced booking is essential, with most venues requiring reservations at least two weeks in advance. Prices typically range from $125 to $250 per person, reflecting the exclusive nature and high-quality offerings of these intimate educational experiences.
Mobile Tasting Experiences
Bring the art of food and wine pairing directly to your venue with our expertly curated mobile tasting experiences. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering at home, planning a corporate team-building event, or organizing a milestone celebration, our seasoned sommeliers and culinary experts will transform your space into an interactive pairing workshop.
These bespoke experiences accommodate groups of 8 to 30 participants, featuring carefully selected wine flights complemented by artisanal cheese boards, charcuterie, and seasonal small plates. Our specialists arrive equipped with premium Riedel glassware, temperature-controlled wine carriers, and professional service equipment to ensure a flawless presentation.
Each two-hour session combines hands-on learning with sophisticated entertainment, as guests discover the principles of food and wine harmony while sampling curated combinations. From exploring old-world wines with traditional pairings to adventures in modern fusion matches, these mobile workshops offer the same premium experience as our venue-based classes with added convenience and personalization.
Advance booking of 14 days is recommended, with customization options available to align with your event theme or dietary preferences.
Seasonal and Special Event Workshops
Holiday Season Masterclasses
As the holiday season approaches, Toronto’s culinary scene comes alive with specially curated masterclasses that celebrate the art of festive food and wine pairing. At George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality, their renowned “Holiday Entertaining” series features intimate sessions where you’ll master the delicate balance of pairing vintage ports with artisanal cheese boards and learn the secrets of matching sparkling wines with seasonal canapés.
The LCBO’s Summerhill location presents their coveted “Winter Whites and Holiday Bites” workshop, where seasoned sommeliers guide participants through sophisticated pairings of winter-white wines with traditional holiday dishes. From Alsatian Gewürztraminer complementing spiced turkey to Austrian Grüner Veltliner enhancing fresh seafood appetizers, these sessions illuminate the complexity of seasonal gastronomy.
For those seeking something truly exceptional, The Chef’s House offers an exclusive “Christmas Around the World” pairing experience. This immersive workshop explores international holiday traditions, featuring matches like aged Barolo with Italian panettone and vintage Sauternes with foie gras. Limited to twelve participants per session, these intimate gatherings provide personalized attention and expert insights.
Mark McEwan’s culinary studio presents “New Year’s Eve Masterclass,” where participants learn to pair luxury champagnes with elevated hors d’oeuvres. The three-hour experience culminates in crafting the perfect midnight toast, complete with expert guidance on selecting and serving prestige cuvées.
Advanced booking is essential for these seasonal offerings, with most classes running from late November through December. Prices typically range from $150 to $350 per person, reflecting the premium nature of the ingredients and wines featured.
Festival and Event Offerings
Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene comes alive during its annual food and wine festivals, offering unique opportunities to elevate your pairing expertise. The iconic Gourmet Food & Wine Expo transforms the Metro Toronto Convention Centre into an epicurean paradise, featuring masterclass sessions led by distinguished sommeliers and culinary experts.
During these seasonal celebrations, LCBO’s flagship locations host exclusive workshops combining regional specialties with carefully curated wine selections. Imagine savoring Ontario’s artisanal cheeses paired with VQA wines while learning from certified wine educators in an intimate setting.
The Terroir Symposium, a gathering of global culinary luminaries, presents advanced pairing workshops that delve into innovative flavor combinations. These sessions often showcase emerging wine regions and contemporary gastronomic techniques, perfect for enthusiasts seeking to expand their pairing repertoire.
For those drawn to craft beverages, the Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival at Sugar Beach offers waterfront tasting experiences. Here, specialized workshops explore the nuanced relationships between small-batch spirits, local wines, and chef-crafted canapés.
The St. Lawrence Market’s seasonal events calendar features hands-on workshops where market vendors and sommeliers collaborate to create immersive experiences. These sessions typically highlight seasonal ingredients and demonstrate how to build memorable food and wine partnerships for home entertaining.
Advanced booking is essential for festival workshops, as these curated experiences often sell out months in advance. Many venues offer early-bird pricing and VIP packages that include private tastings and exclusive networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Embarking on your food and wine pairing journey in Toronto has never been more accessible. With the diverse selection of classes we’ve explored, you’re well-equipped to choose an experience that matches your interests and expertise level. For the most enriching experience, we recommend booking your class at least two weeks in advance, particularly for premium venues like the LCBO’s flagship locations and boutique cooking schools in Yorkville.
Most classes range from $85 to $250 per person, with private group sessions available upon request. Many venues offer seasonal promotions and package deals, especially during off-peak seasons (January-March and July-August). Consider signing up for newsletters from your preferred establishments to stay informed about special events and limited-edition masterclasses.
For beginners, we suggest starting with a foundational wine appreciation course before progressing to specific regional pairings. Advanced enthusiasts might prefer specialized workshops focusing on particular wine regions or unique food combinations. Remember to inquire about take-home materials and tasting notes, as these resources prove invaluable for continuing your education at home.
To secure your spot, most venues accept online bookings through their websites, with some requiring a deposit. Don’t hesitate to communicate any dietary restrictions or preferences when booking, as many establishments can accommodate special requests with advance notice. Your journey into the sophisticated world of food and wine pairing awaits – salute!