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Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 101

November 9, 2014

Imagine this: a convention centre filled with over 1,500 fine wines, beers, spirits and cocktails from around the globe. Add: dozens of gourmet food options (local and exotic delicacies). And a dash of: entertainment, celebrity chefs and educational opportunities (tutored tastings and such). This, my friends, is the annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo. A foodie/wino’s amusement park…

But if you’re as curious and gluttonous as I am, it can be an overwhelming event to navigate. Having attended the popular expo for over a decade, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that will hopefully help make your experience a more pleasant one:

1. Do yourself a favour and buy your tickets in advance, especially if you’re heading there on the Friday or Saturday night. We didn’t do this one year and they sold out as we anxiously waited in line. Nothing like a group of sad, rejected winos moping away.

2. If you want to avoid the crowds (and there WILL be crowds), fork over a little extra and attend the VIP preview. Or better yet, enter my giveaway below for free tickets!

3. Once inside the expo, you’ll need to purchase sample tickets ($20 will get you a sheet of 20 tickets). Warning: don’t buy too many tickets. I’ve come home with pockets full of unused tickets in the past. I recommend getting two sheets ($40) since most of the food and drinks will cost you $1-$6. You can always go back for more.

4. Take a few minutes to check out the list of exhibitors on the website before you visit the expo. While I’m all for spontaneous decisions, I do find that I have a better overall experience when I plan out at least a few stops in advance. Here’s what is on my list this year: Trialto, Beringer Vineyards, Hidden Bench Winery, Rock Lobster, El Paella, Singha Beer, Tito’s Vodka and Tre Amici Imports (the Clase Azul Tequila is a must for me)…

5. Start with the good stuff. As you probably know, your palate is at its best at the beginning of the night. I usually go directly to the vintages, then I explore other wines followed by craft beers and spirits.

6. Don’t forget to eat! Ok, so I’ll admit that my priority at this show has always been wine. But you definitely need to eat as you sip your way through the convention centre floor. I’ve found that devising a line strategy with friends usually pays off. The method: I stand in line for the vino, they line up for the food and we meet in the middle for a mini picnic.

7. Remember: the expo is NOT a race (quality over quantity). Take the time to chat with exhibitors, winemakers, chefs etc. Not only are they incredibly knowledgeable (and they give great recos), but it’ll make your night a lot more enjoyable.

8. If you like a certain wine/beer/spirit, snap a quick photo so you can remember the brand/vintage etc.

9. Don’t forget to take advantage of the tastings, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. I’m looking forward to the All You Need Is Cheese Stage (sample cheese, learn how to select cheese, the basics of wine pairing etc.), Mott’s Best Caesar in Town National Competition and the live performances.

10. Lastly, there is usually a mass exodus at the end of the night so the coat check line can be a bit of a nightmare. If it’s nice out, skip out on the jacket or bring a sweater that you can roll up in your bag/purse. Whatever you do, don’t try to juggle a coat inside the expo; you’ll have enough to carry with all the delish food and wine.

And now for the giveaway I promised: two lucky readers will be randomly selected to win a pair of tickets each to the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo VIP night (Thursday, November 20th). To enter, just comment on this post (scroll all the way down to the “Leave a Reply” box) and tell me what exhibitor you’re looking forward to the most (the full list can be found here). Make sure you also fill out the Rafflecopter entry below. Cheers and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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32 Comments

  • Reply
    Harriet
    November 9, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    I’m looking forward to trying Brassaii again. They were my favourite last year!

  • Reply
    Sandy
    November 9, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Great contest! I’m looking forward to Beringer Vineyards and Guu Toronto!

  • Reply
    Nick Klisouris
    November 9, 2014 at 8:55 pm

    I am looking forward to seeing Rock Lobster again. Love all their food.

  • Reply
    David
    November 9, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Is there anything better than spending a day enjoying good food and discovering new wines?

  • Reply
    David
    November 9, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    I think a good time at the Food & Wine Expo would include:
    – some Italian bites from Casa Toscana
    – trying something different, like a glass from Luca (I spent about 36 hours in Argentina last year)
    – enjoy an oyster or tow from Rodney’s
    – a slice from Magic Oven with a glass from Trialto
    – enjoy a glass from the Ontario winery Henry of Pelham
    – finish with dessert from Brix Chocolate and Zaza Espresso

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 9, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      Wow – you’ve got it all planned out, David! Sounds delish.

  • Reply
    Angie
    November 11, 2014 at 12:12 am

    I am really looking forward to visiting Creekside & Beringer Wines. I need to make sure I stop by Brix too…best chocolate.

  • Reply
    James W
    November 11, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Looking forward to anything Malbec and Valpecello

  • Reply
    nicoleroannef
    November 11, 2014 at 9:18 am

    I need to pay a visit to “Natures Best Cheesecake”. Gotta check that all out.

  • Reply
    Mike D
    November 11, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I will be sampling craft beer including but not limited to Beau’s, Amsterdam and Creemore.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 11, 2014 at 10:09 am

      ooh I’ve never tried Beau’s – will add it to my list 🙂

  • Reply
    Alex Conde
    November 11, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    I’m interested in trying sledgehammer wine, it sounds fun!

  • Reply
    Ray
    November 11, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    Looking forward to Rock Lobster

  • Reply
    Yuen C
    November 11, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    Im looking forward to Ruelo

  • Reply
    Cassidy
    November 12, 2014 at 9:25 am

    Rock Lobster, yummmmm.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 14, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      They are def a crowd fave! Love their lobster rolls

  • Reply
    Angie
    November 12, 2014 at 6:53 pm

    Looking forward to Tre Amici Imports…..

  • Reply
    sanja
    November 13, 2014 at 12:31 am

    interested to try wines of Austria for a change. Looking forward to drink Karlovacko beer and try some Niagara smoked meats..yum yum

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 14, 2014 at 5:12 pm

      Niagara smoked meats sound delish!!

  • Reply
    Erica
    November 13, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    I’m really looking forward to Guu, because well, they have super delicious food & it would be amazing with some of the wines on show too!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 14, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Love Guu! Good luck 🙂

  • Reply
    julia
    November 14, 2014 at 3:04 am

    Awesome post with great tips! What is your favorite wine to pair with a meal? Share it to your besty list! http://www.thebesty.com/thecuriouscreature

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 16, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks!

  • Reply
    Graham Rowlands
    November 14, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    I love visiting the Mott’s Clamato booth because Clint is awesome!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 14, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      Oooh I’ll have to visit Clint! They’re having a Mott’s Best Caesar in Town National Competition on Sunday — wonder who will win!

    • Reply
      Jon Gauthier
      November 16, 2014 at 9:51 pm

      Hey Hey I also love I love visiting the Mott’s Clamato booth also Clint is also awesome! & See visting RockLobster while having some Piot Noir & Riesling

      • Reply
        Solmaz
        November 16, 2014 at 11:09 pm

        Sounds like some fab bites + sips 🙂

  • Reply
    Sylvia
    November 16, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    I would love to see guu or hop city!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      November 16, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      Great choices, Sylvia. Thanks for entering! Good luck xo

  • Reply
    Jenn
    November 17, 2014 at 12:02 am

    So many things to try… it’s hard To choose but I’m pretty pumped for Reif Estate winery and Spearhead Brewing!

  • Reply
    Dian Ramroop
    September 21, 2018 at 9:45 am

    This post was well thought out and put together. Thanks for the insight and tips.

    With so many choices I am looking forward to the Creekside Wines and since I am a big foodie the Mad Mexican has wonderful Salsas and Nachos and very interested in checking out the Magic Oven and Lorissa’s Kitchen to see what they have to offer.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      September 21, 2018 at 12:24 pm

      Thank you! It sounds like you have a delicious plan. Hope you have the best time!

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