Win
A taste of the unique prizes that were won at Toronto Taste 2011.
Live Auction * Fine Wine Auction * Silent Auction * Raffle
Live Auction sponsored by Sun Life Financial
Prize #1 - Private Cheese Boutique Experience
You and 9 friends will enjoy a private tour and shopping experience at Toronto's most coveted cheese haven, The Cheese Boutique.
Tour to take place after hours at a mutually agreeable date by June 12th 2012.
Prize #2 - The Romantic Danube
You and a guest will be whisked away on a 12 day, 11 night European cruise along the Danube River. You will start your trip in Budapest, Hungary and make your way to Slovakia, Austria and Germany where you will see historical sites and scenery. While aboard the cruise ship you will relax and unwind in your luxurious cabin complete with a French balcony. End your trip in the Czech Republic when you spend 3 nights in Prague, one of Europe's most attractive cities. Click here for a complete itinerary of activities and inclusions. Courtesy of GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours & AMA Waterways.
The trip will depart Toronto, Canada on Nov 20th 2011 and return on Dec 1st 2011. Return airfare included.
Prize #3 - Spend the Weekend with Chef Michael Smith
Join Chef Michael Smith in historic and scenic PEI. Stay at the famed Inn at Bay Fortune and enjoy a complete culinary experience with Chef Michael Smith in his home.
Return airfare on economy class. Trip will run August 19th-21st, 2011.
Prize #4 - 24" Built-In Freedom Wine Preservation Column from Thermador
Preserve your favourite wines and enjoy them at the perfect temperature every time with the award-winning 24” built-in Freedom Wine Preservation Column from Thermador. The unit is fully flush mounted for a seamless appearance complete with sleek, modern stainless steel panels and a carbon filtration system to keep the air fresh. The electronic control board enables a dual temperature zone control ideal for storing both red and white wine assortments at the optimal temperature. The 98 capacity wine column retails for $7,899. Prize winner is responsible for installation costs. Visit Thermador for more information.
Prize #5 - Return to Avalon with Chef Chris McDonald
You and 7 friends will enjoy a private dinner with wine pairings that take you back to Chris' days at his first restaurant Avalon.
Dinner to be held in your home within the GTA at a mutually agreeable time by June 12th 2012.
Prize #6 - 10 Day Food & Wine Adventure in Portugal
You and a guest will be swept away on an exciting food and wine adventure through Portugal. Your 10 day and 8 night vacation will take you on a guided tour visiting World UNESCO heritage sites, spectacular gastronomy including its famous Port wine and so much more.
The trip departs on October 1st 2011 and includes return Economy flights from Toronto to Lisbon/Porto. Courtesy of Marlin Travel and Transat Holidays. Value: $5,770.
Prize #7 - French Food at Your Home
French Food at Your Home, courtesy of Laura Calder. Food Network Canada’s Laura Calder will bring her French flare into your home as she prepares a private dinner for 8. You will enjoy an authentic French home cooked 4 course dinner, plus aperitif and wines courtesy of Select Wine Merchants.
Dinner to be held within the GTA at a mutually agreeable time by June 12th, 2012.
Prize #8 - Voyage Galapagos
You and a lucky guest will enjoy a 6 day cruise in the Galapagos with one of the region's largest operators, Gap Adventures, aboard a luxury yacht. Lead by an expert Naturalist Guide, you'll meet the incredible creatures that inspired Darwin’s theory of natural selection. At night, retire to your bunk in an air-conditioned twin cabin, featuring private bath and window looking to the ocean. With four days aboard, you’ll have plenty of chances to snorkel the islands with the included equipment or reflect on your adventure with a cold drink on the two-level wraparound deck. Click here to see a complete itinerary.
Airfare to and from Quito, Ecuador not included. Winner must book their tour by December 31st 2011 however the trip can be taken up until June 30th 2012. This package was generously donated by Gap Adventures and Expedia.ca. Value $4,198
Prize #9 - 1st Barrel of Wine Ever Auctioned Off in Toronto!
David’s Block Chardonnay 2010. This is the first time a barrel of wine has been auctioned off in Toronto. Tawse Winery has created a wine exclusively made from this small block of vines on the Estate. The vineyard is meticulously maintained using organic and biodynamic methods, and the vines are carefully leaf-thinned and crop-thinned by hand. The fruit is also gently harvested by hand, then sorted before being whole bunch pressed. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak. After about a year in wood, it will spend another 6 months aging in tank to mature before bottling. David’s Block Chardonnay 2010 exhibits classic characteristics, combining luscious apple and citrus fruit with mouth-watering acidity and flinty minerality. Everything lingers during the lasting finish. This wine is certified organic and biodynamic, and consequently it demonstrates extraordinary flavor, balance and complexity. Visit Tawse Winery to learn more. This unique prize is valued at $18,000 and will yield approximately 300 bottles of custom labeled wine. Delivery within the GTA included.
Prize #10 - Have a Surreal Dinner with Bob Blumer in LA
You and a guest will fly to Los Angeles for a 2 night stay at the Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel. Bob Blumer, creator and host of Food Network's Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment will prepare a multi-course surreal meal for you in his home under the 'D' of the Hollywood sign.
Dinner to be held at a mutually agreeable time by June 12th 2012.
Prize #11 - Feed a Family of 5 for a Year
Food - everyone needs it but not everyone has it. It costs Second Harvest $2,500 to rescue and deliver enough fresh food to feed a family of 5 for an entire year. You can help make that connection. Value: priceless. All donations are 100% tax receiptable. Sun Life Financial will be matching all personal donations made onsite up to a maximum of $10,000.
Fine Wine Auction
Held on-site at Toronto Taste, the Fine Wine Auction offered more than 100 premium bottles of wine from around the globe. Here is a sampling of what was at Toronto Taste 2011:
Lot 1 - 1834 Barbeito Malvaisa Madeira (appraised value $1,740)
Silent Auction sponsored by Sun Life Financial
Held on-site at Toronto Taste 2011, the Silent Auction offered an impressive collection of unique finds, classic items and exciting trips.
All-inclusive Trip for Two to Sunny Punta Cana
An all-inclusive trip for two to the Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro (Club Diamond) in the Domincan Republic! The Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro is located only 30 minutes away from Punta Cana Airport and is a beachfront beauty with an abundance of holiday amusements. As a guest in the exclusive Club Diamond section you will enjoy all of the 5-star amenities and facilities of the entire resort, while also getting access to many great little extras. This fabulous prize includes return airfare, transporation related fees, taxes, currency or fuel surcharges. Value: $3,500. Courtesy of: Sunquest and Expedia.ca.
Terms & Conditions: Travel must be taken between June 30, 2011-December 31, 2011 on space availability basis, based on double occupancy. Black out dates include: Christmas, New Years, March Break and Easter/Holy Week.
Camp Wabikon
Offer your child the experience of a lifetime at Camp Wabikon. This prize is a 10 day camp session from August 14th- 24th in either 2011 or 2012. Camp Wabikon is located in the heart of Temagami which is renowned for its crystal clear waters, old growth pine forests and fantastic shoreline dotted with over 1,300 islands. At camp, your child can try new things by taking part in one of the many activities. There’s archery, volleyball, drama, tennis, paddle making, crafts, a ropes course, canoeing, wind surfing,fishing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, music, eco skills and much more.
Terms & conditions: Only valid for August 14th – 24th, 2011 or 2012. This gift certificate does not include the tuck shop deposit and transportation to and from camp.
Value: $1,300
Courtesy of: Camp Wabikon
European Vacation
You and a friend will explore Europe with an 8 day (land only) tour of your choice from Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, or Contiki Holidays. You could choose Insight Vacations’ London Week, Paris Week, Rome or Paris and Rome week or Trafalgar’s Athens & Aegean 8 day trip, or Contiki’s 8 day trip in Spain which includes Bilbao & Pamplona or 8 day trip visiting Berlin and Prague.
Terms & Conditions:This prize is not transferable and has no cash value. Blackout dates are September & October 2011 and May 2012. Travel must be completed by June 30, 2012. Travel must be on the dates provided by The Travel Corp. or it shall be deemed to be expired. Winner is responsible for incidental expenses including but not limited to, ground transportation to and from the airport, airport improvement fees, travel or medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance, connector flights, sightseeing tours or optional tours, excursions or concerts, meals or drinks, tips, depature taxes, fuel surcharges, fees and surcharges, excess baggage fees, costs associated with obtaining travel documents, visas, or necessary vaccinations. Winner must be 18 years of age or older. Please book two months prior to departure, as space can be limited.
Value: Minimum of $1,750 per person but will be based on the tour selected.
Courtesy of: The Travel Corporation & Expedia
Golden Door Spa
Find yourself restored and rejuvenated with this 3-day Spa Interlude for two a the secluded sanctuary of the original Golden Door, honored in 2010 with the Crystal Award for favorite spa in North America by readers of Luxury Spa Finders. Inspired by the beauty, luxury and service of Japanese Honjin Inns, Golden Door provides guests with the opportunity to attain a balance of body, mind and spirit. Revel in this truly memorable and nurturing experience on 377 acres of lush landscape in the rolling hills of northern San Diego County.
Includes (per person): Private accommodation with elegant Asian simplicity with a private moon viewing deck. Three gourmet meals and two snacks daily. A mini massage on arrival day, two private in-room massages, one herbal wrap, two skin care appointments, choice of a manicure or pedicure, optional make-up lesson, a private program interview to customize your fitness goal, a fitness counselor and much more.
Terms & conditions: Flight not included.
Value: $7,250
Courtesy of: The Golden Door Spa
Raffle Draw
Congratulations to all our winners of the 2011 Raffle Draw!
1st Prize - FIAT 500 Sport
Winner - Jason Hudson
Mix iconic Italian style, fuel efficient design, sumptuous detailing, performance handling and a dash of urban attitude, and the result is a FIAT 500 Sport that shows your impeccable taste and will make you the envy of all. You could drive home in the 2008 European Car of the Year. Prize vehicle has a retail value of $24,436.25 including taxes, freight, PDI costs and duty. Vehicle winner is responsible for covering all costs associated with the vehicle license and insurance costs. Courtesy of Chrysler Canada.
2nd Prize - Mexican Vacation
Winner - Tess McLean
You and a guest will enjoy a seven nights all-inclusive stay for two based on a double occupancy at the 5 Star Hotel El Dorado Casitas Royale in Riviera Maya Mexico.This package includes two round-trip economy class tickets from Toronto to Mexico and is valid until June 12th 2012. Blackout dates include: July 4-8 2011, September 5-9 2011, October 8th 2011, December 24-31 2011, January 1-6 2012, February 12-18 2012, March 12-16 2012, April 6, 8- 9 2012, May 28-June 1 2012. Guests must be 18 years or older. Value including taxes: $6,078. This package was generously donated by Air Canada Vacations and El Dorado Casitas Royale.
3rd Prize - Weber Genesis EP-330 Gas Grill
Winner - Brad Livengant
You’ll be able to rival the world’s greatest restaurants with your new Weber Genesis EP-330 gas grill complete with a flush-mounted side burner and 10,000 BTU-per-hour input Sear Station. Value including taxes: $1,300. Courtesy of Weber-Stephen Products LLC.
4th Prize - 10-piece Forged Knife Block Set
Winner - Maria Hajigeorgiou
Chop, dice and slice like a chef with your new 10-piece forged block knife set from Victorinox Swiss Army. Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss Army Knife, has been crafting fine cutlery for over 125 years. This set of quality stainless steel knives will retain maximum sharpness and is perfectly suited for either the passionate home chef as well as the culinary professional. The block is made of a premium-grade wood in a natural finish and has extra slots to build on your knife collection. Total retail value: $998. Courtesy of Victorinox Swiss Army.
