Not even wine drinkers are immune to the effects of the economy meltdown. People are going out for fine dining less, going less frequently or more likely, patronizing more affordable establishments. In both cases wine selections are changing. We are opting for less expensive bottles, ordering half bottles or wine by the glass. There has never been a better time to seek the advice of the restaurant’s sommelier or wine-savvy server on an affordable wine to match your chosen meal. Bring your own bottle restaurants are reporting an increase in patrons taking advantage of this option. The LCBO has also noted a sales trend towards more economical bottles. Fortunately, the quality of lower cost wines has grown steadily over the last decade or so and many excellent wines are now available in the under $20 price range from both the general list and Vintages. Now is an excellent time for you to extend your knowledge of these affordable wines by sampling them at upcoming Guild tastings.
The Guild is feeling the effects of the depressed economy as well. Current paid memberships are down significantly from a year ago. Event bookings are also down and registrations are being made closer to the event date than previously. As a result we have had to reduce the number of tastings we hold and are favouring lower cost events over pricier premium wine tastings. We have also cut down on the number of wine and dine events we hold as competing events held by others are cutting into our registrations. The main foci of our events are education, enjoyment and fellowship. Our goal is always to provide our members the best possible value for their money.
Perhaps it’s not fair to blame everything on the economy. It may be that we are also seeing the effects of the Law of Unintended Consequences as a result of our move to EventBrite registrations. People seem to be reserving space closer to the actual event date, possibly because they are now billed at the time of booking and, being wary of the 10 day cancellation deadline, don’t commit until they are sure they can attend. Some people aren’t renewing their membership until they book their first event. It could also be that using the on-line technology is a deterrent to some people.
Unfortunately the move away from the Chelsea Club has increased our event costs for the room, service, and liquor license, which are unfortunately non-refundable. As a result, we are now even more reliant on early registrations to give us a strong indication of whether the event will fill enough seats to be viable. If we don’t have sufficient number of registrants around ten days before an event, we have no choice but to cancel it. Please help us out by reserving early.
I sincerely hope that you are able to attend the Annual General Meeting, Monday May 4. Please take note that the location has been moved to the Woodroffe campus of Algonquin College in the Restaurant International. Details appear below. This would be a great time to share ideas for new kinds of events or to tell us whether our current line-up is meeting your expectations and tastes.
Finally, It is with sadness that we note the passing of Kurt Waldele, long time executive chef of the National Art Centre. Kurt died in April following a two year battle with cancer. Kurt was a good friend of the Guild.
To register for an event, click the Register for this Event button on the event's description page. This will take you to the EventBrite registration page.
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.
"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile." — Homer
