The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) announced recently that all of its wine and craft beer served at the centre will be locally sourced.
The initiative reflects MTCC’s commitment to supporting local businesses and showcasing what Ontario has to offer.
“Partnering with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre has been a tremendously exciting opportunity for us here at Peninsula Ridges Estates Winery. Their commitment to showcasing our world-class, locally made craft wine and beer lets visitors from around the world experience the very finest Ontario has to offer. MTCC’s support, by buying local has also had a significant, positive impact on the economic health of our rural communities across the province, and will do so for years to come,” said Norman Beal, president at Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery.
In a typical year, the MTCC serves nearly 38,000 bottles of wine and 94,000 beers. By buying local, and in large quantities, the MTCC hopes to help support local businesses as much as possible, especially as the region recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
“As we get access to more and more global products, having access to local ones becomes even more important,” said Steve Himel, general manager at Henderson Brewing Company. “Local brands reflect the community they serve, support local economies and are made by people who live locally. This is not only important for the people who live here, but also the people who visit us. It’s our local flavour that makes us unique. Supporting local helps local business, but more importantly it lets the people in the community shine and tell their stories through the products they make and the services they offer. At Henderson, we strive to make beers that reflect the city so that people who enjoy our beer feel like they are having a taste of Toronto.”
MTCC claims 65 per cent of all food and beverage items procured by the MTCC are from local farms and suppliers. The facility aims to increase this percentage every year. The MTCC’s culinary team also spearheads a dry age meat-aging program that can serve aged local Ontario beef to up to 3,500 guests.
“As Canada’s largest convention centre, it’s important for us to lead by example, support local businesses and make a positive impact on the region,” said David Procopio, director of food and beverage services at the MTCC. “We continue to find ways to increase our ability to buy local, and for attendees to experience the best of Ontario.”
MTCC’s 2022 Local Wine List:
- Trius Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cave Spring Cellars, Riesling Dry
- Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, Unoaked Chardonnay
- Malivoire Winery, Estate Grown Chardonnay
- Keint-He Winery, Portage Chardonnay
- Le Clos Jordanne, Le Grand Clos 2019 Chardonnay
- Château des Charmes, Sauvignon Blanc
- Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Fumé Sauvignon Blanc
- Creekside Estate Winery, Pinot Grigio
- Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Rosé
- Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Pinot Noir
- Keint-He Winery, Pinot Noir Portage
- 13th Street Winery, Burger Blend, Gamay Pinot Noir
- Westcott Vineyards, Temperance, Gamay Pinot Noir
- Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Old Vines Baco Noir
- Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, Cabernet Merlot
- Hidden Bench Estate Winery, 2017 Terroir Caché
MTCC’s 2022 Local Craft Beer List:
- Steam Whistle Pilsner
- Ace Hill Vienna Lager
- Rainhard Classic Lager
- Henderson’s Best Ale
- Junction Krispy Lite Lager
- Harmon’s Lunchbox Non-alcoholic Lagered Ale
Leave a Reply