Events
See what’s happening in the world of wine
Past Events
Korean Sip & Spirit:
Crafting Ancient Drinks for Modern Tastes
Friday, May 30th, 2025
The Korean Cultural Centre and SommWise Inc. brought together 50 industry experts for a tasting of some of South Korea’s finest traditional beverages including Cheongju, Yakju, Makgeolli, and Soju. Over 2 hours the audience was treated to an educational masterclass along with tutored tastings. The event also featured food pairings provided by Naru Catering in Ottawa.
See what veteran journalist Jane Staples wrote about the event for Ottawa Life Magazine here:
Korean Sip & Spirit: Ancient Drinks for Modern Tastes - Ottawa Life Magazine
Watch Tim’s interview for Arirang TV’s Kulture Wave:
[K-Correspondent] Korean traditional drinks introduced in Canada
From the Embassy Cellars: South Africa
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
In collaboration with the South African High Commission in Ottawa and Wines of South Africa (WOSA), SommWise Inc. guided 25 industry experts through a guided tasting and educational seminar. The event focused on three of South Africa’s most prolific wine styles - Cap Classique, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage. His Excellency Rieaz Shaik was a gracious host as he welcomed the group at the Ambassador’s Residence. Traditional South African appetizers were provided by Langi Mtimkulu of Tsatsisun Catering.
From the Embassy Cellars: Wines of Austria
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
The Austrian Embassy in Ottawa and Advantage Austria partnered with SommWise Inc. on an intimate masterclass and guided tasting with 22 of Ottawa’s finest wine professionals. Guests learned about, and sampled Austria’s traditional varieties including Gruner Veltliner, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. His Excellency Andreas Rendl and his wife Mrs. Eva Fuchs-Rendl were kind enough to have the event in the dining room of the Ambassador’s Residence. Thank you to all that attended.
Quite the Mouthful: The Language of Food and Wine
In partnership with the Crave Food & Wine festival SommWise Inc. hosted a masterclass at the CrEATe Kitchen on food and wine pairing.
From the Embassy Cellars: Croatia, Georgia & Hungary
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024
The Embassy of Croatia graciously hosted SommWise Inc.’s inaugural event featuring the wines and food of Croatia, Georgia & Hungary. Thirty guests were treated to a masterclass and tutored tasting of 9 unique Eastern European wines including Graševina, Saperavi and Tokaji.
“Presentations were so informative! Even I found some new information about Georgian wine.” - Bakari Makaridze, Embassy of Georgia to Canada
