FAQ
Do you only taste Ontario wines?
Our tastings can feature wine from around the world, however our focus is on Ontario wines and winemakers. Exploring wines globally enables a better focus on what is happening locally with Ontario wines.
Where and when are your tastings held?
Our events are held in different locations throughout the greater Windsor metropolitan area, including restaurants, clubs, and wineries. Locations change to offer a variety of experiences for our members.
We host monthly events on Monday evenings. There have been a few exceptions to this due to availability of presenter or venue availability. Count on events happening on Monday evenings. Why? Monday is typically the slowest night in the hospitality industry. Venues and wineries are typically closed or very lightly frequented. Having an event on a Monday is something good for a venue.
We generally do not host events in July or August.
Is food served at your events?
Events typically include showcased wines paired with small bites. We advise you not consider these events as dinner, and suggest dinner or a snack prior to arriving.
I need to bring six glasses?
At least six different wines are showcased at each tasting event. Our policy is members and guests bring their own tasting glasses to the events. We recommend ISO tasting glasses, which come in handy carrying boxes, but any other wine tasting glasses are perfectly acceptable as well.
How is seating arranged?
Seating is always unassigned. If you wish to sit with someone, make an effort to get to the event early enough to do so. Please do not expect us to reserve seating. Keep in mind that you might make some new friends by sitting with someone you don’t know. It happens!
I don’t know much about wine, am I going to feel out of place?
If you enjoy wine and want to learn more, you've picked the right spot! We pride ourselves on our diversity, with members ranging from those new to wine, to people in the wine industry, including sommeliers, and everyone in between. We are all here to taste, explore and have fun together.
I purchased an event ticket and cannot attend, can I transfer the ticket to a different event?
All event sales are final. We are a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization. We are unable to offer refunds or maintain waiting lists for events. You can give or sell your event ticket to another person*; however, doing so is your responsibility. Please let us know in advance if another guest will be attending in your place.
*Please note, if the recipient is a non-member and you’ve given them your member-priced ticket, they will be charged the difference at the door.
Am I able to purchase bottles of wine at events to take home?
The OWS is not in the wine sales business. We arrange events at wineries and other venues, and these venues provide the wine for these events. If a winery or presenter wishes to sell wine under the rules and regulations of the LLBO, they are welcome and encouraged to do so. However, if a venue chooses not to offer wine for purchase, then wine will not be sold. The Ontario Wine Society does not and cannot sell wine.
Who are the current board members?
The current board members are:
Claudia Taylor - President
Devon DeVogelaere - Vice President
Philip Poli - Treasurer
Chad Rollo - Secretary
Tanya Hedrick - Committee Member
Bill Rollo - Committee Member
Missi Galamb - Committee Member