Enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the world’s finest wines with the

Académie du Vin

Wine Foundation Course

The Académie du Vin Wine Appreciation Course was the brainchild of our Founder, Steven Spurrier, who firmly believed that the only way to learn about fine wines was to sample as many of them as possible – in the company of experts who could explain the fine shades of difference between them and why they came to be so.

Steven ran his first Course in Paris in 1973. Now, in partnership with the Vintage Conservatory, the Académie du Vin is delighted to once again be offering this course, fully repackaged and updated for 2026 by our team of experts in Toronto.

(Prices are per person and exclusive of HST)

A series of three expertly guided sessions commencing
6:30 – 9:30 pm, Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Course attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Steven Spurrier‘s Académie du Vin Wine Course book.

While many interested in this course are already seasoned collectors, this is really a great opportunity to get into the nitty-gritty of wine appreciation, what makes terroir great, and how to access and store the wines you love. Also, it’s a great chance to meet and share with fellow collectors!

What’s included in the Foundation Course?

• Each session will start with a sparkling wine reception
• Three 3-hour tasting evenings, to be held at the Vintage Conservatory Yorkville, each featuring truly tasting level wines, each flight of wine will be served with a carefully prepared meal (3 courses)
• Expert guidance with slideshows and video presentations courtesy of our Course Director, Megan McDonald, DipWSET and Marc Nadeau
• A copy of  Steven Spurrier’s Académie du Vin Wine Course book.

FAQ’s
When you say ‘tasting level’ wines, what exactly do you mean? Well, here’s a list of wines selected for this course we wish to highlight:

• Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé Magnum 2017
• Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 2015
• E. Pira & Figli (Chiara Boschis) Barolo Via Nuova 2008
• Château Belle-Brise Pomerol 2011
• Château Beychevelle Saint-Julien 1964 
• Château d’Yquem Sauternes 1976

What are the dates for the three evenings?

September 23rd and 30th and October 7th, 2026 (all Wednesdays).

If you cannot attend all three sessions, you may select Session 1 only as a stand-alone event.

Are there tests or exams?

Absolutely not! The Académie du Vin Wine Course is first and foremost about enjoying yourself in convivial surroundings – do that, and you’ll be amazed at what you learn along the way.

Session 1: The Art of Tasting

The art of tasting is paramount to the appreciation and enjoyment of great wine. In this inaugural session, we will establish the basics of wine service, tasting, and how to speak the language of wine.

Featured wines:

• Michel Gonet Champagne Grand Cru Le Mesnil sur Oger Blanc de Blancs 2014
• Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau Saint-Véran Les Montchanins 2023
• Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé  Magnum 2017
• Mystery Wine
• Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Historic Vineyard Collection Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 2019
• Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2013
• Château Cherubin St-Émilion 2009
• Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 2015
• Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2001

Menu, September 23:

Celtuce
Brown Butter, Toasted Hazelnut, Parmigiano Reggiano, Sudachi

Beef Rib Cap
Matsutake, Shiso, Crispy Beef Tendon, Oxtail Consommé

Steamed Milk Bread, Whipped Beef-Fat Butter

Mirabelle Plum Tart
Green Almond, Saffron, Sheep’s Milk

Session 2: Viticulture

Discover the true meaning of terroir and what factors influence a wine’s unique identity. The evening’s session will build on the tasting foundation from Session 1, with a global perspective.

Featured wines:

• Domaine Hervé Azo Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey 2022
• Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Chassagne-Montrachet 2020
• Alain Hudelot-Noëllat Chambolle-Musigny 2020
• Bachelder Pinot Noir Wild West End Wismer-Parke Vineyard Magnum 2020
• Mystery Wine
• Cathiard Vineyard Founding Brothers Napa 2020
• Château Fonréaud Listrac-Médoc Magnum 1995
• E. Pira & Figli (Chiara Boschis) Barolo Via Nuova 2008

Menu, September 30:

Atlantic Scallop
Guanciale Tea, Amalfi Lemon, Sea Lettuce

Dry-Aged Duck
Carrot Mille-Feuille, Black Pepper, Liquorice, Duck Heart

Potato Brioche, Duck-Skin Butter

Torta di Nocciole
Castelmagno, Quince, Chestnut Honey

Session 3: Viniculture, Collection, & Storage

In the Foundation Course finale, you will learn how the great wines of the world are produced and what role winemakers play on a wine’s style. This will be followed with a discussion on wine collecting, storage, and how to source the wines you love.

Featured wines:

• Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge 2020
• Da Silva Vineyards and Winery Nobreza Okanagan 2019
• Château Belle-Brise Pomerol 2011
• Château Beychevelle Saint- Julien 1964
• Mystery Wine
• R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2001
• Château d’Yquem Sauternes 1976

Menu, October 7:

King Oyster Mushroom
Bone Marrow, Pine Nut, Calamansi, Amontillado, Chives

Ontario Lamb Saddle
Braised Fennel, Lamb Neck, Barberry, Sumac Jus
Laminated Flatbread, Lamb-Fat Sesame Butter

Foie Gras Macaron
White Peach, Marzipan, Chamomile, Sauternes

Menus may be subject to dietary restrictions.