Newsletter - December 2025
- FOV Board
- Dec 20, 2025
- 7 min read
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Tara Glumac
Dear Friends,
As we wrap up another remarkable year at Friends of the Vine, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for making this season truly exceptional. It has been an incredible year filled with outstanding events, new friendships, and a growing and engaged membership community.
One of the greatest joys of this role is seeing our Club flourish—welcoming new faces, reconnecting with long-standing members, and watching our shared love of wine and good company bring people together. This year’s events showcased not only incredible wines and pairings, but also the warmth, curiosity and camaraderie that define who we are.
We also made exciting strides forward. From refreshing and modernizing our website to introducing new event concepts, we are continuing to evolve while staying rooted in what makes Friends of the Vine so special. And of course, one of the highlights ahead is the return of our iconic Mountain Escape Weekend—a beloved tradition that we are proud to bring back for our members to enjoy.
As we head into the holiday season, I wish each of you a very happy, healthy and joy-filled time with loved ones. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your support and your commitment to this wonderful community. I can’t wait to see what the New Year brings—and I look forward to raising a glass with all of you soon.
Warmest regards,
Tara Glumac
MEMBERSHIP
It's time to Renew Your 2026 Friends of the Vine Membership!
As we look ahead to an exciting year of swirling, sipping, and discovering new wines together, it’s time to renew your Friends of the Vine (FOV) membership for the 2026 calendar year.
How to Renew
Renew and submit your $40/person membership fee by clicking on this link: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=40246 or visit our website here!
Why renew your membership / Why join FOV?
We asked a few of our members “Why are you a member of Friends of the Vine”? Here are some of their responses and please let us know why you keep coming back!
“I choose to keep coming back as a member of Friends of the Vine because it’s a community of people who share a genuine passion for wine, good food and great conversation. Each event offers a chance to learn something new, discover unique wines and connect with friends who make every gathering memorable.”
“I love how the club is so welcoming to people of all levels of wine knowledge. We are all here to learn together and have a great time along the way.”
“When we retired from the business world, we lost a lot of our social connections and gatherings. FOV very quickly replaced that. In fact, the people we’ve met through FOV quickly became a community of friends versus acquaintances. And we get the opportunity of meeting new people at almost every event.”
“I renew my membership because FOV gives me not only an opportunity to learn and enjoy wine with like-minded people, but I find that many members also share similar interests in food and travel experiences. Hence, it is easy to start up a conversation with someone I’ve only just met.”
“Being a member of FOV has expanded my view of the world thru a wine focused lens ... history, geography, architecture, travel, tastes and new friends. What amazing conversations erupt over a glass of wine from anywhere and everywhere and when you least expect it!”
“The wine world is bigger than my knowledge of wine. This is always something to learn. FOV helps put me in contact with new information.”
“FOV puts me in contact with people passionate about wine.”
“In a very personal way, it is my way of remembering my good friend Walter Radichowsky, founder of FOV.”
“I choose to be a member of Friends of the Vine because it celebrates everything I love – great wine, exceptional food and genuine connection. Over the years, it’s become more than just a club; it’s a community of friends who share the same passion for discovery and hospitality. I’m proud to be part of a group that honors its history while continuing to create new and memorable experiences together.”
“Friends of the Vine is an integral part of my life as I find it gives me balance and joy. Spending time with a warm and friendly group of people who seem to share many similar interests. We learn, share and try to make a better place for members to enjoy wine, food, experiences and friendships.”
“Being part of Friends of the Vine adds a social spark to my love of wine. It’s a chance to relax, connect and enjoy good company while exploring new flavors and regions. Every gathering feels like a celebration – casual, welcoming and full of great conversation. For me, it’s the perfect mix of friendship, fun and a shared appreciation of wine.”
FOV provides the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the joys of exploring the world of wines, interesting food and wine-associated travel.”
How are your membership dues used?
Curated tastings and themed events throughout the year
Members-Only Annual General Meeting and Tasting event
Member benefits
As an FOV Member, you get:
Member pricing on all of our events
First notice of upcoming dates so you can plan ahead with your wine-loving friends
Priority access to special dinners and limited-capacity experiences
FOV Members get preferred pricing with our Wine Store partners
‘Stock Your Cellar’ events at wholesale pricing, plus a small percentage (i.e., Annual BBQ and Plates & Palates)
Opportunities to meet some of the Wine Agents and learn from their expertise
Educational Wine events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Here’s the current line-up of FOV’s confirmed 2026 events … you won’t want to miss out on any of these!
February 20 and 21 – Mountain Escape at the Chateau Lake Louise – REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. See below for information on how to register.
May – Annual General Meeting and Elections of the Board
June 7 – Summer BBQ at The Hamptons Golf & Country Club
July 24 – Summer Sipper’s Tasting
September 23 – Plates & Palates at the Willow Park Golf & Country Club
November 14 – Bubbles Brunch at Cassis Bistro
And here are other FOV 2026 events that we are in the midst of planning … watch your email for more details as they are confirmed.
January – Sip Don’t Swallow (Stay Dry for January but Replenish Your Cellar)
March – We’re working on this one
April – Plans are in the works
August – What would you like to see fill this spot? Is it worthwhile having an event if most members are away on vacation?
October – How about a Chilean or Italian Wine Tasting?
Some events include cheese, charcuterie or plates of food. If you have any Dietary Restrictions, please send an email to info@friendsofthevinecalgary.com with your restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate.
Here's how to register for the Mountain Escape at the Chateau Lake Louise
TICKET PRICING (Accommodation Not Included)
FOV Members – $649/person
Non-Members – $699/person
Children (Friday-Only - $40/child
Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable. Includes Friday & Saturday evening FOV events only.
READY TO ESCAPE?
STEP 1 — Secure Your Spot
Send an e-transfer to info@friendsofthevinecalgary.com with the full name(s) of those in your party in the message. FOV is set up auto-deposit — no password needed!
STEP 2 — Book Your Room
Special FOV Rate: $399/night + $39 resort fee = $438/night (+ taxes & fees)Book directly with the Chateau.
Use this link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51056196Or call 1-800-230-8988 or 1-800-441-1414 and quote “Friends of the Vine.”Babysitting available through the hotel — just ask!
FOV BENEFITS and PARTNERS
Check out our wine partner’s websites for their curated wine tastings and subscribe to their events and/or newsletters.
Present your 2025 membership card and you will be eligible for FOV’s discounts. Discounts are subject to change.
Cork Fine Wines, Liquor and Ale (20% discount), 183, 250 – 6 th Avenue S.W.
(main floor, Bow Valley Square)
Craft Cellars (15% discount) – 1345 – 32 nd Avenue N.E.
Crowfoot Wine & Spirits (15% discount)
Crowfoot Signature – 7414 Crowfoot Road N.W.
Aspen Wine & Spirits – 130, 366 Aspen Glen Landing S.W.
Bowness – 400 – 8435 Bowfort Road N.W.
Downtown – 1402 – 14th Street S.W.
Altadore – 103, 3505 – 14th Street S.W.
Heritage Pointe – 200, 412 Pine Creek Road
Cochrane – 3101, 1010 Sunset Drive, Cochrane
Highlander Wine & Spirits (17%+ discount)
Aspen – 1000, 10 Aspen Stone Blvd. S.W.
Bin 905 – 2311 – 4th Street S.W.
Eighth Avenue Place – 225, 555 – 8th Avenue S.W.
Marda Loop – 2112 – 33rd Avenue S.W.
North Hill Plaza – 2033 – 16th Avenue N.W.
Richmond Plaza – 2919 Richmond Road S.W.
Seton – 182, 19489 Seton Crescent S.E. (Building A3)
Kensington Wine Market (10% discount) - 1257 Kensington Road N.W.
Market Wines (15% discount)
Market Wines South – 520 – 77th Avenue S.E.
Market Wines University District – 4109 University Avenue N.W.
Market Wines West – 110, 55 Greenbriar Drive N.W.
Metrovino (10% discount) – 722 – 11th Avenue S.W.
Richmond Hill Wines (15% discount) – 108, 3751 – 51 st Street S.W.
Rocky Mountain Wines, Spirits & Beer (10% to 25% discount) – 225 – 58 th
Avenue S.E.
Vine Styles – 1127b Kensington Road N.W. (downstairs) (15% discount)
Willow Park Wines & Spirits – 10801 Bonaventure Drive S.E. (15% discount)
FOV's Blog Articles
If you are wondering what wine(s) to serve this season, Phil’s recently published a great Wine Ramblings on this topic - Holiday Wine Pairings.
Stay in touch with our FOV Blog Articles on our website!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2025-2026
Feel free to contact the Board at any time by sending an email to
Tara Glumac | President |
Margo Frederickson | Vice-President |
JC Cornell | Secretary |
Sheena Woodhead | Treasurer |
Doug Crapo | Industry Partnering |
Debra Johnstone | Membership and Systems |
Mary Kupchenko Hill | Marketing |
Ray Todd | Past-President and Volunteer Coordinator |
Phil Lo | Wine Education |
“Cheers to a wonderful holiday season, filled with warmth and good friends and family … and wine.”
Comments