Newsletter - June 2026
- FOV Board
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Tara Glumac
Dear Friends of the Vine Members,
As we move into the second half of 2026, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has already been an extraordinary year for our club.
The first six months have been filled with exceptional events, outstanding wines, and most importantly, the opportunity to gather with friends who share a passion for food, wine and community. From educational tastings and unique wine experiences to our social gatherings, the enthusiasm and support of our members continue to make Friends of the Vine one of Calgary’s most vibrant wine clubs.
This year has also marked an exciting transition as we welcomed a new Board of Directors. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to both our returning and new board members for their dedication, energy and commitment to ensuring the continued success of our organization. Their volunteer efforts behind the scenes make every event possible.
One of the highlights of the year was undoubtedly our iconic Annual Friends of the Vine BBQ, held on June 7 at the beautiful Hamptons Golf Club. It was wonderful to see so many members come together to enjoy great food, exceptional wines and the camaraderie that makes our club so special. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make the event such a tremendous success.
As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to register early for our upcoming events, including our popular Summer Sippers series and our signature Plates & Palates event. These experiences continue to be among the most anticipated on our calendar, and we are excited to share more memorable evenings with you in the months ahead.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the confidence you have placed in me. It is truly an honour to continue serving as President of Friends of the Vine. I am grateful for your ongoing support, friendship and enthusiasm, and I remain committed to helping our club continue to grow and thrive.
Thank you for being such an integral part of Friends of the Vine. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming summer and fall events and to sharing another wonderful season of wine, food and friendship together.
Wishing you a fantastic summer and an enjoyable remainder of the year.
Cheers,
Tara Glumac
President, Friends of the Vine Society
THE ONOFFICIAL ETTIQUETTE OF WINE TASTING
A Friendly Guide to Looking Like You Know What You're Doing
Wine tasting is one of life's great pleasures. It's educational, social, delicious and occasionally confusing. After all, where else can grown adults stand around discussing whether they detect hints of blackberry, cedar, wet stone, or "the memory of a summer meadow after a light rain"?
To help everyone enjoy the experience, here are a few gentle guidelines for wine tasting etiquette.
1. The Wine Pour is Not a Serving
When a tasting host pours you a small amount of wine, they have not made a mistake.
A tasting pour is designed to allow you to evaluate the wine—not determine whether it pairs with Netflix and a Tuesday evening.
Resist the urge to ask, "Is that all?"
2. Swirl With Confidence (But Not Too Much)
Swirling releases aromas and makes you look wonderfully sophisticated.
However, there is a fine line between swirling and creating a miniature wine tornado.
If nearby guests are ducking for cover, you've gone too far.
3. Smell First, Drink Second
One of the great joys of wine tasting is discovering aromas.
Take a moment to smell the wine before tasting. You may detect fruit, flowers, spices, herbs, or something that reminds you of your grandmother's cedar chest.
There are no wrong answers—except perhaps "gasoline and gym socks."
4. It's Perfectly Fine Not to Like a Wine
Not every wine will be your favourite.
You don't need to announce to the room that a particular wine tastes like "regret and poor decisions."
A simple "This one isn't for me" is both polite and sufficient.
5. Use the Spittoon Without Shame
Professional tasters use spit buckets regularly.
It's not rude. It's not wasteful. It's practical.
Particularly when the tasting includes 12 wines and you still need to remember where you parked.
6. The Host or Wine Agent is Your Friend
Ask questions.
Where is the wine from? What grape is it? What food would pair well with it?
Wine professionals love sharing stories and knowledge. Most would much rather answer your questions than watch you secretly Google "What is tannin?" under the table.
7. Avoid Wearing Heavy Perfume or Cologne
Strong fragrances can interfere with everyone's ability to smell the wine.
If your perfume arrives in the room before you do, it may be overpowering the delicate aromas of the Pinot Noir.
Let the wine be the star of the show.
8. Wine Vocabulary is Optional
You do not need to describe a wine as "showing restrained minerality with tertiary notes of forest floor."
It's perfectly acceptable to say:
"I like it."
"I don't like it."
"I'd drink this again."
These are all valid tasting notes.
9. Respect Your Fellow Tasters
Everyone experiences wine differently.
The person beside you may detect cherry, while you detect raspberry.
The goal isn't to be right.
The goal is to enjoy the wine and the company.
10.Have Fun
Wine tasting should never feel intimidating.
Whether you're a seasoned collector with a cellar full of treasures or someone who simply knows that they enjoy a good glass of wine, you're doing it correctly.
The best wine in the room is usually the one you're enjoying with friends.
Cheers to discovering new favourites, learning something new and sharing great conversations—one glass at a time.
HOW ABOUT A FEW SUMMER WINE-RELATED COCKTAIL RECIPES?
When the temperatures rise, wine doesn't have to stay in the glass. These simple wine-based cocktails are refreshing, crowd-pleasing and perfect for patios, barbecues and lazy summer afternoons.
Summer Sangria – Perfect for sharing with friends
Ingredients
1 bottle white wine
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup sparkling water
Directions
Combine wine and fruit in a pitcher and chill for at least an hour. Just before serving, add sparkling water.
Classic White Wine Spritzer – Light, crisp and only two ingredients
Ingredients
4 oz chilled white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling)
2 oz sparkling water
Ice
Lemon or lime slice
Directions
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add wine and sparkling water. Garnish with citrus and enjoy.
Rosé Lemonade – Summer in a glass
Ingredients
4 oz rosé wine
2 oz lemonade
Ice
Fresh strawberries or lemon slices
Directions
Combine rosé and lemonade over ice. Stir gently and garnish.
MEMBERSHIP
Renew Your 2026 Friends of the Vine Membership
If you have not yet renewed your 2026 FOV membership, then there is no time like the present.
The Member-Only Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th, but you must be a member to attend.
How to Renew: Please submit your $40/person membership fee here!
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 25 (Saturday) – Summer Sippers Tasting - Now Open for Registration!
August – Planning is underway
September 25 (Friday) – Plates & Palates – Willow Park Golf & Country Club
October – Planning is underway
November 14 (Saturday) – Bubbles Brunch at Cassis Bistro
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
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.
OUR WINE STORE PARTNERS
The best way to stay abreast of what each of our ‘Wine and Liquor Store Partners’ has to offer is to sign up for their Newsletters. Most of them offer fantastic sales and events throughout the year that you would hate to miss out on. It is as simple as going to their stores or respective websites and sign up for yourselves. FOV does not share our membership list with any of these Vendors; hence you need to take the initiative personally.
Cork Fine Wines, Liquor and Ale
20% off regular prices
183, 250 – 6th Avenue S.W. (Bow Valley Square)
Craft Cellars
17% off regular prices
1345 – 32nd Avenue N.E.
5111 Northland Drive N.W. (Unit #2120, Building 5)
Crowfoot Wine & Spirits
15% off regular prices
Crowfoot Signature – 7414 Crowfoot Road N.W.
Aspen – 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
18% off regular prices with registration below
Apply for discount / newsletter offers using the link below (please note, only one person can be registered at a time using this method). You will receive an email confirming your discount within a few days: Highlander Wine & Spirits Corporate Sign-Up … https://highlanderwine.com/corporate-program/
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% off regular prices
1257 Kensington Road N.W.
Market Wines
15% off regular prices
South – 520, 77th Avenue S.E.
University District – 4109 University Avenue N.W.
West – 110, 55 Greenbriar Drive N.W.
Metrovino Fine Wines
10% off regular prices
722 – 11th Avenue S.W.
Richmond Hill Wines
15% off regular prices
108, 3751 – 51st Street S.W.
Rocky Mountain Wines, Spirits & Beer
10%–25% off regular prices
225 – 58th Avenue S.E.
Vine Styles
15% off regular prices
1127B Kensington Road N.W.
Willow Park Wines & Spirits
15% off regular prices
10801 Bonaventure Drive S.E.
FOV’S BLOG
Are you aware of the Blog on the FOV website? It features lots of information on regional wines among other things. The majority of the articles are written by Phil Lo, a Volunteer and former Board Member. Check them out here!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2025-2026
Feel free to contact the Board at any time by sending an email to
Tara Glumac | President | |
Mary Kupchenko Hill | Vice-President | |
JC Cornell | Secretary | |
Sheena Woodhead | Treasurer | |
Doug Crapo | Industry Partnering | |
Debra Johnstone | Membership and Systems | |
Helen Upchurch | Marketing | |
Ray Todd | Past-President and Volunteer Coordinator | |
Janelle Baldwin - Maher | Wine Education Coordinator |
A FINAL SIP OF WISDOM
Summer is the season for slowing down, gathering with friends, and discovering that sometimes the simplest wines and cocktails create the best memories.
Cheers to sunshine, good company, and a glass of something delicious!
Until next time, may your glass be full, your friends be near and your next great wine discovery be just around the corner.
Comments