Newsletter - May 2025
- FOV Board
- May 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 2
PAST-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Ray Todd
As I reflect on my time serving as President of Friends of the Vine for the last two
years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead and collaborate with
such a dedicated team and organization. Together, we have navigated
challenges, celebrated successes, and made meaningful strides towards our goals
of providing a social atmosphere to learn more about wines and wine culture.
I am proud of the initiatives and variety of events we launched and the progress
we made in strengthening our community. It has been an honor to work
alongside passionate individuals who are committed to our mission. So many
great people on the board, volunteers and members.
While I step back from this role, I am excited to see how the organization
continues to evolve and flourish. I remain a steadfast supporter and look forward
to witnessing the innovative ideas and impactful actions that lie ahead.
Congratulations to the new President, Tara Glumac, who will be such a dynamic
leader for the Club.
Thank you for your support and for trusting me to serve and special thanks to my
long term friends Doug Crapo and Judy Hunt for always being there for assistance
and guidance!
Warm regards,
Ray Todd
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Tara Glumac
It is with great pride and gratitude that I write to you today as President of
Friends of the Vine Calgary.
Since first joining this remarkable community in 2003 and having served on the
board for over 15 years, I've been continually inspired by the passion,
camaraderie, and love of wine that defines our society. From intimate tastings to
our signature events, FOV has remained a place where friendships flourish,
knowledge is shared, and the appreciation for fine wine and food is celebrated.
As we embark on another exciting year together, I remain committed to honoring
our traditions while looking ahead with fresh energy and intention. We will
continue to curate exceptional tasting experiences, foster connections with local
and global wine producers, and create memorable events that reflect the warmth
and vibrancy of our members.
Thank you for being part of this journey - whether you're a long-time member or
newly joined. Your presence and enthusiasm are what make FOV so special.
Cheers to another year of shared stories, great wine, and unforgettable moments.
Warmest regards,
Tara Glumac
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 |
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Summer BBQ – at the Hamptons Golf & Country Club (noon
to 3:00 p.m.); registration is now open, see our events page! Deadline for registration is June 2, 2025.
Friday, July 25, 2024
Summer Sippers Wine Tasting
August, 2025 - TBA
Friday, September 26, 2025
Plates and Palettes – at the Willow Park Golf Course
October, 2025
Canadian Wine Tasting … … stay tuned!
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Bubbles and Brunch at Cassis Bistro
At the Annual General Meeting in early May, we spoke about a Mountain Get-
Away wine event. Due to the timing and the proximity to Christmas, it has been
decided to defer this event to 2026 … more information to come.
WINE RAMBLINGS
If you’ve missed any of FOV WINE RAMBLINGS, remember they are on our
FOV BENEFITS and PARTNERS
In addition to being the first to be invited to our Club’s fantastic tasting events, all
members receive great discounts through our wine store partners. Present your
Membership Card to receive the FOV discount. Once your membership has been
checked by the store, they may list you in their system – you will then only need
to give the clerk your phone number for discounts on subsequent visits (but it is
always a good habit to have your membership card with you). Check out their
websites for their curated wine tastings and subscribe to their events and/or
newsletters. 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)
WINE COURSES
Fine Vintage started 30 years ago and are please provide FOV members with a
variety of free resources for our enjoyment.
They have released an Online course on Canadian wines and are please to offer it
to us for free (valued at $99). Learn the latest on Canadian wines by
clicking Canadian Wine 101 Online Class | Fine Vintage Canada and entering the
promo code: CANADAEH … if you are considering FOV’s October Canadian Wine
Tasting, you may want to consider signing up for this course!
You can access their video library for free and enjoy over 400 videos featuring
famous winemakers in Europe. Click here and enter the coupon
code: WATCHWINE
To learn more about the classic grape varieties you can access their series “Round
The World in 52 Grapes” by clicking here.
Check out their website for more information the cost of the WSET courses …
All Fine Vintage courses are non-sponsored FOV events. You would need to sign
up with Fine Vintage directly.
TRAVEL WINE TOURS
If you are interested in combining a wine tour with a holiday, you may want to
check out Vinfluence, owned by Peggy Perry and her husband, Brien.
The travel component of Vinfluence focuses on the wine capitals of the world. If
there's a better way to understand the heart and soul of a land and its people
than through the experience of its food and wine, they’d be surprised!
All Vinfluence trips are guided by Peggy and Brien. They have more than 15 years
of experience leading wine and food trips around the world. Most trips are all
inclusive once you arrive at our departure point, typically running 7 days and 6 nights.
Typical packages include accommodation, ground transportation, wine
tours and tastings, special experiences like cooking classes and cycling tours,
historic walking tours and, of course, delicious meals with amazing wines. Hotels
are selected for their comfort and uniqueness with a focus on newly opened
boutique hotels. To accommodate those looking for less expensive options, they
are happy to assist in locating and booking suitable AirBNB accommodations close
to our chosen hotels.
Check out their website for more information … http://vinfluence.net
MEMBERSHIP
Know of someone you think would enjoy being a member of FOV?
Direct them to https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=36690. An annual membership is $30/person.
It also makes a great gift and a way to spend more time with friends.
Laminated Membership Cards are available to all members … to request one,
email info@friendsofthevinecalgary.com and in the topic line, write ‘Laminated
Membership Card’. It will be available for you to pick up at the next FOV event.
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