Newsletter - September 2025
- FOV Board
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 24
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Tara Glumac
Dear Friends,
As summer’s golden glow gives way to the crisp embrace of autumn, I hope this message finds you inspired, refreshed, and ready to raise a glass to the seasons ahead. September has always felt like a new beginning — a time when our routines return, our tables become more abundant, and our glasses are filled with wines that pair beautifully with cozy evenings and hearty fare.
It has been an immense honor — and an absolute pleasure — to “steer the ship” these past few months as your new President. I am deeply grateful for your confidence, your support, and the sheer joy you bring to every gathering. Friends of the Vine is more than a society; it is a community of kindred spirits who delight in discovery, connection, and the celebration of life’s finest moments.
Our recent events have been nothing short of spectacular — evenings of conversation, laughter, and remarkable wines that remind us why we gather. Looking ahead, our calendar continues to sparkle:
Plates & Palates (Friday, September 26) at the Willow Park Golf & Country Club.
Canadian Wine Tasting (October) – An elegant showcase of the artistry and terroir of our own vineyards.
And, of course, our crown jewel: the Mountain Escape Weekend – February 2026. Nestled in the grandeur of the Rockies, this event is more than a getaway — it is a tradition of refinement, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Early bird registration is now open, and I assure you, this is an experience you will not want to miss. Space is limited, so I encourage you to secure your place soon.
As we savor the beauty of autumn and look forward to the sparkle of the holiday season, I remain profoundly grateful to be at the helm of this extraordinary society. Together, let us raise a glass to friendship, discovery, and the pleasures that await.
With warmth and gratitude,
Tara
A Gift of Wine and Memories
Deb Johnstone
Wine to me is never just a drink—it’s a vessel for moments, for flavors that tell a story, for memories that linger long after the last drop is gone.
When someone gives me a bottle, I mark their name and the date on the label, then tuck it gently into my rack, almost like saving a promise for the future. And when the day finally comes to open it, I send them a note with a photo of the empty bottle—my way of saying thank you again, and of letting them know that their gift became part of a memory I’ll always carry.
So, here’s to the bottles we share, and to the people who make every sip a memory worth keeping. Cheers!
WINE RAMBLINGS
Phil Lo
Many of you know Phil Lo. He is the primary author of FOV’s Wine Ramblings. His love for wine dates back to his youth. Many FOV members have inquired about his story, so here’s your chance to get to know Phil a little better.
Grab a glass of your favorite wine, cuddle up in your favorite chair, and read the his linked story. And please, share your thoughts with us at info@friendsofthevinecalgary.com.
JC Cornell
A peak into the exciting world of Albanian wines, from FOV's JC Cornell.
If you’ve missed any of FOV WINE RAMBLINGS, remember they are on our
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, September 26, 2025
Plates and Palettes – at the Willow Park Golf Course - learn more here!
Registration closes September 22, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Bubbles and Brunch at Cassis Bistro - learn more here!
Tickets on sale soon!
January 2026
Sip Don't Swallow… … stay tuned!
February 20-21, 2026
Mountain Escape - learn more here!
Early bird registration closes September 30, 2025!
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.
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)
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.
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 |
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