Hints of brilliance and notes of innovation were in the air on the evening of October 24, 2024, at the 20th Annual UHN Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival. This wasn’t just an event—it was a testament to 20 years of unrelenting generosity, bringing together the finest in wine, art, and philanthropy under one glamorous roof.
Over 115 of the most celebrated winemakers showcased their finest vintages swirling in crystal glasses, each sip is a story of craftsmanship. These were no ordinary vintners—Marchesi Antinori, Domaine Roulot, Lucien Le Moine, Dal Forno Romano. Legendary names whispered among the wine elite were now poured freely for an audience that knew exactly how to appreciate them. This wasn’t just a tasting. It was a movement, an homage to excellence.
Among the crowd, you could spot luminaries like Julie Quenneville, UHN Foundation CEO, and the ever-dynamic Todd Halpern, a cornerstone of the event’s success. Even Ontario Premier Doug Ford joined the revelry, speaking about the power of community and commitment. Their words resonated as the evening flowed seamlessly from tastings to the highly anticipated auction where a Rolls Royce Spectre gleamed under the lights, and a myriad of rare wine lots drew whispers of envy, while a Miele Dream Kitchen promised a touch of luxury for one lucky bidder.
The art—original works by icons like Mr. Brainwash, Edward Burtynsky, and Marco Sassone—turned heads, their colours and textures alive with possibility. Every paddle raised wasn’t just a bid; it was a contribution to a cause that has, over two decades, raised an astonishing $170 million for pioneering medical research and innovation at the University Health Network (UHN).
Behind the scenes, a team of visionaries from McNabb Roick Events, Halpern Wine and the Hospital Foundation (UHN) meticulously curated every detail. The layout, the flow, the pacing—it was all intentional, designed to transport guests into a realm where luxury met purpose. Months of planning culminated in an evening that felt effortless, a flawless choreography of logistics, design, and execution. Halpern Wine and the UHN Foundation found perfect synergy with their event team at McNabb, who managed every facet with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra.
David Lawrason, a celebrated wine writer, couldn’t help but commend the effort:
“One of the best organized and detailed tastings in a very long career.”
High praise for an evening that not only exceeded expectations but set a new standard for what’s possible when passion and precision collide.
The Grand Cru left its mark—not just on the guests, who were lucky enough to sip, savour, and bid on moments of perfection, but on the legacy of UHN. The event was a celebration of what humanity can achieve when it pairs a great glass of wine with an even greater cause.
Partners on this project:
UHN Foundation
McNabb Roick Events
HBNG Charitable Foundation
Grand Touring Automobiles
CIBC
AMEX
BMO
Miele Canada
And to the winemakers, the artists, and the dreamers who poured their hearts into this evening: you are the heartbeat of the Grand Cru.
To learn more about McNabb Roick Events, visit their website and social media pages.
