(Toronto, ON): The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is pleased to announce that for the first time, 100% of the wine and craft beer they serve will be locally sourced. This initiative reflects the Centre’s ongoing commitment to support local businesses and showcase the best Ontario has to offer.

In a typical year, the MTCC serves approximately 38,000 bottles of wine and 94,000 beers. By buying local in large volume, the Centre hopes to help support local businesses as much as possible, especially as the region recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

Overall, approximately 65% of all food and beverage items procured by the MTCC are from local farms and suppliers. The facility aims to increase this percentage every year. The MTCC’s culinary team also spearheads a dry age meat-aging program that can serve aged local Ontario beef to up to 3,500 guests.

“As Canada’s largest convention centre, it’s important for us to lead by example, support local businesses and make a positive impact on the region,” said David Procopio, Director of Food and Beverage Services at the MTCC. “We continue to find ways to increase our ability to buy local, and for attendees to experience the best of Ontario.”

MTCC’s 2022 Local Wine List:

Trius Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon

Cave Spring Cellars, Riesling Dry

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, Unoaked Chardonnay

Malivoire Winery, Estate Grown Chardonnay

Keint-He Winery, Portage Chardonnay

Le Clos Jordanne, Le Grand Clos 2019 Chardonnay

Château des Charmes, Sauvignon Blanc

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Fumé Sauvignon Blanc

Creekside Estate Winery, Pinot Grigio

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Rosé

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Pinot Noir

Keint-He Winery, Pinot Noir Portage

13th Street Winery, Burger Blend, Gamay Pinot Noir

Westcott Vineyards, Temperance, Gamay Pinot Noir

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery, Old Vines Baco Noir

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, Cabernet Merlot

Hidden Bench Estate Winery, 2017 Terroir Caché

MTCC’s 2022 Local Craft Beer List:

Steam Whistle Pilsner

Ace Hill Vienna Lager

Rainhard Classic Lager

Henderson’s Best Ale

Junction Krispy Lite Lager

Harmon’s Lunchbox Non-alcoholic Lagered Ale

Local Partner Quotes

“Partnering with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre has been a tremendously exciting opportunity for us here at Peninsula Ridges Estates Winery. Their commitment to showcasing our world class, locally made craft wine and beer lets visitors from around the world experience the very finest Ontario has to offer. MTCC’s support, by buying local has also had a significant, positive impact on the economic health of our rural communities across the province, and will do so for years to come.” – Norman Beal, President at Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery

“As we get access to more and more global products, having access to local ones becomes even more important. Local brands reflect the community they serve, support local economies and are made by people who live locally. This is not only important for the people who live here, but also the people who visit us. It’s our local flavour that makes us unique. Supporting local helps local business, but more importantly it lets the people in the community shine and tell their stories through the products they make and the services they offer. At Henderson, we strive to make beers that reflect the city so that people who enjoy our beer feel like they are having a taste of Toronto.” – Steve Himel, General Manager at Henderson Brewing Company

“Now more than ever we have realized how important it is to support local businesses and enjoy local products. Andrew Peller Ltd is extremely proud to be a part of the MTCC’s 100% local program.  The program will help raise awareness about all of the amazing products that we are able to produce right here in our backyard.” -Thirty Bench Winemakers

“We are honoured to showcase our award winning, Niagara grown wines at the MTCC to a Canadian and international group of people. We are a family owned business making and growing sustainable certified wines. Our wines are available across Canada and in over 21 countries around the world. It is critical that we promote local products to the world. It shows off Canadian innovation and our culture as well as critical in growing our economy.” – Paul Speck, President at Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

“Junction Craft Brewery makes exceptional beer that honours tradition yet compliments our modern world. We’re proud to supply our product to MTCC and thrilled that an organization with such expansive local and international audiences is supporting local businesses in this way. It’s a mandate of JCB’s to work with other members of our community, as we, like MTCC, understand the power of lifting each other up. With all the creativity and innovation coming out of our local beverage industry, there’s sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s taste on their new 100% local wine and craft beer list.” – Junction Craft Beverage Co.

“Since Harmon’s Craft Brewing launched last November, the support we’ve received from local businesses has been our life’s blood. I think the pandemic accelerated the movement among small Ontario merchants and producers to collaborate and create innovative opportunities for everyone to thrive.” – Steve Abrams, Partner at Harmon’s Craft Brewing

About the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada’s number one convention and trade show facility. Over the past 37 years, the Centre has hosted over 21,000 events and has added $8.2 billion in direct spending economic impact to the community. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

Media enquiries:

Melanie Wade, Social Media and Communications Specialist

T: (416) 585-8504 E: mwade@mtccc.com