LCBO stores are a provincial government enterprise and one of the world’s largest buyers and retailers of alcohol beverages. With hundreds of stores in the Toronto area alone, my favourite one is the LCBO Summerhill location, a former Canadian Pacific Railway station.
Restored to its original grandeur, this 31,000 square foot space is the largest liquor store in Canada and the architecture is a great mix of the old with the new. The tower clock, modelled after the Campanile in Venice, and the high ceilings supported by marble walls nicely complement the modern interactive spaces such as the high-end kitchen and tasting rooms.
The Summerville location is known for its great selection as well as its Tutored Tastings events, held a few times per week in the evenings. With prices ranging from $25 to $50, the educational seminars feature topics such as Introduction to Single Malts, the Vineyards of Chile and Argentina, How to Taste, as well as other seminars involving food matching.
Pre-registration is required so book early. If you’re not able to attend a seminar, I still recommend visiting this beautiful shop. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and you may even be able to taste a few samples for free.
www.lcbo.com/learn/
tutoredtastings_summerhill.shtml
10 Scrivener Square, Toronto, Canada
+1 416 922 0403
Google map: bit.ly/MMgtyY
* Giulia is our Been there local for Toronto. You can see her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/canada/toronto/index.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/GiuliaFalsetti
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