A Night to Savour: Celebrating 150 Years of Vina Tarapacá
It’s not every day that something that has been crafted for over 150 years now is so available to enjoy in Canada. On the shelf of your local liquor store, a piece of history from Chile. Vina Tarapacá, a wine that has stood the test of time.
Celebrating 150 Years of Vina Tarapacá
A night like this deserves a place that has charm pouring from every wall. The University Club of Toronto was the perfect venue for this milestone evening. Even with the University Club of Toronto starting in 1906, Vina Tarapacá has it by another 32 years. Which really brings a lot of perspective to how long Vina Tarapacá has been around for. So it’s that camaraderie of two lasting entities collaborating for an intimate dinner for a grand occasion.
History was made there many times over and this celebratory dinner was no different.
The room was warm, buzzing with excitement, conversation was flowing and the place was just classy enough to remind you that you’re at a wine event.
The Faces of the Night: Angela Aiello and Sebastien Ruiz
Let’s start with Angela Aiello—she’s not just a sommelier; she’s a force in the Canadian wine market.
I have travelled with her. I have shared bottles of wine with her. She’s someone you can trust to steer you to good decisions around grapes and what their potential is. She’s got this way of talking about wine that’s equal parts passion and practicality.
And then there’s Sebastien Ruiz. Picture this: a Chilean winemaker with stories as rich as the wine he pours. He is the long-standing rockstar of the vineyards of Vina Tarapacá and now THE winemaker there.
Ruiz has been passionate about Vina Tarapacá for over 30 years now. Honestly, when was the last time you stuck with something longer than three months? The level of dedication is admirable. 30 years of finding new aspects to get excited about and finding continuous passion is outstanding. It shows when you talk to him.
A Walk Through 150 Years of Vina Tarapacá
Vina Tarapacá isn’t just a winery—it’s an institution. Founded in 1874, it’s seen and lived through everything from the development of cars, smartphones, solar panels to the rise of the internet. And through it all, they’ve stayed true to their roots. Sebastien shared a bit about how their winemaking has evolved, yet still pays homage to its beginnings.
He talked about their estate nestled in the Maipo Valley, where the soil and climate create wines that are complex in the best ways.
The Dinner: A Feast for the Senses
Food and wine have a very exciting marriage of sorts. Like two fire signs getting together for my astrological fans out there. So it was important to highlight their anniversary in a big way. A multiple course meal, the perfect excuse to try different wines with different plates, yet making you feel sophisticated at the same time. It really is the palette and the paint brush.
The menu was a symphony of flavours, crafted to match every note of the wines.
The Five-Course Meal At University Club
1st course /
Tuna ceviche, caper, olive oil, shallots, salmon caviar
Wine Pairing: Gran Reserva Tarapacá Rosé 2022
2nd course /
Bison carpaccio, percorino, shaved truffle, arugula
Wine Pairing: Gran Reserva Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
3rd course /
Rolled pork loin, chorizo, aged cheddar polenta
Wine Pairing: Gran Reserva Tarapacá 150th Anniversary Edition
4th course /
Flank steak, chimichurri, pomme puree, charred corn
Wine Pairing: Gran Reserva Tarapacá Black Label 2022
5th course /
150th Anniversary Cake
Between courses, Aiello and Ruiz walked us through the pairings, explaining why each wine worked. And honestly, they could’ve served saltine crackers with that wine, and we’d still have been impressed. But no, this was next-level dining. The kind where you forget about your phone because you’re too busy savouring every bite.
Tasting Notes: Experiencing the Wines
If wine could talk, Vina Tarapacá’s would be fluent in poetry. Each glass told a story, from their bold reds (which I am very partial to) that dance on your tongue. Sebastien spoke about the process—the care, the precision, the love—that goes into every bottle.
Aiello described the wines and their specific applications in ways that made sense to everyone. She made wine feel approachable, relatable—like something you’d want to share with your best friends.
Why This Celebration Matters
So, why does any of this matter? Because 150 years isn’t just a milestone—it’s a legacy at this point.
This wine was pouring well before certain countries were formed. This event wasn’t just about wine; it was about connection. It was about two worlds colliding—Chile and Toronto, tradition and urban living—and creating something unforgettable.
And for Vina Tarapacá, this isn’t the end of the story. It’s just another chapter in a book that keeps getting better with age.
Continuing The Story With Vina Tarapacá
Nights like this remind you why we celebrate. It’s not just about the wine (although, let’s be real, that’s a big part of it). It’s about the people, the stories, the shared moments. And if you ever get a chance to sip something from Vina Tarapacá, take it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
For more information about Vina Tarapacá or Angela Aiello, be sure to visit their websites. Please very much enjoy, but responsibly.
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