Behind the unmarked door at The Wine Conservatory in Yorkville, marks a night of Italian wine proportions. We, in a sense, travel Italy without purchasing the plane ticket to experience a northern region of wine, just outside of Venice.
We were invited by Ethica Wines to discover Veneto wines with Cantina Anselmi. A lovely way to spend a night in the the city.
The Invitation
The evening was curated by Toronto’s top wine expert, Angela Aiello—better known as @SuperWineGirl—with help and complimenting knowledge from Gianluca Di Loro acting as our wine librarians for the night.
Their promise? Five plates, five pours, and a passport-stamp’s worth of stories in between. The table was set, the Prosecco doing a cold plunge in an ice bath. Conversation started, wine started tidal waving into our glasses to kick things off.
Act I: A Rose-Tinted Opening
La Gioiosa Floral Prosecco DOC Rosé – Coming Soon
Release: Feb 7 2026 – $16.95
The early debut of this Prosecco was the perfect welcome. We all settled in right away and enjoyed familiar faces and the introductions of new ones into our networks.
We took our seats.
Act I: A Fresh Start
It danced well alongside a Sesame Salad. Modest ingredients, direct execution, the kind of plate that reminds you that simple does equal better for a salad.
Wine Pairing: Lavis Pinot Grigio –$15 at LCBO
Sleek, saline, refreshingly honest—no tutti-frutti caricature here.
Act II: Coastal Detour
The next dish provided more depth as the Albacore Tuna Tiradito was placed in front of me.
Wine Pairing: Villa Sparina Gavi DOCG Release: May 10 – $22.95
This was a great pairing. The delicate flavours of the tuna played very nice with Villa Sparina. Just like a political conversation with family, it was great to keep light.
Act III: The Heartbeat
Wine Pairing: Anselmi San Vincenzo – $18.95 At LCBO
With mellow and fruity notes, it lifted the complex flavours of the Lobster Risotto. Each bite the culinary equivalent of watching a nice back and forth tennis match (or pickleball if you are over 50).
Act IV: Now, We Are Getting Serious
Wine Pairing: Sella & Mosca “Riserva” Cannonau di Sardegna – $19.95 at LCBO
Here, Veneto ceded the spotlight to Sardinia. This was one of my favourites of the night.
Paired with Herb-Panko-Crusted Rack of Lamb it was a duet of primal and polished, just like the flavours sinking into your pallet, the wine washed it like it was a coat of fresh paint on the wall. Very satisfying.
Act V: The Sweet Finale
No wine pairing required—just a reflection of the great wines that were poured.
The kitchen ended its service with Panna Cotta Cookie Bites. They vanished after people saw them in front of them. It was an easy job for the dishwasher that night.
More Than a Meal
Angela and Gianluca’s commentary filled the room with great discussions of wine and how that results in life. The room glowed and the vibes were high.
You arrived at the dinner knowing you would enjoy the wines, you left wondering when you are going to see those bottles next.
Private wine club. Five courses. One unforgettable night.
Come thirsty, leave wondering how enjoyable the experience will be when you see what you enjoyed on the shelves of your nearest liquor control board of Ontario store.
I would recommend these wines if you haven’t taken a trip to the Italian section of the LCBO recently. Maybe you can ditch the standard go-to wine and reach for something just a little different.
I would like to thank Angela Aiello, Gianluca Di Loro, Ethica Wines and Cantina Anselmi for the wonderfully curated night.
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