Toronto Tastes Roero: The Magic of Pairings

On October 21, an elegant press event was held at Toronto’s Park Hyatt, bringing together 25 media and industry representatives to explore the nuances of Roero through a guided tasting. With eight producers in attendance, the event offered a comprehensive panorama of Roero Arneis DOCG and Roero Rosso DOCG—wines that reflect the history and personality of this unique corner of Piedmont.

The tasting was led by Andrea Eby, a renowned Ontario sommelier, who guided guests on an in-depth sensory journey. Her narration, rich in technical and cultural insights, allowed the Canadian audience to appreciate the structure, aromatic elegance, and pairing potential of Roero DOCG wines.

Alongside her, Stefano Simeoni, importer of Italian products, presented a selection of traditional Italian deli meats, explaining their production methods, organoleptic characteristics, and the philosophy behind these European specialties. Through his presentation, guests explored the art of pairing wines and deli meats—a dialogue that reveals the complementarity between two deeply rooted gastronomic traditions.

Also in attendance was Francesca Iraldi, representing the Consorzio Tutela del Roero, who emphasized the strategic importance of the Canadian market and the value of the SIP & SAVOR project as a cultural bridge between Europe and North America.

In the afternoon, the program continued at the elegant Vantage Venues, where a masterclass was offered to media, professionals, and content creators. The session provided an in-depth learning opportunity for those wishing to fully understand tasting dynamics and pairing techniques.

Once again, Andrea Eby guided participants through Roero’s terroirs, explaining how climate, soil, and vinification methods shape the identity of Roero Arneis DOCG and Roero Rosso DOCG. Her clear and engaging narration allowed guests to grasp the unique personality of these European wines, which combine freshness, complexity, and remarkable gastronomic versatility.

The educational component was enriched by insights from Stefano Simeoni, who highlighted the variety and quality of the Italian deli meats selected for the occasion. Mortadella Bologna IGP, Prosciutto San Daniele DOP, Lardo di Colonnata IGP, Bresaola della Valtellina IGP, and other excellences were paired with each wine in a carefully curated program, demonstrating how European food traditions can dialogue with contemporary tastes in innovative ways.

The Toronto events once again showcased the strength of SIP & SAVOR as a cultural initiative, even before a gastronomic one. By engaging Canadian audiences through masterclasses and guided tastings, the project offers not just products, but knowledge—an immersion into the history, tradition, and European values of quality.

Roero wines, with their elegance and authenticity, and Italian deli meats, symbols of craftsmanship and expertise, form an ideal combination for conveying Europe’s heritage in an accessible and contemporary way. Toronto, with its curious and culinary-savvy audience, proved to be the perfect setting for this meeting of cultures.

With the success of the Ontario events, the North American journey of SIP & SAVOR continues, strengthening the bond between Europe and Canada and promoting not only outstanding products, but a rich, inclusive, and deeply rooted gastronomic vision.