Category : Inspiration

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

Exceptional wine service is about far more than opening a bottle and filling a glass—it combines technical knowledge, attention to detail, and an understanding of the guest to create a polished and memorable experience. From serving wine at the right temperature and presenting and pouring it correctly to understanding wine fundamentals, making thoughtful recommendations, pairing wine with food, and knowing when to decant, every detail matters. Ultimately, great wine service is not about demonstrating how much you know, but about using that knowledge with confidence and discretion to make each Member’s experience better.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

What do you do when you’re asked to open a $20,000 bottle of 1863 Vintage Port in front of 30 members of the wine media? If you’re Marcel Bregstein, you reach for a pair of glowing Port tongs—and an ice-cold Scarlet Macaw feather. In this memorable Chronicles of Cork story, Marcel takes us back to the 2003 PMA Chairman’s Gala at The Toronto Hunt, where a centuries-old bottle, a daring idea, and a very nervous sommelier came together for one unforgettable moment. It’s a story about wine, history, a little bit of risk, and the unexpected moments that become the stories we remember.

Beverly Beuermann-King
CSP Keynote Speaker and Facilitator

Many organizations now have four or even five generations working side by side.

While there are certainly similarities across generations, people have been shaped by different workplace experiences, economic realities, technologies, and leadership expectations. These experiences can influence how employees view topics such as change, trust, communication, career growth, well-being, and workplace culture.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

When Lynn Elmhirst—producer and host of World’s Greatest Cruises—invited me to collaborate on filming two episodes in Bordeaux, I knew it would be something special. With her expertise in luxury cruising and my deep connections in the wine world, we set out to create something truly memorable.

The experience became even richer when a small group of Toronto Hunt Members joined us for an 11-day journey aboard the elegant Scenic Diamond.

Marcel Bregstein, CCM/Sommelier
Assistant General Manager, Toronto Hunt Club

It has been over a year and many of our favourite California, Oregon and Washington wines are still missing from LCBO shelves. If you’re struggling to replace the Cabs, Pinots and Chardonnays you used to love, the good news is that excellent alternatives exist — often from the very regions where these grapes originally came from.

At the 2026 Annual Meeting held April 8, 2026 at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club we showcased our 4th Annual Idea Fair. Check out the entries!

Nicholas D'Ovidio
Assistant General Manager
The Club at North Halton

Working in the kitchen gave me an invaluable 'insider's view' of the club. You're at the heart of the action, privy to the daily rhythms and the nuances of member preferences. I heard their feedback, understood their routines, and learned what truly mattered to them. This knowledge, gained from the ground up, provided a unique advantage when I transitioned to a more member-facing role. 

At the 2025 Annual Meeting held April 2, 2025 at The Boulevard Club we showcased our 3^rd Annual Idea Fair. Check out the entries!