Tag : Sommelier

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.