Canada’s Great Kitchen Party

elevates and celebrates Canadian
wine, beer and spirits

Canada’s Great Kitchen Party 2026 culinary competitions will be held in 10 cities across Canada, culminating in Ottawa with the best on best 2027 Canadian Culinary Championship. At each stop on the tour, a collection of Canada’s finest wines will be poured, along with beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. In several cities, a judging component comprised of the top local beverage writers, educators and tasters will award Gold, Silver and Bronze winners. An appreciation for all the contributing wineries’ support will continue to be the impetus for holding these Best of Show wine competitions, with each winner moving on to Ottawa for the January 2027 Canadian Culinary Championships. The KP beverage component is intrinsic to the organization’s success, to harmonize with and elevate the quality of these culinary events. Generously donated by the producers, they are presented and poured to more than 4,000 guests annually, making KP the largest public showcase of Canada’s homegrown beverages.

The 2024/2025 Wine Report

Canadian Wines

Canadian Wines - world-class quality from coast-to-coast

National Wine Advisor Michael Godel will call upon his 38 years of experience in both the culinary and wine industries to curate and share the finest available selection of Canadian wines to KP guests. To complement the wine selections, events will offer top-shelf beer, spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Beginning in 2022, long-time wine advisor David Lawrason initiated a concerted effort to elevate wine quality up to the premium tier being produced in Canada. This has included Gold Medalist representation from wines honoured at the National Wine Awards of Canada. David has been an inspiration to many, a great friend to the Kitchen Party, a tremendous colleague and a true mentor in wine journalism. He has now passed the torch to Michael, who will preside over a coming season that will mark the Kitchen Party’s 20th anniversary. He is proud and honoured to act as the next messenger for Canadian wines, and to share their world class quality with Canadians, from Vancouver to St. John's.

Exquisite Pours

All-Star chefs from ten cities will work with Canadian products carefully selected by sommeliers and beverage directors to complement their dishes, and these matches will again act as an important element in the beverage judging. And in most cities, VIP ticket purchasers will have the opportunity to enjoy incredible wine poured exclusively at the VIP reception. The 2025/2026 Wine Report highlights the scope of the beverage program, including a list of every wine donated over the course of the year.

Fine wine is also a significant part of Kitchen Party trips. Destinations with an important local wine industry, whether in Europe, North America, or in the Southern Hemisphere will sometimes feature Michael as a wine host. Michael may also host tours in Canadian wine country or at private tastings and dinners as part of the fundraising efforts.

Changing Preferences

Beers, spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages - rapid growth and changing preferences

Canada’s craft brewing scene continues to expand. Since 1998, Canadian breweries have grown from 150 to nearly 1,500. Changes in regulations have also seen a proliferation of smaller batch spirits, in many cases making use of local grains and botanicals. There are over 250 verified artisan distilleries in Canada. Ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages in Canada continue experiencing rapid growth. As a reflection of changing Canadian preferences, local excellence in brewing creativity, RTD options, craft distilling and unique non-alcoholic beverages are proudly celebrated at KP events.