I have to say, I never interfaced with the staff at liqour stores much before- but I DO notice that the LCBO- liqour stores in ontario- are a friendly bunch!
This is one huge ass liqour store with Vintages up the wazoo- with a great feel of an old train station, this location also boasts the wine appreciate classes- I signed up for both the old world and new world wine courses and it was completely worth the 140$ per course.
There are a few who take it alone, a few who come in dates/new couple exercises, and a few who come with friends. It's always a good time.
for 140$ you get tutored tastings of 8 wines that you may or may not have tasted/would have tried- without the suggestion.
I must say that the old world wine course is more worth it- AND that you can get much better value by gather a bunch of friends together and buying bottles of wine and trying it at a party. HOWEVER, I can't say I feel ripped off because I've made some good friends and it is an undeniably good time.
Instructors range from dull to very fun- but the majority are fun and all of them knowledgable- the best (or worst) part is that you really DO come out with a knowledge of what you like/dislike and a better understanding of your personal preferences for flavours and regions.
This happens to be bad for me because time and time again- in blind taste tests- I really could tell the difference between the cheap vs pricier wines. And, of course, my tasting preferences were for the latter.
But truly, this is a great idea for people who love wine (novice or moderate level); people who want an extra activity/hobby; or a gift idea/ date idea.
great great great.
not to mention the staff at this location (and lcbo's in general) are just so much fun and so knowledgeable.