Niagara Wine Weekend & Auction

Main Services: Event Design & Management | Destination Design & Management


Always Included: Experience Design | Project Management | Program Strategy | Creative Strategy | Health & Safety

Key Elements: Entertainment Management | Event Brand Development | Food & Beverage Management | Fundraising Management | Registration Management | Site Selection | Sponsorship Activation

At its heart, the Niagara Wine Auction Weekend had one clear purpose: to raise vital funds for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and St. Catharines General Hospital. This beloved annual event brought together Niagara’s thriving wine and culinary community with generous donors and enthusiastic guests for a cause that mattered deeply. The Niagara Wine Auction Weekend was more than a fundraiser; it was a masterclass in storytelling, production, and purpose. The 2008 edition didn’t just raise funds; it raised the bar.

  • The Experience

    Welcome Reception

    The weekend began at Peller Estates, where guests were greeted with glasses of Peller Ice Cuvée Rosé in hand. Each attendee received a beautifully produced event guide and VIP lanyard, setting the tone for an all-access, elevated experience. The evening featured mingling, fine wines, and light bites before guests branched off to intimate winemaker’s dinners across the region.


    Garden Party

    The Commons in Niagara-on-the-Lake came alive with a vibrant showcase of 30 wineries and 30 restaurants, inviting guests to sip, sample, and celebrate the region’s best. The atmosphere brimmed with energy as barrel, silent, and live auctions inspired generous bidding on rare vintages and exclusive offerings—all in support of SickKids and St. Catharines General Hospital.


    Gala Dinner

    Saturday night rolled out the red carpet with tuxedos, gowns, and flashbulbs. Hosted by Ken Shaw and the incomparable Jann Arden, the evening struck the perfect balance of glamour and generosity. Jann’s quick wit, heartfelt $100,000 donation to SickKids, and comedic flair kept the room buzzing.


    The live auction raised the stakes with celebrity wine-and-golf experiences featuring Mike Weir, Dan Aykroyd, and Wayne Gretzky. The night reached its peak with performances by The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations, turning Niagara into a Motown stage and closing with “My Girl” echoing across the dance floor at 12:45 a.m.


    Installations & Activations

    Transforming a national heritage site, The Commons in Niagara-on-the-Lake, into a world-class venue presented both creative opportunities and logistical challenges. As a protected space with strict preservation protocols, every element required precise planning and close collaboration with heritage authorities.


    A 10-day load-in brought the vision to life, including a custom-built gala tent, extensive site infrastructure, and a bespoke garden installation designed to complement the historic landscape. Multiple sponsor activations and branded experiences were seamlessly integrated—from lounges to curated tasting stations—ensuring every touchpoint felt intentional, immersive, and aligned with the event’s fundraising mission. Despite the summer heat and tight logistics, the result was an unforgettable environment that redefined what’s possible in an outdoor heritage setting.

  • Whizbang Moments

    One guest put it perfectly,  “What other event starts with Peller Ice Cuvée Rosé and ends with the Temptations singing ‘My Girl’ at 12:45 in the morning?”

Get Started on Your Event
10

days of load-in

450000

dollars raised

30
wineries

wineries showcased

Happy Guest

“What other event starts with Canadian savvy and ends with Motown classics? What other event opens the door to the future with Niagara wines and closes with a blast from the past like the Temptations? Wine, food, and music—with a big dose of generosity—that pretty much encapsulates the weekend.”