WINE & LIVE AUCTIONS

BIG WHITE CULINARY ADVENTURE | PEBBLE BEACH | CHILE | NAPA AND SONOMA | YORKSHIRE DALES | PROVENCE & BURGUNDY | TUSCANY | ADRIATIC

2011 LIVE AUCTION

GMP

The Big White Culinary Adventure!


With 2011 Canadian Culinary Champion Martin Juneau and Olympian and World Champion Ski Cross Racer Kelsey Serwa

Travel Dates: February 7 – 12, 2012

You and three guests will be treated to an amazing ski and culinary week. The week will begin with a champagne reception at the fabulous Big White Ski Resort where you will get to meet the rest of the guests from across Canada along with Martin Juneau, 2011 Canadian Culinary Champion (Newtown, Montreal) and 2011 World Champion Ski Cross racer and local hero Kelsey Serwa, who has her sights set on Sochi in 2014. You will enjoy three nights at Big White Ski Resort, where you will stay in an executive two-bedroom condominium and receive four three-day ski passes for you and your guests. You will hit the slopes with Kelsey and fellow guests and enjoy some of the best skiing conditions in the world. On February 8th, you will join the other guests again and be treated to a wonderful four-course culinary experience called “The Last Supper” as Chef-Champion Martin Juneau prepares his last dinner as reigning Canadian Champion in the spectacular White Spirit Lodge. This will definitely be one of the highlights of the week!

Following your three days of skiing, you and your guests will be transported back to Kelowna, where you will spend two nights at the spectacular Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel and receive VIP passes to the 2012 Canadian Culinary Championships. You and your guests will attend the Mystery Wine Pairing, Black Box, and Grand Finale competitions, and watch the nine gold-medal-winning chefs from across Canada compete in these three thrilling and grueling challenges to be named 2012 Canadian Culinary Champion!

All ground transportation from Kelowna Airport to Big White Resort and from Big White Resort to the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel is provided.

Your six-day, five-night Big White Culinary Adventure for four includes:

Chefs will be presented with a mystery bottle of wine on Thursday night and are then required to prepare a dish with local ingredients that best complements the mystery wine, in a set amount of time and with a set budget. During the event you will taste the mystery wine and play ‘judge’ as you vote on the “People’s Choice Award” for the best wine and food pairing. Food and wine included.

Chefs receive only 10 minutes notice and a black box containing an array of diverse foods before having to produce and plate two spectacular dishes for the national judges. All in one very short hour! You won't get much closer to watching an Iron Chef competition than this - you will be a spectator in the kitchen!

Your VIP tickets include access to the VIP reception where Martin Juneau, 2011 Canadian Culinary Champion and Executive Chef at Newtown in Montreal, will prepare spectacular hors d’oeuvres and wonderful regional wines. On the final night of competition, anything goes. Chefs create their best dish for guests to sample, paired with a great wine from their regional winery partner. By evening’s end, Canada’s Champion Chef for 2012 will be crowned and a victory celebration will be staged including a show produced by National Entertainment Advisor, Jim Cuddy. Food and wine included.

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions.  Please note: rooms are suitable for two adults and rooms with two single beds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.
GMP

Tick Off that Bucket List!! The Legendary Pebble Beach Golf Resorts – Arguably the World’s Greatest Golf Experience!

With Olympian, NHL Star and Battle of the Blades Competitor, Russ Courtnall,
Canadian PGA Pro Golfer, Ian Leggatt (Winner of the PGA Tucson Open) and
Guest Appearance by NHL star and Vineyard Owner Val Bure!

Travel Dates: March 6 - 9, 2012

Pebble Beach Resorts is a legendary place. For more than 90 distinguished years, Pebble Beach Resorts has been celebrated for its unparalleled golf and resort facilities on California’s beautiful Monterey Peninsula. There are few golf thrills like teeing-up for the first time at Pebble Beach Golf Links! Dramatic coastline, mystical forest, rich history, world-class spa, warm hospitality, grand recreation - nowhere else on the planet does this combination come together quite like Pebble Beach Resorts. Attracting an extraordinary and discerning clientele over its history, from Teddy Roosevelt to Sir Winston Churchill to Clark Gable and Bing Crosby, legendary people continue to be drawn to this legendary setting. Become part of the legend that is Pebble Beach Resorts.

You will experience some of the best golf on the planet on their internationally renowned golf courses – Pebble Beach Golf Links, spectacular ocean-side course considered the greatest public golf course in America, which this year welcomed its fifth U.S. Open; Spyglass Hill Golf Course, which takes its inspiration from the classic novel, Treasure Island is rated one of the toughest courses in the world from the Championship tees; and The Links at Spanish Bay, a true Scottish links course offering a spirited challenge among the rugged and natural beauty of the carefully preserved Monterey coastline.

You and a guest will spend three nights at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, a legendary California haven for discerning clientele since 1919, Relaxed elegance, stately architecture and a glorious oceanside setting, The Lodge envelopes the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the most exciting closing holes in golf! The anticipation, passion and camaraderie of some of the best moments in golf echo through the halls and grounds of this wonderful Lodge.

Whether you spend the day playing the toughest hole on the PGA Tour, marveling at the beauty along the fabled 17-Mile Drive, shopping at Carmel Plaza, or rejuvenating in the award-winning Spa, Pebble Beach Resorts is a trip you need to check off your bucket list!

Your three-night, four-day getaway for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals and golf only as specified above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: rooms are suitable for two adults (either single or double occupancy). Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over).
GMP

Discover One of the Hottest Destinations on the Planet - Chile!

With Juno Award Winner Jim Cuddy and Olympian, Assistant Chef de Mission for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games and “Crazy Canuck,” Steve Podborski!

Travel Dates: March 18 - 25, 2012

Squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains along the extreme southwestern coast of South America, Chile is magically diverse and incredibly beautiful. In the centre of this vast, long and narrow country lies the agricultural heartland and the conditions that makes this a winemaker’s paradise!

Your adventure will begin with three nights in the capital city of Santiago – a wonderfully modern and urban city surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Andes. While in Santiago, you will have time to explore one of South America’s most interesting cities, including Plaza de Armas, the city’s main pedestrian square in the heart of the city near the city’s most relevant historic buildings including Metropolitan Cathedral, Mercado Central (Central Market) and La Vega Central, Santa Lucia hill, great restaurants and specialty shopping. You will also venture outside Santiago to hike in the world's longest continental mountain range – the Andes (optional), visit the picturesque port of Valparaiso and its 46 hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taste the wines of the Maipo Valley, long famous for its elegant cabernet sauvignons and the Casablanca Valley region that excels at crisp and fruity sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir.

For your last four nights, you will be transported back in time to the city of Santa Cruz located in the heart of Chile’s wine country - Colchagua Valley – a valley recognized for the production of its premium wines and the most highly awarded Chilean valley at international competitions in recent years. This is the place where syrah, carmenere and malbec are head-turners! You will taste some of the finest wines in this region, including Vina Casa Silva where you will watch their champion Polo team play while enjoying lunch and their award-winning wines at the Club House. You will hike along the many historic trails in the valley and on the last night enjoy an unforgettable private concert by Jim Cuddy atop a mountain, under the stars, overlooking the vineyards of Santa Cruz!

Unforgettable landscapes, peaceful country sides, great food, wonderful people with a culture steeped in tradition and an exciting wine culture that is drawing attention from around the world makes Chile a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: rooms are suitable for two adults and rooms with two single beds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.
GMP


The Exclusive Napa Sonoma Wine Country Experience – NOW FIVE NIGHTS!

With Olympic Gold Medallists Alexandre Bilodeau and Kyle Shewfelt and Singer-Songwriter, Colin James.

“This trip turned out to be one of the best experiences of our lives! We did not realize how amazing it would be to spend time with such inspirational people in such an intimate and beautiful setting. We absolutely loved meeting our Olympic hosts, the cycling, the countryside and, last but certainly not least, the food and the wine!” – Kelly Matheson, Calgary

Travel Dates: April 18 – 23, 2012

You and a guest will call Napa Sonoma home – a setting that is simple and dramatic, contemporary and comfortable. You will experience exclusive VIP wine tours and taste some of the best wines from the world-class Napa Sonoma wine regions. Your adventure will kick off with a welcome reception with special guest, Olympian and former Montreal Canadiens star Val Bure and featuring the Bure Family Wines! The rest of your wine country experience will include tastings at the stylish, quintessential Sonoma winery Chateau St. Jean, the always popular Del Dotto Vineyards, and Staglin Family Vineyard located in the historic Rutherford Bench Estate.

“Champagne Sunday” will begin with a sparkling wine brunch at the spectacular Gloria Ferrer Caves and the afternoon will end with singer-songwriter Colin James performing a private concert at the famed Robert Hunter Winery while you sit back, sip champagne and ponder the glories of being a Canadian.

You will be staying in the heart of the historic downtown Sonoma Plaza at the newly refurbished El Dorado Hotel, a boutique hotel that reflects the simple charm of wine country. From world-class dining at El Dorado Kitchen, voted “The Best Restaurant in Sonoma,” to relaxing poolside, the El Dorado Hotel is a one-of-a-kind destination. You can also enjoy fabulous restaurants within strolling distance, a visit to the Culinary Institute of America, cooking classes or shopping in the historic towns of Glen Ellen, Healdsburg or Sonoma Village Square. Add morning cycling through vineyard-lined country roads (optional) and easy hiking at the gorgeous Jack London State Historic Park (optional), with Olympic Freestyle Ski Gold Medallist Alexandre Bilodeau and Olympic Gymnastics Gold Medallist Kyle Shewfelt and you have the makings of a fabulous trip!

In addition to these amazing experiences, your ultimate Napa Sonoma experience will be taken to new heights with a guaranteed reservation at the Three-Star Michelin The French Laundry (meal not included). Considered one of the world’s best restaurants where getting a reservation is no small feat – waiting lists extend months and years. As a guest of Gold Medal Plates, you head to the front of the line!

Your five-night, six-day getaway for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: rooms are suitable for two adult couples. Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.

PHOTOS FROM NAPA 2010 & 2011

GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
 


GMP

Under the Tuscan Sun: Take Four


With Juno Award Winner Jim Cuddy, the legendary Barney Bentall and fiddler Anne Lindsay. Joining them will be Olympic Medallists Marnie McBean, Curt Harnett and Chandra Crawford and Olympian Devon Kershaw.


“San Felice is a magical place!”
– Duncan Sinclair, Edmonton

“It was a triathlon of a vacation. Bike-wine-music.”
– Rob Catani, Toronto

Travel Dates: April 27 – May 4, 2012 OR May 4 - 11, 2012

A once-in-a-lifetime private concert under the Tuscan stars with Canada’s own Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall, and Anne Lindsay. These amazing musicians will be joined by singer-songwriters Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson. Last year, guests overwhelmingly declared this one of the best concert experiences EVER!

Cycling led by local cyclists with some of the world’s most decorated Olympians on the beautiful country roads of Chianti. Imagine biking among the vineyards lined with majestic olive trees, stopping for a cappuccino in a quaint square, all set between the famed cities of Siena and Florence. It's considered some of the best cycling in the WORLD!

Wine and olive oil tastings at the world-renowned five-star Relais & Chateau Borgo San Felice and Winery, birthplace of the Super Tuscan, awarded “Most Excellent Hotel” Condé Nast Johansens Gold List and 25 Top Resorts by Condé Nast Traveller in 2011. Add an exquisite Italian wine tasting by Jim Cuddy, poolside serenades AND exquisite regional cuisine and you are set for a tremendous week – in one of the most prized locations on the planet – TUSCANY!

Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: rooms are suitable for two adults and rooms with two single beds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.

 

PHOTOS FROM TUSCANY 2011

GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP

 
GMP
 

GMP

The Magical Wine, Food and Cycling Routes of Southern France Graced by Incredible Music: One week in Provence OR One week in Burgundy.


With Canada’s Premiere Wine Expert, David Lawrason, Multi-Medal Winning Olympians Catriona Le May Doan and Jenn Heil, Olympic Coach Dom Gauthier and the Ever Classy and Hugely Popular Royal Wood and Sarah Slean and International Canadian music icon Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies!

“Sharing the adventure with people from all over Canada was a great gift.”
– Nick and Louise Hanlon, Montreal

“This was truly a fantastic experience; everyday was better than the last. A super trip!”
– David Savage, Calgary

Travel Dates: May 7 - 14, 2012 (Provence) OR May 15 – 22, 2012 (Burgundy)

There is no other wine region on the planet that speaks to excellence more than the superb wine regions of Burgundy and Provence, France. For over 1,000 years, this area has produced the world standard in fine wines. You'll also find beauty, grandeur, vast vineyards and exciting cuisine. We will have access to taste some exquisite Burgundian and Provencal wines and visit vineyards and Domaines of some of the world’s most respected producers. These are wines that express uniqueness, greatness and history – all to be perfectly presented by one of Canada’s most passionate and respected wine gurus – David Lawrason.

In addition to tasting some of the best wines on the planet, you will explore some of the finest markets, loved the world-over for their wonderful foods, wines, antiques and collectibles. Pick up a freshly baked French baguette, fresh olives, local cheese, a wonderful bottle of wine, and enjoy lunch in a quaint little village – heavenly! 

Add unforgettable multi-night concerts featuring Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, Sarah Slean and Royal Wood, cycling the routes of the Tour de France through the most amazing countryside in the heart of Southern France led by local guides alongside Olympians Catriona, Jenn and Dom and you have the makings of an unforgettable, wine-filled adventure!

Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: rooms are suitable for two adults and rooms with two single beds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.

PHOTOS FROM PROVENCE & BURGUNDY 2011

GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
 
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
 

GMP

IMAGES FROM ENGLAND 2010 & 2011

     
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
 
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
GMP
 
GMP
 

 

Hockey Night in the Adriatic


With Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada, Alan Doyle, Lead Singer of Great Big Sea, Chef Todd Perrin of Top Chef Canada fame and Olympic Gold Medallist, Adam Kreek!

“Cafes and castles; bars on palace walls. The beautiful Islands of the Adriatic are the sailing grounds of Iliad and the Odyssey. I am delighted to be inviting fellow Canadians to experience this with me.”
– Ron MacLean

Travel Dates: June 23 - 30, 2012

Experience seven amazing days on the idyllic waters of the Adriatic coastline aboard traditional luxury schooners, visiting beautiful and rustic islands, sampling local and international wines and foods, being entertained by Olympic and hockey stories and robust, heartfelt tunes by Alan, Ron and Adam. We will ensure your glass is never empty and a song and smile just a breath away.

Be there to say ”I WAS THERE” for the second annual International MacLean Cup Road Hockey game, being played between Team MacLean and Team Doyle for bragging rights, beer and the opportunity to hoist the mighty cup around the magical island of Hvar, host-island to the game. It may not be a serious game, but it is seriously fun! All guests are invited to play or you can choose to cheer on your favorite team!

Your adventure will begin in Split, Croatia, a city built on the shores of the Adriatic with its core housed inside the 2,000-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, bursting with bars, cafes and boutiques that are all wrapped up in a Mediterranean buzz – spectacular! Your adventure will end in the legendary city of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In between, you will visit remote islands, experience a traditional Peka dinner in the hill-top village of Pitve, be serenaded by Alan Doyle on the schooner, on top of turrets, or wherever else he decides to pull out his guitar.

Relish as the schooner chefs, led by Chef Todd Perrin, participate in a week-long “Adriatic Cook-off” to declare the best schooner chef. Sip and savour as Ron MacLean takes you through: “Ron’s Favourite Wines.” Relax, enjoy the sunshine, take a dip in the crystal clear Adriatic waters, celebrate life and this gorgeous part of the world steeped in history. This is one big floating kitchen party across the Adriatic Sea!

Your eight-day, seven-night adventure for two includes:

Optional add-ons (at additional cost):

Terms and Conditions: Flight not included. Meals only as specified above will be included. Transportation as noted above will be included. These prizes are non-negotiable and not convertible to cash. The prize must be redeemed on the dates specified – no exceptions. The recipient agrees to accept the prizes as is, fully aware of any and all restrictions. The redemption processes of these live auctions are the sole responsibility of the winners. The recipient will be required to sign a waiver of liability regarding GMP Services Inc., Gold Metal Plates, Canadian Olympic Foundation and Canadian Olympic Committee and their respective employees and volunteers' involvement in offering, sponsoring, hosting or arranging the events or activities described as part of the above package. The recipients agree to these terms and conditions. Please note: cabins are suitable for two adults and rooms with two single beds are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  Trips are suitable for those eighteen years of age and over.