The Modern Sommelier, Mackenzie Putici

Meet the Modern Sommelier, Mackenzie Putici! As the Founder and CEO of New World Wine Tours and Eating Through TO Food Tours, Mackenzie is an educator and a tourism professional.

The idea of being a “Modern Sommelier” was Mackenzie’s response to his many years of wine education. During his studies, he was required to learn about traditional wines and winemaking processes. Although Mackenzie appreciates tradition, he is more interested in learning about topics such as wines produced in unique regions that are made from rare varietals. From travelling to over 40 counties to working at a fine dining Japanese restaurant, Mackenzie began experimenting with out-of-the-box wine and food pairings, such as combining Italian wines with Japanese cuisine.

New World Wine Tours is Mackenzie’s way of exposing people to wine country. “Often what we see at the LCBO in terms of Ontario options is wine made by the usual producers who have large production and marketing budgets. So how do we get people to try wines and go to wineries that they can’t find anywhere else?” In order to answer this question, Mackenzie came up with New World Wine Tours. These tours take people to a range of wineries that vary in size and products. All of the guides are Sommeliers, meaning that with New World, you are always getting an educational experience. These excursions are designed to feel like a friend took you wine tasting for the day, in other words, the tours are comfortable and enjoyable.

On the other hand, Eating Through TO is “Toronto’s one-stop-shop for foodies.” These experiences focus on local lead tourism through virtual tasting events, food tours, neighbourhood guides and a foodie blog.

Mackenzie also hosts themed virtual tastings. The themes can range from “fun and funky,” to wines from Italy, to an introduction to common grape varietals. Through visuals, vocabulary and an overall enjoyable and interactive experience, you leave the event knowing how to taste wine like a Sommelier!

Apart from travel, wine and tourism, Mackenzie is also very knowledgeable when it comes to sake and cocktails. Visit his page to learn more and book your experiences!