Auction Trips 2012/2013
The primary fundraising initiative of Gold Medal Plates involves creating unique experiences that involve like-minded Canadians coming together between February and June of the following year in exotic international destinations with Olympians and Canadian entertainers. Each year, these trips are auctioned in cities across the country and time after time meet/exceed expectations of those fortunate enough to purchase them. The list below are those which were auctioned off in 2012 for 2013. Stay tuned for the announcement of the trips which will be auctioned off at the fall events.
The Glory, Magic and Mystery that is South Africa
Eight Wonderful days of Wine, Song and Sunshine Amidst Luxury and Adventure. Declared ‘The Best Destination on the Planet’ by Trip Advisor in 2012!
Travel Dates: February 25th-March 4th 2013 or March 4-11, 2013
Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:
- Accommodations, including gourmet breakfast, at the five-star Asara Wine Estate located amidst the rolling Stellenbosch hills, the foot of the tranquil dam. Set apart from other estates by its rich African heritage and world-class hospitality, Asara has 3 full dining restaurants, cigar bar, pool, 24-hour concierge and a carefully-researched wine list.
- Welcome reception, featuring exquisite wines from Asara’s cellar
- Concert under the African sun with Canadian musicians Jim Cuddy, Sam Roberts and Ed Robertson
- South Africa wine tasting hosted by Jim Cuddy
- Poolside parties and music
- Cycling with Olympian Simon Whitfield, led by local guides along the mountains and coastlines of the area (bike rental not included). Opportunity to participate in the world’s largest timed bike ride, Cape Argus – 110 km. (Entry fee not included).
- A spectacular champagne dinner at the top of Table Mountain where you can either hike or take a cable car to this amazing setting
- Private Game Reserve Day Safari – includes transportation and lunch
- Time to explore the beauty of Capetown Stellenbosch and the world-class wine district of South Africa with over 150 wine estates surrounding the Asara property. Some of Africa’s best dining is within 30 minutes of the resort.
The Magical Wine, Food and Cycling Routes of Provence in the shadow of Mount Ventoux (Third Year!)
With Canada’s Premiere Wine Expert, David Lawrason, Olympic Gold Medallist Curt Harnett, Olympic Gold Medallist and Battle of the Blades Champion Tessa Bonhomme, Canadian music icon Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies and with Special Musical Guests – Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland!
Travel Dates: May 6-13 and May 13-20, 2013
Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:
- Seven nights’ accommodation in the superb, relaxed refuge of Relais and Chateau Crillon le Brave, located 13 km from Mont Ventoux in the heart of Provence and only 40 km from Avignon (gourmet breakfast included). The property boasts an amazing setting, perched on top of a tiny hill village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves where the views are stunning! Beautiful luxury accommodations, a heated pool, exquisite restaurant, mini-spa and an impressive wine cellar
- Welcome reception featuring exquisite wines from the region hosted by Canada’s leading wine expert, David Lawrason
- Gourmet food sampling highlighting the best cuisine of each region and exquisite cheeses
- Private concert by Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies with special musical guests Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland
- Private wine tastings led by David Lawrason, highlighting the very best of each of the regions
- Exquisite markets loved the world over for their wonderful foods, wines, antiques and collectibles.
- Cycling led by wonderful local guides alongside your special guests where you will ride some of the most famous and coveted routes of the Tour de France, including a ride up Mont Ventoux, if you choose! (optional – bike rental not included
Click Here for a PDF of Complete Trip Details
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France Trip Gallery (click on a thumbnail to enlarge to slideshow)
The Great One in a Million Golf Experience!
With The Greatest Hockey Player of all Time, Wayne Gretzky and Hockey Legends Russ Courtnall and Dinner with Special Guest Valeri Bure!
Travel Dates: March 4-8, 2013
Your five-day, four-night adventure for ONE includes:
- Four nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel breakfast included.
- Welcome reception at the Four Seasons Lounge hosted by Russ Courtnall
- Golfing 18 holes with The Great One, Wayne Gretzky at the private Sherwood Golf Course
- Golfing 18 holes with Hockey legend Russ Courtnall at the championship Sherwood Golf Course
- Golfing two additional 18 holes at Sherwood Golf Course over 2 days – 9 holes with Hockey Legend, Russ Courtnall
- Dinner at Mastro’s Restaurant in Westlake Village with Russ Courtnall (cost of dinner is included in your package, wine additional)
- Dinner at Tuscany Il Ristorante in Westlake Village with Russ Courtnall and special guest Valeri Bure featuring his exquisite wines from Bure Family Wines (cost of dinner and Bure Wines is included in your package, other beverages are additional)
Click Here for a PDF of Complete Trip Details
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Pebble Beach Trip Gallery (click on a thumbnail to enlarge to slideshow)
Discover One of the Hottest Destinations on the Planet - Chile!
With Olympic Gold, 2 Time Silver & Bronze Medallist Adam Van Koeverden, Chef de Mission for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games and “Crazy Canuck,” Steve Podborski, Seamus O’Regan, Canadian Music Legend Barney Bentall and singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer!
Travel Dates: March 16 – 23, 2013
Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:
- Four nights’ accommodation in the newly opened, five-star Noi Hotel, located at the heart of Alonso de Cordova, one of the hippest areas in all of Chile! The property boasts bright and spacious rooms, full service spa, rooftop pool, two gourmet restaurants, two bars, including a roof top bar with an impressive 360 degree view of the Andes and the green plains of the city, and an impressive wine cellar. (Breakfast included)
- Welcome reception on the rooftop terrace of Noi Hotel featuring exquisite wines from Chile with “Crazy Canuck” Steve Podborski and Barney Bentall.
- Three nights’ accommodation at the turn of the century Santa Cruz Hotel in the heart of Chile’s most awarded wine country (Breakfast included).
- Private concert under the stars, overlooking the vineyards of Santa Cruz by Barney Bentall.
- Private wine tastings in some of the finest wineries of the Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua Valleys of Chile.
- A day hiking in the spectacular Andes (optional).
- An afternoon and evening to explore Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Watching a polo match while enjoying lunch and tasting at Vina Casa Silva.
- Hiking in the spectacular Colchagua Valley (optional).
The Big White Culinary Adventure For Four Lucky Guests!
With 2012 Canadian Olympic Gold Medallist Jamie Sale, hockey star Craig Simpson, Culinary Champion Marc Lepine of Ottawa, Olympic Multi-Medallist Adam Van Koeverden, Legendary Entertainer Barney Bentall and Special Guest Appearances by Two-Time Olympian and 2007 World Champion Freestyle Skier Kristi Richards!
Travel Dates February 5-10, 2013
Your six-day, five-night Big White Culinary Adventure for four includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation in a deluxe two-bedroom condominium with ski in/out access at either Stonebridge Lodge or Sundance Resort on February 5, 6 and 7, 2013.
- Four three-day ski passes to Big White, Western Canada’s premiere ski destination.
- Welcome champagne reception with Canadian Culinary Champion Martin Juneau and local ski hero, Kelsey Serwa.
- Ground transportation from Kelowna Airport to Big White Resort and from Big White Resort to the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel.
- A four-course culinary experience at White Spirit Lodge, created by 2012 Canadian Culinary Champion Marc Lepine of Atelier in Ottawa.
- Two nights’ accommodation at the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel in Kelowna on February 8 and 9, 2013 (two, one-bedroom hotel rooms).
- Four VIP passes to the three Canadian Culinary Competition events, as follows:
- Mystery Wine Pairing Competition on Friday, February 8 at the Hotel Eldorado
- Black Box Competition on Saturday, February 9 at Okanagan College
- The Grand Finale Competition on Saturday, February 9 at Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel
Under The Tuscan Sun (Fifth Year!)
With Juno Award Winner Jim Cuddy, Canadian hero Rick Hillier, Olympic Medallists Marnie McBean and Chandra Crawford* and Hockey Legend and Battle of the Blades Star Russ Courtnall. Special guests: singer-songwriter, Barney Bentall and fiddler Anne Lindsay!
Travel Dates: April 27th – May 4, 2013 or May 4-11, 2013
Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:
- Accommodations, including breakfast, at the five-star Relais & Chateau Borgo San Felice, a small hamlet dating back to the Middle Ages converted to a magical oasis. The property boasts a large heated pool, spa, tennis court, 24-hour concierge and the Poggio Rosso restaurant. The latter, a winner of international awards, offers traditional Tuscan dishes imaginatively revisited and accurately prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and a carefully-researched wine list that boasts 200 select labels.
- Welcome reception, featuring exquisite wines from the San Felice cellar that houses a remarkable 14 different labels, with a range of both red and white wines. The traditional Chianti Classicos, including the vigorous Riserva wines, are accompanied by other prestigious reds such as Campogiovanni, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and Vigorello.
- Concert under the stars with Canadian musicians Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall and Anne Lindsay
- Italian wine tasting hosted by Jim Cuddy.
- Cycling with Olympians Marnie McBean, Chandra Crawford and Russ Courtnall, led by local guides on some of Tuscany’s best cycling routes (bike rental not included).
- Exquisite barrel tasting (optional) and a private tour of the San Felice Cellars by winemaker Leonardo Bellaccini and director Fabrizio Nencioni, followed by a rare olive oil tasting.
- Tour at your leisure of Rampini Ceramics, the best ceramics in all of Italy. Just 15 minutes from the property.
- Time to relax on the property, including the newly renovated spa wellness centre specializing in one of the latest discoveries in the field of beauty treatments: wine therapy.
- Time to explore the enchanting region of Tuscany steeped in history and art, including the medieval towns of Arezzo, San Gimignano, Siena, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Tour the many wineries that surround the area and taste the wonderful cuisine of the many restaurants in the area. There are five Michelin-rated restaurants within 30 minutes of Borgo San Felice!
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Tuscany Trip Gallery (click on a thumbnail to enlarge to slideshow)
Hockey Night in the Adriatic (Third Year!)
With Ron Maclean of Hockey Night in Canada, Alan Doyle, Leah singer of Great Big Sea, Che Todd Perrin of Top Chef Canada fame and Hockey Legends Russ Courtnall and Paul Coffey!
Travel Dates: June 22-29, 2013
Your seven-night, eight-day adventure for two includes:
- After arriving in the spectacular city of Split, you will spend eight days and seven nights aboard a six- or seven-cabin luxury schooner, known locally as “gulets.” These vessels are professionally crewed with Captain, cook and staff. Cabins are quaint with their own private bathroom. Breakfast and lunch is provided
- Welcome reception where you will sample the wonderful foods, wines and beers of the region, in the seaside village of Omis, hosted by Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada, Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea and “Robin Hood” fame, Chef Todd Perrin and hockey legends Russ Courtnall and Paul Coffey!
- Superb and authentic dinner with Ron and Cari MacLean at Dvor Dubokovic in the hill-top village of Pitve for a traditional Peka dinner while being serenaded by traditional folk musicians (meal and wine included).
- Daily anchor stops in quiet secluded bays to take a dip in the beautiful waters of the Adriatic. There are sure to be unique cocktails and tunes by DJ Ron MacLean (his first job before broadcasting).
- Tasting the exception grappa, food and wines of this beautiful region of the world.
- The Third annual International MacLean Cup Road Hockey game in Hvar, followed by a postgame celebration in this world-class port. Be ready for some serious fun!
- Enjoy lunch created by your crew led by Chef Todd Perrin of “The Chef ’s Inn” in St. John’s, NL and of Top Chef Canada fame as part of the Chefs ‘Adriatic Cook-off ’ on the gullets.
- A memorable visit to the beautiful island of Korcula, known as “Little Dubrovnik.”
- Private concert by the sea by Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea!
Click Here for a PDF of Complete Trip Details
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Croatia Trip Gallery (click on a thumbnail to enlarge to slideshow)
