London, Ont. - Presented by CIBC Private Wealth Management, CIBC Wood Gundy | The Seabrook Financial Group and CIBC Commercial Banking, London Health Sciences Foundations food and wine fundraising event turned 10-years old tonight.

TASTINGS has now raised more than $1.7 million (net) for programs at London Health Sciences Centre. This year, TASTINGS' proceeds support medical imaging needs in the Cardiac Care Program's catheterization labs.

"Community support helps keep our hospital at the forefront of medical care," says event Co-chair Tod Warner. "We are grateful for the outstanding commitments from our sponsors, participating vintners and restaurants, Lifford Wine and Spirits, those who donated to our auction and everyone who attends Tastings."

According to the director of the cath labs, Dr. Kumar Sridhar, funds raised will help upgrade important equipment used to diagnose and treat a myriad of heart conditions.

Imaging is important for diagnostics and guidance during treatment of routine and complex cardiac conditions, including valvular heart work, heart biopsies, procedures for structural heart disease, and treatments like stenting and angioplasty that are used to open blocked arteries.

While the cause of supporting health care remains the most important aspect of the evening, the TASTINGS experience has attained a reputation of its own.

"Tastings has become a "must-attend" event for many people," says event co-chair Kelly Tranquilli who notes that this reputation is one reason the event is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. "The quality of this event started at extraordinary and like a fine vintage, has become better each year."

It’s now become Southwestern Ontario's premier wine and food event where wines from around the world are paired with micro-dishes prepared by some of the region's finest chefs in a Marché-style presentation. Representatives from featured vintners and from Lifford Wine & Spirits guide guests through the wine tastings at this black-tie affair.

This year, TASTINGS attracted more than 500 guests, 14 participating restaurants and 26 featured wineries, with some vintners flying in from as far away as Italy, Chile and New Zealand.

In addition to the dining and wine education experience, guests had the opportunity to cruise silent auction tables full of donated vintage wines, fine spirits, as well as opportunities for unique travel and fine dining experiences.

For more on the TASTINGS experience and to learn more about this year’s beneficiary visit lhsf.ca/tastings.