I was able to grab a great deal from WagJag a month or so ago. The deal was for a Tour-Tasting-Lunch for 6 people, and grabbing 4 friends off we went to Stoney Ridge Winery.
Let me first say that the entire event is very well run and managed. There were many people with the WagJag deals and our group consisted of 3 other groups of 6, so a total of 24 people. I have to say I was impressed that they didn't try to bunch too many in at once.
We all met in their beautiful gardens and Sheila, or guide, was truly knowledable about the winery and it's operations. She gave us a brief history of the winery and the grounds and after each grabbing a wine glass the tour was on.
We all followed to the vineyard where Sheila explained the grapes, varietals and operations for getting the most out of their harvests. From there it was time for a taste! We headed in to the pressing room and were able to choose from two samples (one red; one white). I selected the red, my wife the white allowing us to get a taste of both.
The red was their 2010 Cabernet Merlot. This is a new bottling and won't be available till later in the year. Their 2009 Cab Merlot can be found here. I enjoy an Oakie wine and this 2010 did not disappoint. A rich ruby colour with very nice deep flavour, with a great lingering appeal. A definite purchase when available.
The white was their 2009 Gewurtztraminer. Again, not yet available, but here is their 2008. This one was a bright nice wine with a great aroma and excellent flavour and lingered on the palate. Very fruity and not too sweet. A nice wine to enjoy with fruit, cheese or on the patio.
Once the wines were poured, Sheila was then able to show us the proper way in which to appreciate the wine. Look, initial aroma (pre-swirl) and then swirl to get all the aroma from the wine. Of course then came the tasting. Amazing how that first taste of any wine awakens the tastebuds.
Having finished our sample it was off to the Wine store for our final tasting. It was here that we were educated on Stoney Ridge's Ice Wine production. In the room there were many bottles of their ice wines, and it was a real eye opener as to the different varieties along with the various price points that this nectar commands. Now I love ice wine, and I was dying to purchase many of them (but unfortunately did not get approval). I digress.
So, now with that explained, we were able to sample the ice wine. We were ample to taste a 2007 Reisling Ice Wine , and it did not disappoint. Very crisp and clean, not too sweet and a little bite at the end. Very enjoyable.
At this point Sheila left to complete the tour and this meant lunch. Now, when I had booked the tour they had mentioned that lunch would be in the form of a box lunch. No problem, sounded good to me. Well, we were in for a surprise. The yard was laid out nicely for us to all sit, and we were given a beautiful basket full of wraps, cheeses, and fruit selections. Very impressive and tasty. We also all grabbed a glass of wine and settled in to enjoy the beautiful day and atmosphere. My compatriots and I grabbed the following wines to enjoy with lunch:
2009 Excellence Pinot Noir
2009 Merlot
2009 Warren Classic Cabernet Franc
2008 Inspiration
All were most enjoyable and fit the food and atmosphere well. I can't say enough how much we all enjoyed the morning. If you have a chance I suggest you make this one of your stops when in the area.
Extras:
Another stop you must make is to the Cheese Shop at Stoney Ridge. We were amazed at the varieties available and the excellent prices. We were able to sample many of the cheeses and purchased many that we did. Definitely a must see when you go.
The Gardens. These were the hilight of the trip. The gardens here are stunning and have won numerous awards. Simply beautiful and a joy to walk around. We stopped and enjoyed the rose trellis before leaving, and I recommend making sure to enjoy these gardens, possible the best at a winery I have seen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Heading out this Weekend
Well, we are heading out this weekend to Stoney Ridge Winery. I purchased a deal from WagJag for a Tour/Tasting and Lunch for 6 for $59. It's not going to be a sit down lunch (a box lunch is provided) but I still thought it was a good deal. Heading off with 2 other couples to see what trouble we can get in to.
It will be an early morning adventure, a 10 AM tour, but the earlier we start the more wine we can appreciate (and that's always a good thing).
From there we have a multitude of wineries we can enjoy as well. Will be documenting our trip next week, so I hope you'll visit again!
It will be an early morning adventure, a 10 AM tour, but the earlier we start the more wine we can appreciate (and that's always a good thing).
From there we have a multitude of wineries we can enjoy as well. Will be documenting our trip next week, so I hope you'll visit again!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Taste of Ontario 2011!
Visit the web site for information on tickets -> Taste of Ontario
It's back! The Taste of Ontario is back for another year, and I suggest getting your tickets immediately for this one. We had a great time last year and could not believe the great deal offered for the entry fee. This year the cost is $55 for an evening of great wine and great food. This year the even is being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Wellington Street in Toronto.
The wineries who attended last year were a who's who of quality. You can see my event review here. It was a thoroughly enjoyable night and I highly recommend it.
It's back! The Taste of Ontario is back for another year, and I suggest getting your tickets immediately for this one. We had a great time last year and could not believe the great deal offered for the entry fee. This year the cost is $55 for an evening of great wine and great food. This year the even is being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Wellington Street in Toronto.
The wineries who attended last year were a who's who of quality. You can see my event review here. It was a thoroughly enjoyable night and I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tawse Winery Visit
2 weekends ago, we were in the Beamsville area and after having completed our first visit we decided to head on over to Tawse Winery. Little did we know that this selection would change our lives. Yes, I said "lives". Well, maybe I should elaborate and say "wine" lives, is that better?
I had never been to Tawse before, but had always read and heard great things about them, so, being in the area, it was a natural decision to stop by. From the first view of the winery building as you make that beautiful turn in from the road, past the beautiful garden as you make your way in to the property, and then after you park, the site of the fields and views from the entrance just as you enter the guest house. Simply breath taking.
Once inside the tasting area is nice and big, with ample room at the tatsing bar for many. Now, while looking around the place, we suddenly had 2 glasses presented to us as a welcome. Nice welcome! Bob, from Tawse, greeted us with this years 2010 Sketches of Rose wine. What a refreshing taste. Perfect for anytime drinking. After my first sip I could picture myself on the patio enjoying a perfect summer day.
Now, Bob has got to be one of the most knowledgable people I've met at a winery here in Ontario. I don't want to say just knowledgable but all round enjoyable to be with and to share a glass. He knows these Tawse wines inside and out, and we ended up having one of the most enjoyable times anywhere for wine tasting. So we started off with the Rose, and while we were finising that he was able to ascertain what we liked, as opposed to pushing the gotta sell wines. We ended up having a tour through the Tawse collection that made us believers in what Tawse has done with their grapes.
I wish I'd written down everything we were able to try (hey I'm still new to this), but what we did try and that stuck with us were the following:
2010 Tawse Quarry Road Gewurztraminer - Estate An excellent wine that just hit the tongue and wanted to stay. Truely refreshing and with that spicey hit. A real keeper.
Next was the 2009 Tawse Grower's Blend Pino Noir I really enjoyed this wine. Very dark and deep flavours with cherry and a great feel in the mouth.
The 2008 Tawse David’s Block Merlot – Estate wine was next. We can't say enough about this. What a superb flavour. Deep, rich with a hint of tannin made this the treat of the day.
I really enjoyed the 2009 Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc. I love a good cabernet franc and this met everything I'd come to enjoy in a wine like this. The deep, rich flavour took me over the edge and had us reaching for our wallets.
To finish our trip, we were lucky enough to try two fantastic and completely opposite, ice wines.
First was the 2008 Gewurztraminer Ice Wine.
This was such a beautiful ice wine. Not too sweet, and definetely not syrupy at all. The hints of green apple were a surprise and it gave that tiny bit of tartness to the sweet of the wine.
Now we were able to taste another of their wines but I couldn't find it on the website. It produced a beautiful carmel feel in the mouth, so very enjoyable. I will be asking them and update you as soon as I can.
So, I have to say that I have truly found my new favourite winery in the Beamsville/Jordan area. A real joy, hosted by great people and made in to a great adventure thanks to our guide, Bob. I think it would be a major loss if you were in the area and didn't at least stop by to try a sip or two.
What we bought :
Well we purchased the
2010 Sketches of Rose
2008 Tawse David’s Block Merlot – Estate
and
2009 Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Since I visited I was able to locate in my local LCBO their 2007 Tawse Meritage . It is a
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – Blend that I can not wait to try. It is really in short supply so I grabbed 3 bottles for now.
Once again. Many thanks to Bob for making this an excellent adventure and to Tawse for producing such a great quality of wines. A must visit winery!
I had never been to Tawse before, but had always read and heard great things about them, so, being in the area, it was a natural decision to stop by. From the first view of the winery building as you make that beautiful turn in from the road, past the beautiful garden as you make your way in to the property, and then after you park, the site of the fields and views from the entrance just as you enter the guest house. Simply breath taking.
Once inside the tasting area is nice and big, with ample room at the tatsing bar for many. Now, while looking around the place, we suddenly had 2 glasses presented to us as a welcome. Nice welcome! Bob, from Tawse, greeted us with this years 2010 Sketches of Rose wine. What a refreshing taste. Perfect for anytime drinking. After my first sip I could picture myself on the patio enjoying a perfect summer day.
Now, Bob has got to be one of the most knowledgable people I've met at a winery here in Ontario. I don't want to say just knowledgable but all round enjoyable to be with and to share a glass. He knows these Tawse wines inside and out, and we ended up having one of the most enjoyable times anywhere for wine tasting. So we started off with the Rose, and while we were finising that he was able to ascertain what we liked, as opposed to pushing the gotta sell wines. We ended up having a tour through the Tawse collection that made us believers in what Tawse has done with their grapes.
I wish I'd written down everything we were able to try (hey I'm still new to this), but what we did try and that stuck with us were the following:
2010 Tawse Quarry Road Gewurztraminer - Estate An excellent wine that just hit the tongue and wanted to stay. Truely refreshing and with that spicey hit. A real keeper.
Next was the 2009 Tawse Grower's Blend Pino Noir I really enjoyed this wine. Very dark and deep flavours with cherry and a great feel in the mouth.
The 2008 Tawse David’s Block Merlot – Estate wine was next. We can't say enough about this. What a superb flavour. Deep, rich with a hint of tannin made this the treat of the day.
I really enjoyed the 2009 Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc. I love a good cabernet franc and this met everything I'd come to enjoy in a wine like this. The deep, rich flavour took me over the edge and had us reaching for our wallets.
To finish our trip, we were lucky enough to try two fantastic and completely opposite, ice wines.
First was the 2008 Gewurztraminer Ice Wine.
This was such a beautiful ice wine. Not too sweet, and definetely not syrupy at all. The hints of green apple were a surprise and it gave that tiny bit of tartness to the sweet of the wine.
Now we were able to taste another of their wines but I couldn't find it on the website. It produced a beautiful carmel feel in the mouth, so very enjoyable. I will be asking them and update you as soon as I can.
So, I have to say that I have truly found my new favourite winery in the Beamsville/Jordan area. A real joy, hosted by great people and made in to a great adventure thanks to our guide, Bob. I think it would be a major loss if you were in the area and didn't at least stop by to try a sip or two.
What we bought :
Well we purchased the
2010 Sketches of Rose
2008 Tawse David’s Block Merlot – Estate
and
2009 Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Since I visited I was able to locate in my local LCBO their 2007 Tawse Meritage . It is a
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – Blend that I can not wait to try. It is really in short supply so I grabbed 3 bottles for now.
Once again. Many thanks to Bob for making this an excellent adventure and to Tawse for producing such a great quality of wines. A must visit winery!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Flat Rock Cellars
This past Christmas we were given a gift from a friend which allowed us to visit a local winery for a - tour, tasting, and gift of 2 bottles of their wines. It was a great idea and gift (www.sambadays.com)
Well, after looking through the list we decided to head off to Flat Rock Cellars to take advantage of the offer.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the charming Katherine. She was very helpful as the reservation we'd made had not been conveyed to them, but she proceeded to take us on a 30 minute tour which really opened out eyes to the workings of this establishment.
We were first given a tasting of their excellent 2007 Riddled Sparkling wine, and then off we went to see the vines. The vines we visited were the Nadja vines, just out front of the main building. Our tour guide went in to great depth regarding the vine type, the planting, maintenance, etc and was able to enlighten us on their methods to employ strategic pruning to produce a low, quality wine.
From there it was back to the tasting room and now their 2009 Pinot Noir. Once our glasses were filled with the Pinot, we headed out to the balcony and got to view the full vineyard. Katherine explained all the various plantings, mostly Pinot, and showed us how Flat Rock uses much of the natural landscape to provide for the vines. I was surprised to hear that they do not irrigate, as their was a pond nearby, but that they wanted to force the vines to get their roots deep in to the ground and pick up all the subtle flavours found in the soil. After a few pictures and a moment to enjoy the serenity of the view, we headed back in for another selection.
This time it was their 2009 Chardonnay. A very nice wine, with a bright refreshing taste and aroma.
We now headed off to the cellar, which is just off of the main tasting area, where we heard all about the wine process that Flat Rock uses. We were able to see the various vats used for the un-oaked wines, and the various implements used to crush the grapes and seperate them from the stems and skins. All in all an interesting time and very much an eye opener. Our thanks to Katherine and the staff for making this a very pleasant morning.
Now, with the tour over we had the fun in picking our two bottles which had been included in this gift. Of course that requred a few more tastings, yea!, and we decided on the following:
2009 Twisted blend A favourite of my wife's and a nice blend to enjoy on the back porch on a nice sunny day
The other selection was their 2008 Unplugged Chardonnay. We both enjoyed the clear flavour and aroma, with the beautiful aftertaste it gave.
I would also recommend:
2010 Gewurztraminer
2009 Riesling
and their
2010 Nadja's Vineyard Riesling
Although I did enjoy the Pinot Noir, it didn't seem to yet have the finish I was looking for. I am sure it will age well.
Something to remember. On your way to Niagara? Take a detour and stop by Flat Rock. You will be glad you did..
Well, after looking through the list we decided to head off to Flat Rock Cellars to take advantage of the offer.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the charming Katherine. She was very helpful as the reservation we'd made had not been conveyed to them, but she proceeded to take us on a 30 minute tour which really opened out eyes to the workings of this establishment.
We were first given a tasting of their excellent 2007 Riddled Sparkling wine, and then off we went to see the vines. The vines we visited were the Nadja vines, just out front of the main building. Our tour guide went in to great depth regarding the vine type, the planting, maintenance, etc and was able to enlighten us on their methods to employ strategic pruning to produce a low, quality wine.
From there it was back to the tasting room and now their 2009 Pinot Noir. Once our glasses were filled with the Pinot, we headed out to the balcony and got to view the full vineyard. Katherine explained all the various plantings, mostly Pinot, and showed us how Flat Rock uses much of the natural landscape to provide for the vines. I was surprised to hear that they do not irrigate, as their was a pond nearby, but that they wanted to force the vines to get their roots deep in to the ground and pick up all the subtle flavours found in the soil. After a few pictures and a moment to enjoy the serenity of the view, we headed back in for another selection.
This time it was their 2009 Chardonnay. A very nice wine, with a bright refreshing taste and aroma.
We now headed off to the cellar, which is just off of the main tasting area, where we heard all about the wine process that Flat Rock uses. We were able to see the various vats used for the un-oaked wines, and the various implements used to crush the grapes and seperate them from the stems and skins. All in all an interesting time and very much an eye opener. Our thanks to Katherine and the staff for making this a very pleasant morning.
Now, with the tour over we had the fun in picking our two bottles which had been included in this gift. Of course that requred a few more tastings, yea!, and we decided on the following:
2009 Twisted blend A favourite of my wife's and a nice blend to enjoy on the back porch on a nice sunny day
The other selection was their 2008 Unplugged Chardonnay. We both enjoyed the clear flavour and aroma, with the beautiful aftertaste it gave.
I would also recommend:
2010 Gewurztraminer
2009 Riesling
and their
2010 Nadja's Vineyard Riesling
Although I did enjoy the Pinot Noir, it didn't seem to yet have the finish I was looking for. I am sure it will age well.
Something to remember. On your way to Niagara? Take a detour and stop by Flat Rock. You will be glad you did..
Keeping Things Current!
Well, it really has impressed me as to how hard it is to keep a blog going. Really, September 22nd??? Really sad and disappointing as I had hoped to sincerely make this a relevant source for Ontario wines, especially those not available through the LCBO. I have a new appreciation for those that do this on a regular basis, and I hope to make this a place you will want to visit.
I continue to search out new wines, wineries and better my knowledge of the wine trade. Please; if you have visited this site in the past and lost interest this is one time you can truly shoot the messenger! With the summer here we've begun to travel and visit close by wineries, and I have a recent trip to indulge you with.
So please (re)join me in a travel through Ontario's excellent wine regions and savour the special vintages they make.
I continue to search out new wines, wineries and better my knowledge of the wine trade. Please; if you have visited this site in the past and lost interest this is one time you can truly shoot the messenger! With the summer here we've begun to travel and visit close by wineries, and I have a recent trip to indulge you with.
So please (re)join me in a travel through Ontario's excellent wine regions and savour the special vintages they make.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
About Me
- Wine Guy
- Stumbling through the later stages of life, wine has become an addictive hobby, and Ontario wines my passion. After travelling to many of the wineries across Ontario I found that there were few, if any, references to them and what each had to offer. I hope this site will allow you the opportunity to read about the wine producers of Ontario and maybe get you to visit them. There are some very good wines out there, along with some very not so good wines. Finding those good and even great wines make the distances travelled well worth it. I've experienced many of these wineries and will try to provide you with what makes each special. Enjoy! Other than this latest hobby I also enjoy : playing Poker, gardening, and travelling.