I was wowed by recent visits to a few wineries in Niagara’s Twenty Valley Wine Country and let me tell you why: Outstanding Wine and Customer Service!
When I walked into GreenLane Estate Winery on what was still a freezing winter day I was warmly greeted by Carolyn. While tasting wine we chatted about each, their organic practices, winemakers and small team who are all very hands on both inside the winery and out in the vineyards, which by the way are all hand-harvested. She told me they offer cheese plates from local producers and will soon have tapas available on the weekends to enhance the winery experience as the weather gets warmer. GreenLane makes several award-winning varietal wines from their grapes that thrive in the cool climate of Niagara. Their Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc are among my personal picks.
Greenlane Estate WineryGreenlane Estate Winery
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Down the road (King Street) just off the Wine Route is KEW Vineyards. This winery which opened last fall is set in a gorgeously appointed 160 year old historic home on an expansive piece of land where many of the vines are located that provide grapes for their wines. These include plantings from 1975 - some of the oldest vines in Niagara. Upon walking in the front door I was greeted by Hedda who invited me into the winery. She told me about the history of the home and the different wines they produce with a focus on unique, terroir-driven wines. Among them are three excellent sparkling wines and their Marsanne Viognier - a Hermitage-style wine which won a double gold medal at the 2013 All Canadian Wine Awards. You will not find the typical tasting bar at KEW, but wonderful spaces in their lounge, terrace, and vineyard where you can taste their wines or enjoy a glass along with cheeses, bread and their delicious dipping oil. You can tell that Hedda and her daughter Liisa pride themselves on creating an exquisitely relaxing wine tasting experience.
KEW VineyardsKEW Vineyards
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Also just off the Wine Route is Tawse Winery, an award winning winery which has been named “Canadian Winery of the Year” by Canadian Wine Access Magazine for an unprecedented three years in a row in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Daniel Lafleur from Tawse gave a fantastic presentation to the Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club at their March meeting introducing several wines from their six vineyards spanning over 200 acres. I recently attended a Pinot Noir event hosted by owner Moray Tawse and award winning winemaker Paul Pender, along with Rene Van Ede - winemaker for their new Redstone Winery. They led a barrel tasting of 2013 Pinot Noir wines describing the terroir of their different vineyards and how each impacts the finished wine. Then they guided us through a tasting of their 2012 Pinot Noirs with an opportunity to order pre-release - a very pleasurable afternoon.
Tawse Winery - Pinot Noir TastingTawse Winery - Pinot Noir Tasting
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Redstone Winery, named after the red clay soil and large stones of the vineyard, is slated to open this fall with plans in the works for a 60-80 seat restaurant and a 500 seat amphitheatre. Redstone is located down the road from Tawse in the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation with a terroir exceptionally well suited for planting Bordeaux varietals. I had the opportunity to taste many of the wines which are currently available for sale in Ontario only through the Redstone website. Their inaugural portfolio includes a Sparkling wine, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, both a gorgeous Rose and Cabernet Franc Icewine. Their red wines were impressive and well balanced: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Merlot, Meritage, and Syrah - which winemaker Rene said is one of the grapes that makes Redstone different. I would have to agree with him - one of my favourites!
Redstone Winery - SyrahRedstone Winery - Syrah
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
You can “Get Fresh in the Valley” during most weekends this month sampling wines paired with dishes at 24 area wineries. Thinking about wine in the valley, what is happening in Oakville? The Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club (OWEC) is presenting the esoterica Wine Fair on Sunday, April 27th, a “Try and Buy” event open to members and guests. Check out the club website for more details on the wineries and wine agencies who will be there. Complimentary entry, but must be pre-registered by writing to [email protected]. The OWEC presenter for April is Kolonaki Group. Guests are welcome, space permitting, $20 per person. Email the club to request a guest spot.