This past week I stopped by Creekside Estate Winery to taste wine and find out what's new. First taste, their 2011 "The Trad" a Traditional Method Sparkling Wine, a mix of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. It tastes as described, crisp with bready notes - a worthy match for most dishes and would be lovely on its own. Also a very good value at $28.95, this wine won Silver at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2014.
Creekside Sauvignon BlancCreekside Sauvignon Blanc
Next two tastes were of Sauvignon Blanc made in two different styles, both Bronze winners at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2014. The 2013 [Backyard Block] was fermented in stainless steel, a fresh wine with citrus and tropical notes, good minerality and mouthfeel. The 2012 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc was fermented and aged in French oak barrels, a complex wine with notes of vanilla and spice.
Creekside 2011 Broken Press SyrahCreekside 2011 Broken Press Syrah
I was fortunate to sample a taste from a beautiful but not yet released wine, the 2011 Broken Press Syrah made with grapes from their Queenston Road vineyard on St. David's Bench. A Gold winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada 2014, this exceptional wine is one you will want to try and buy before it is sold out at the winery like their 2010 vintage.
Upper Canada Cheese CompanyUpper Canada Cheese Company
Not too far from Creekside is the Upper Canada Cheese Company. This is a great place to stop in for picnic supplies when wine tasting in the Twenty Valley, and they give complimentary samples of their amazing artisanal cheeses all made and aged on site. This visit I sampled their Niagara Gold, Nosey Goat Camelot, Comfort Cream and Maple Comfort Cream, and Guernsey Girl - a cheese made to be grilled, as it caramelizes on the outside retaining its shape. This one I am taking with me camping next week, and I can envision all these cheeses on a board accompanied by the Creekside Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Cheers!