Last weekend marked the seventh annual Graze the Bench weekend in the Beamsville Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula wine region in Ontario, Canada. This is a relaxed weekend full of wine, food, and live music that keeps getting better with each vintage! It was a wonderful weekend sans rain for a change with stellar views over the benchlands through to Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline in the distance. With eight wineries to sip, savour and groove at, I suggest taking it all in with a full weekend pass, although daily passes were being offered this year also for one day of grazing on either Saturday or Sunday. A few of the many highlights:
Rosewood Estates WineryRosewood Estates Winery
At Rosewood Estates Winery grazers were wowed by the grooves of TiannaH & Jazz with a Twist. I sipped on the yet to be released 2013 Locked & Loaded, little brother to their big red wine Lock, Stock, & Barrel. You will want to get yourself some of this when released in August at the incredible price of $19.95!
Mike Weir WineryMike Weir Winery
Grazers at Mike Weir Winery had many places to relax and graze including their decks and this open space below the winery, all with a stunning view of vineyards and beyond with a glass of 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay or 2013 Cabernet Merlot in hand. Chef Mark Hand barbecued up Pingue Sausages served with Niagara Summer Slaw - so delicious with the shaved fennel.
Fielding Estate WineryFielding Estate Winery
Good times at Fielding Estate Winery rocking out with the JR Thornton Band while sipping on their 2012 Cabernet Syrah - a great place with a good view.
Touring wineries in the Beamsville Bench since 2005, Niagara Vino is celebrating the summer season this month with a 30% discount off its "Hike The Bench" tour through June 30th. This full day tour takes you on a leisurely hike along the Niagara Escarpment guided by an accredited sommelier with stops at four wineries for wine tasting and a gourmet picnic lunch in between. Book your tour this month at www.niagaravino.com!
