We always take up residence in NOTL - because there is more than just wine in wine country. There is the Shaw Festival. When not seeing plays, we set off on wine tasting and buying tours.
It used to be a very simple itinerary, one that did not require much planning at all, but in forty+ years wine has come of age in Niagara and the list of wineries is nothing short of eye-crossing.
Over 100 great and small wineries offer up the classic cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc flourish here, and the region now boasts over 46 thriving varietals.
Angel's Gate Winery |
So this annual pilgrimage takes some planning, about a week of planning. I research wine awards and wineries. I inventory our wine cellar to see what we need, and I review the tasting notes I've made (if we hated it, I'm not buying that wine again and if we loved it, I want more). All of this research comes with me and I take my papers with me into every winery we visit; not so much as to impress the staff as to signal that I am seriously interested in more than just sampling some wine - I'm there to buy.
Hernder Estate Wines |
I do not profess to have wine connoisseur's palate or experience. I'm often at a total loss as to how to describe the kaleidoscope of flavours I taste in a wine and I've never experienced the length and breadth of elements extolled by the winemaker. There is great rejoicing when I discover that the winemaker and I agree on just a single note. In other words, I am an amateur, albeit an organized one.
Winemakers can always be counted on to make the best of any year, come wind, come weather.
And did I mention the food?? Ah well, that's pretty special too!
Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, and even Dessert.
It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!
Salut!
©2018 April Hoeller
Firstly, your photos are outstanding. I've been in this area working but never had much time for exploring. Your post lures me back. Maybe one day I can return and take time to relax.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thank you, Arlee! The Niagara wine country is a good place to get off the highway and just putz around, especially in the late summer.
DeleteBest regards,
April
Happy Anniversary April (in advance--just in case:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this mouth watering offering of delicious pictures and words.
I'll raise my teacup to your trip next week (reading your post on Sunday morning).
Cheers to many healthy and happy returns! Hugs. xx
Blessings to you Arti, and thank you for your good wishes.
DeleteTake care my friend.
April xx