Ontario is a big, BIG place. We like to think we�ve seen it all � but we really haven�t scratched the surface of its treasures. People always ask us where we�re going next. Let us beat you to the punch this time. Here are a few seasonally specific things we�re hoping to see, eat and drink right now!
Danielle ‘I Miss Wine So Much’ Katz
Southbrook Vineyard
581 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
“Southbrook should not be missed during any trip to Niagara-On-The-Lake. I love their Triomphe Pinot Noir but always opt for a varied tasting when I visit — and ask to finish off with a sweet sip of Framboise. Taking a tour is always great. The staff tell you all about their organic and biodynamic practices, and if you’re lucky the Linc Farm pups will be there! Head over on a Thursday evening in the summer and enjoy an Oak Room dinner at the Farmers’ Table, or just grab a glass of wine and sit outside with a view of the vineyard!”
Editor’s Note: Southbrook’s winemaker, Ann Sperling, will be at Terroir 11, May 29th in Toronto, talking all about Orange Wine. Get your tickets here!
Rebecca ‘Kickin’ It In The County’ Mackenzie
Trail Estate Winery
416 Benway Rd, Hillier
“Picking a favorite County winery for us is like picking a favorite child, we just couldn’t — they’re all so great! Right now though, my husband Andrew and I are loving the new releases from Trail Estate Winery, especially the Barrel-Ferment Chardonnay. Their winemaker, Mackenzie Brisbois is a force to be reckoned with. She’s definitely worth visiting when you’re in The County.”
Agatha ‘RosA�, All Day’ Podgorski
Malivoire
4260 King St, Beamsville
“Any winery with three different rosA�s (plus pink magnums!) on the docket immediately gets my attention–and the folks at Malivoire deserve every minute of it. Between the award-winning Ladybug, the fiesty Moira and the lively Vivante, there’s a pink wine for all my moods. I always make a point to visit on weekends when the Cheese Guys are set up outside the cavernous sipping room offering up tastes of various Ontario cheeses. It turns my visit into an instant picnic!”
Joy ?Very Berry� Bauwens
Boreal Berry Farm & Winery
748 Little Brule Road, Warren
?Boreal winery is northern Ontario’s only winery. It�s the perfect place for sweet tooths like me. They transform their hand-picked berries into wonderful fruit wines. Their Manitoulin Maple Apple won the 2013 Gold Medal , but my personal favourite is the dark red Haskap Reserve. I am also super excited about the Boreal Chocolate and Wine Decadence Tour. Chocolate and wine, I can�t think of a better pairing!”
Trevor ‘Drinking For Two’ Benson
The Organized Crime Winery
4043 Mountainview Road, Beamsville
“Love the story behind Organized Crime as much as the wine itself. With possibly the coolest looking bottles, this boutique winery produces some delicious Pinot Noir, including the 2013 Reserve. It’s crisp, just heavy enough, and great with and without food. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and can’t wait for Summer, I also like the 2010 Fume Blanc. It’s like eating corn on the cob at the beach.”
Nalisha ‘Kawarthas Or Bust’ Sankreacha
Kawartha Country Wines
2452 Peterborough County Rd 36, Buckhorn
“Tucked in Buckhorn, Kawartha Country Wines offers a wide variety of fruit wines, ice wines, and ciders. My favourite is the Rhubarb Wine. It is a light pink colour, and is quite refreshing! I also find that it is a very versatile wine that goes with many dishes. Additionally, when you go in to the shop the owner is more than happy to engage you in a interactive tasting where you can guess the fruit used in different wines.”
Want more staff picks and tricks?
Check out our favorite spring ciders!