News from the Ontario Vines

Fred Couch, Ontario Wine Society – Niagara Chapter

Since this is my first article for “Wines of Canada”, let me introduce myself. I'm a retired Chartered Accountant who moved to the Niagara area seven years ago from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. I'm not directly involved in the wine industry, not a wine writer and certainly not a wine “expert”. I leave the ratings and analysis of wines to these “experts” and just enjoy the wines I like. I've been involved with a couple of wine societies over the years and I'm currently Treasurer of the Ontario Wine Society for the Niagara Chapter. My other passion is photography and I love visiting the wineries and taking photos in all seasons.

For those who live near Ontario's Niagara wine region or plan a visit to Ontario's wine country. I hope my articles will give you some insight into what's happening in this unique area of Canada and the other three viticultural areas: Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island.

Summer is outdoor patio time and a number of wineries in Niagara have seasonal outdoor dining. Angels Gate, Henry of Pelham, Featherstone, Creekside, Southbrook Winery, Stoney Ridge, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery (Olson's Foods) and Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery all offer outside dining on the weekend and some weekdays. Also, many wineries now offer wine by the glass. Sit on their deck or patio or stroll the vineyards with your favourite glass of VQA wine!

The Wine Council of Ontario has a new chairman. Ed Madronich, The president of Flat Rock Cellars in Jordan, was elected head of the wine council's 14-member board of directors.

Casa-Dea Estates Winery, Prince Edward County, is the new name for the former Carmela Estate Winery. For more info rmation go to: www.casadeaestates.com .

Former winery for sale. Do you have a spare $1.6 million and want to start a winery from the ground up? The property of the former Thomas and Vaughan Estate Winery is for sale. The property is almost 39 acres with 16 workable acres with various grape varieties planted.

Photograph by © F.G. Couch

For a unique wine country dining experience, check out Mark Picone's Culinary Studio in Vineland – www.chefmarkpicone.com . Chef Mark offers private lunches and dinners for 8 to 16 people providing an unsurpassed cooking, dining and learning event. G uests bring their own wine to complement the menu prepared exclusively for them. Mark will showcase his “passion and perspective for the unique and regionalized culinary experience known as Niagara ”.

Congratulations to Vineland Estates Winery for winning the Ontario Wine Society Gold award at this year's Ontario Wine Awards. Gold was given for their 2005 Reserve Cabernet Merlot. For a complete list of the 2009 winners  go to: www.ontariowineawards.ca and download this year's winners.

Lakeview Cellars and Dan Aykroyd Wines of Vineland have moved operations to sister winery 20 Bees in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

One winery closes and two new ones open up! Ridge Road Winery, Vinemount - www.ridgeroadwinery.ca should be opening later this month. Five Rows Winery, St. David's – www.fiverows.com is now open on weekends until August 31. Check their websites for more info rmation.

Konzelmann Estate Winery
Photograph by © F.G. Couch

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