My love story with the Niagara region begins "once upon a time," when I used to work as a VJ at MuchMusic. I was living in Toronto and when I needed to escape for the weekend, I would drive down to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
I found the Old England atmosphere very uplifting, and, as a wine lover, I was very impressed with the numerous vineyards in the area. I have to admit that I was less impressed with the wine at the time, but that was a very long time ago, and OMG! Has that ever changed.
I now go to Niagara as often as I can and what really impresses me is the huge leap forward the food and winemaking industry has taken in only a few years. Beyond its fabulous icewine, Niagara has found its gastronomic identity, which is right up there with the best the rest of the world has to offer. Niagara, as much as Prince Edward County, is a MUST for any food and wine lovers, and it is right in our backyard! Plus, the human experience is incomparable. It is rare to find such proximity and friendliness with producers, winemakers, chefs and all other creators of happiness.
You are lucky to have a great selection of Ontario wines at your local LCBO. Why not start planning your next trip over a nice bottle of Chardonnay! Here are some suggestions from my favourites:
Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2012, VINTAGES# 286278, $18.95
13th Street, June’s Vineyard Chardonnay, VINTAGES# 236745, $21.95
Bachelder, Niagara Peninsula Chardonnay 2010, VINTAGES# 302083, $29.95
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Chardonnay 2013, VINTAGES# 149054, $39.00
Here are some of the best pairing recipes:
In Niagara, every season has a festival. The Ice Wine Festival is starting this week, and with so many events celebrating 20 years… the scenery is at its best! make sure to visit Wine Country Ontario to plan your next wine and food experience.
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