EVENTS

Ontario Winery Summer Events 

It's been a stellar summer for Ontario wine lovers! The vines have spent the past few months basking in the sun and the grapes are beginning to mature. Join Ontario's winemakers as they prepare for this year's harvest. From food and wine pairing seminars to stomping grapes barefoot, there are activities to capture the interest of wine novices and experts alike.

The wine industry's website, www.winesofontario.ca, has been enhanced with a new Calendar of Events page that categorizes all events into four headings: Tastings, Events, Culinary and Music. These categories, as well as the option to pick specific dates, provide consumers with user-friendly tools where they can browse listings by date, month or category. Winery event listings are updated each week at www.winesofontario.ca.

JULY

4th Annual Tenors in the Vineyard
Colio Estate Wines
July 24, 12–3 p.m.
Enjoy "southern hospitality" with a free tour and great wine, food and music at Colio Estate Winery.
Phone: 519-738-9318 or 1-800-265-1322 ext. 23. Reservations required.
E-Mail: gailh@coliowinery.com
Website: www.coliowines.com

Michael Burgess
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
July 24, 8 p.m.
Noted actor/singer Michael Burgess will perform popular songs from the world's most endearing musicals including Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha, Blood Brothers and Miss Saigon.
Phone: Jackson-Triggs Box Office, 905-468-4637 ext. 2
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

"Jazz on the Ridge" – Summer Series
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
July 25, noon–4 p.m.
Listen to a great afternoon of jazz with Kollage and lunch at The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge or The Coach House.
Cost: Free admission
Phone: 905-563-0900 ext. 25
E-Mail: info@peninsularidge.com
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Herbal Wine Cuisine Seminar
Reif Estate Winery
July 25, August 29, 1–3 p.m.
Arlene Mills of Niagara Herb Farm presents a demonstration on creating Herbal Cooking Wines. The seminar is followed by an informal wine tasting.
Cost: $5 pp, reservations required.
Phone: 905-468-7738
Website: www.reifwinery.com

Summerlude by the Harbour
Harbour Estates Winery
July 25, 1–5 p.m.
Stroll the Harbourside Trail while sampling food and wine from over thirty award winning wineries and restaurants from West Niagara.
Cost: $75 pp.
Phone: 1-877-HEW-WINE (1-877-439-9463)
Website: www.harbourestateswinery.com

Music and Wine
Stonechurch Vineyards
July 31, Aug 7, 14; 6 p.m.
A chamber concert by the Niagara International Festival begins at 7:30 p.m. with a pre-performance dinner beginning at 6 p.m.
Cost: Concert: $20-$25 pp. Pre-dinner: $30. Reservations required.
Phone: 905-935-3535
E-Mail: winery@stonechurch.com
Website: www.stonechurch.com

AUGUST

Lazy Days of Summer Draw
Birchwood Estates Wines
August 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit Birchwood Estate Wines and try their refreshing summer wines and enter for a chance to win a day at the spa. Ballots are available August 1–21, 2004.
Website: www.birchwoodwines.com

Decant, I say Decant
Creekside Estate Winery
August 1, 11 a.m. to noon, 2–3p.m.
Come explore the benefit of decanting on Creekside's signature red wines, including the award-winning Cuvee, and compare the bottled wines to the decanted. All decanters are 30 per cent off the regular sales prince during this weekend only.
Cost: $12 pp and take home a souvenir tasting glass
Website: www.creeksideestatewinery.com

Icewine Tasting Bar
Inniskillin Wines
August 1, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit the unique Icewine Tasting Bar in the Wine Boutique. Icewine flights, a series of four samples of award-winning Icewine, are available for $20.
Cost: Individual fees per sample
Website: www.inniskillin.com

Gourmet Day at Stoney
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
August 1, noon to 4 p.m.
Sample a wide array of food, including cocktail olives, gourmet dips, specialized marinades and wine infused pastas and sauces, paired with Stoney Ridge's premium wines.
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

Red Review of '02
Cave Spring Cellars
August 7, 21, 28, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Niagara boasts they have the best vintage red wine ever. Taste their full range of 2002 red wines; some from the barrel, some from Gamay and Pinot, and some from Cabernet/Merlot.
Cost: $10 pp, reservation required
Phone: 905-562-3581 ext. 302
Website: www.cavespringcellars.com

The Iron Mask
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
August 7, 8 p.m.
Dynamic Marimba duo Graham Hargrove and Nicholas Coulter team up to originally score this classic silent film. The combination of percussion, piano, keyboard, sound effects, and occasional human voice lift the occasion into high art.
Cost: $10 pp, reservation required
Phone: Jackson-Triggs Box Office – 905-468-4637 x.2
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

Music and Wine
Stonechurch Vineyards
August 7, 11, 14 & 21, 6 p.m.
Join Stonechurch Vineyards for a night of music and wine. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the concert, performed by the Niagara International Chamber of Music, follows at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 dinner only, $30 for concert, reservations required
Phone: 905-935-3535
Email: winery@stonechurch.com
Website: www.stonechurch.com

Barrel Wine Tasting and Seminar
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
August 7 & 8, 1 p.m.
Experience a private, small-group barrel cellar tour and seminar. The afternoon includes discussion of cellaring techniques, barrel construction and options. It also features the only opportunity to taste unblended wines direct from the barrel.
Cost: $15 pp, $25 per couple
Phone: 905-563-0900 ext. 25 to order tickets
Email: info@peninsularidge.com
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Refreshing Rosés
Magnotta Winery
August 7, 1–4 p.m.
Enjoy a classic selection of zesty, medium-bodies Rosé and Blush wines. Appreciate their distinct colours while savouring the crisp fruit flavours and refreshing acidity.
Website: www.magnotta.com

Fine Cheese, Fabulous Wine
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
August 7 & 8, noon to 4 p.m.
Experience and learn about the classic pairing of wine and cheese. Stoney Ridge will pair a selection of premium wines including the Founder's series with delectable premium cheeses from the on-site cheese boutique, The Cheese Board.
Cost: $5 pp
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

Magnum Weekend
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
August 7–8
Join Peninsula Ridge to taste the limited 1.5-litre bottle of their 2000 Cabernet.
Cost: $1 per tasting or $28.95 per bottle
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Strings in the Vineyard
Château des Charmes
August 8, 2 p.m.
Tune your ears for the fine chamber orchestra music of the Niagara Symphony. Music Director Daniel Swift, leads the string ensemble through a performance of light classics amidst the vines of the St. David's Bench Vineyard.
Cost: $30 pp
Website: www.chateaudescharmes.com

Wine Tasting Series
Cave Spring Cellars
August 10, 7 p.m.
An expert from cave Spring Cellars will speak about the history and development of the wines as they lead you through a sampling of their products. After the tasting, guests are invited to enjoy the hors d'oeuvres provided by the winery's preferred caterers.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Phone: 905-632-7809 ext. 3
Website: www.cavespringcellars.com

Hillebrand Blues at the Winery
Hillebrand Winery
August 14, 2004, 3–7 p.m. (gates open at 1 p.m.)
The Blues come to Hillebrand each August with excellent wine, delicious food and great music, making an unforgettable day in Wine Country.
Cost: $25 pp, advanced ticket purchase highly recommended
Phone: 1-800-582-8412
Website: www.hillebrand.com

Benchberry Run
EastDell Estates
August 14
Hit the country road running in this 5 kilometre race that starts and ends at EastDell Estates. Kids can join the 1 km Yummi Bears challenge.
Phone: 905-562-8669
Website: www.instride.ca for registration
Website: www.eastdell.com

3rd Annual "Take a Trip South"
Colio Estate Wines
August 14, 1–5 p.m.
This customer appreciation day features fee tours, wonderful wine, food, music, fun and prizes.
Phone: 519-738-9318 or 1-800-265-1322 ext. 23. Reservations required.
E-Mail: gailh@coliowinery.com
Website: www.coliowines.com

Jesse Cook
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
August 14, 8 p.m.
Juno award-winner Jesse Cook combines rumba with captivating sounds discovered in Spain, Africa and Cuba.
Cost: $49 pp
Phone: Jackson-Triggs Box Office – 905-468-4637 ext. 2
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

Chardonnay Fanatics
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
August 14 & 15, noon to 4 p.m.
Long considered a leading producer of some of Canada's finest Chardonnay, Stoney Ridge opens some of their classic vintages in this unique four-wine tasting. Included is their acclaimed 1997 Old Vines Chardonnay from Lenko Vineyard. This multiple gold medal winner was served to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her last Canadian visit in 2002. All wines tasted will be available for purchase.
Cost: $5 pp
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

Ontario Whites
Magnotta Winery
August 14, 1–4 p.m.
Join Magnotta Winery and sample Riesling and Gewurztraminer grapes that are perfectly at home in Ontario's climate. These grapes are exquisitely dry, perfectly balanced, and 100 per cent home grown.
Cost: $5 pp
Website: www.magnotta.com

Peaches in Icewine
Reif Estate Winery
August 15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come celebrate the Peach Festival at Reif Estate Winery. Complimentary sample of "Peaches in Icewine" while quantities last.
Phone: 905-468-7738
Website: www.reifwinery.com

Savour the Sights
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
August 20, September 25, October 29, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy five courses of food and wine in picturesque locations throughout the winery. CURRENTLY SOLD OUT.
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

Vineyard Smoker IX
Château des Charmes
August 20, 7 p.m.
Chateau des Charmes' renowned Vineyard Smoker returns for a 9th time to celebrate the Bosc family's passion for artisanal winemaking, fine cigars and extraordinary cuisine. Reservations required.
Cost: $125 pp plus taxes and gratuity
Website: www.chateaudescharmes.com

Sushi & Sunset
Konzelmann Estate Winery
August 21, 6:30–10 p.m.
Savour an array of Asian cuisine paired with Konzelmann Estate wines. Enjoy the sunset from the lakeview platform.
Cost: $65 pp. Reservation required
Website: www.konzelmannwines.com

Amy Sky & Marc Jordan
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
August 21, 8 p.m.
The Juno-nominated songstress teams up with her talented husband, of international songwriting renown, to deliver heart-rending duets and memorable solos crackling with romance.
Cost: $49 pp
Phone: Jackson-Triggs Box Office – 905-468-4637 ext. 2
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

Gourmet Day at Stoney Ridge
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
August 21 & 22, noon to 4 p.m.
Stoney Ridge carries a fabulous selection of unique, premium gourmet foods, including gourmet dips, specialty cocktail olives, special marinades and wine infused pastas and sauces.
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

Lakeview Patio BBQ
Lakeview Cellars Estate Winery
August 21 & 22, noon to 4 p.m.
Join Lakeview Cellars on the patio as Chef Darren Stoute of the After Hours Bistro in Niagara Falls grills up a storm. Wines are available by the glass; picnics are also welcome.
Cost: $12.95 pp plus tax and gratuity
Website: www.lakeviewcellars.on.ca

Reserve Chardonnay Vertical Tasting
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
August 21 & 22, 11 a.m.
Sourcing from their winery archives, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery presents a special opportunity to taste and track the evolution of their Reserve Chardonnay. Featuring the sold-out wines from 1999 and 2000 to show the evolution of this classic chardonnay, Peninsula Ridge will present a comparative that will give a clue to the future of the 2002 Reserve Chardonnay.
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

2nd Anniversary Lobsterfest
Caroline Cellars
August 28, 2–8 p.m.
In true Canadian style, fresh East-Coast lobster from the grill will be served with award-winning wines. There will also be fare for those whose palates aren't so thrilled with the prospect of seafood.
Cost: Market price. Open to the public, no reservation required.
Phone: 905-468-8814
Website: www.LakeitFarms.com

A Salute to our Founder
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
August 28 & 29, noon to 4 p.m.
In recognition of Stoney Ridge's founder and winemaker, Jim Warren, there will be a free tasting of the Founder's Signature Collection Series. These wines represent a winemaking partnership with Chief Winemaker Liubomir Popovici and founder, Jim Warren. Stoney Ridge Estate Winery invites guests to try the Charlotte's Unsoaked Chardonnay and Meritage.
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

The Shaw Festival's Bloomer Girl
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
August 29, 6:30–10 p.m.
This wonderful musical romantic comedy, which ran for over 650 performances on Broadway, has music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, best known for their collaboration on The Wizard of Oz.
Cost: $25 pp
Phone: Jackson-Triggs Box Office – 905-468-4637 ext. 2
Website: www.jacksontriggswinery.com

Herbal Wine Cuisine Seminar
Reif Estate Winery
August 29, 1–3 p.m.
Reif Estate Winery welcomes Arlene Mills of Niagara Herb Farm to present a demonstration on creating Herbal Cooking Wines. The seminar will be followed by an informal wine tasting.
Cost: $5 pp, reservations required
Phone: 905-468-7738
Website: www.reifwinery.com

Jazz on the Ridge Summer Series featuring Heather Bambrick and her Trio
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
August 29, 1–5 p.m.
Heather Bambrick, a Newfoundland native, was recently named Vocalist of the Year at the 2004 National Jazz Awards. Heather and her trio will perform in the Coach House, where a selection of grilled entrées will be offered. Visitors will have the opportunity to savour a wonderful lunch on the restaurant's patio to the sound of jazz.
Cost: Complimentary. Donations to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Campaign will be gratefully accepted.
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

SEPTEMBER

Icewine Tasting Bar
Inniskillin Wines
September 1, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit Inniskillin's unique Icewine Tasting Bar in the Wine Boutique. A series of four samples of our award winning Icewine will be made available for $20. Icewine Tasting Bar is available every day.
Cost: $20 per Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal sample. Individual fees per sample.
Website: www.inniskillin.com

Going Vertical
Cave Spring Cellars
September 4, 11, 18, 25, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Each week a "vertical" tasting of a single grape varietal, through its various incarnations over several years, is conducted. A different varietal will be featured every week.
Cost: $10 pp, reservations required
Phone: 905-562-3581 ext. 302
Website: www.cavespring.ca

Niagara Wine and Food Classic
Niagara Falls Tourism
September 10–12
Winery tours, grand tastings, cooking demos, wine seminars and winemakers' dinners. Visit the website for tickets and more information.
Phone: 1-800-563-2557
E-Mail: eventplanner@niagarafallstourism.com
Website: www.discoverniagara.com

Syrah Vertical
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
September 11&12, 11 a.m.
Sample from the last remaining bottles from 2000 and 2001 Syrah, and compare to the 2002 Syrah. Ticket prices will be deducted from any purchase of limited edition "Six-Bottle Cellar Case," featuring Syrah.
Cost: $10 pp
Phone: 905-563-0900 ext. 25 to order tickets
E-Mail: info@peninsularidge.com
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Niagara Wine Festival
Montebello Park, Downtown St. Catharines
September 17–26
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Join our "Wine Country" celebration of Niagara's internationally acclaimed grape and wine industry during 10 days in September. More than 100 events including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars, family entertainment and one of Canada's largest parades. Selected as Ontario's Cultural Event of the Year for three years in a row and as one of North America's Top 100 Events by the American Business Association in 2003.
Email: vidal@niagarawinefestival.com
Website: www.niagarawinefestival.com
Phone: 905-688-0212

Winemaker's Dinner
Konzelmann Estate Winery
September 17, 7 p.m.
Enjoy an exquisite five-course dinner with Herbert Konzelmann and experience his passion and appreciation for wine, food and life. Featuring the Winemaster's Collection premium wine series.
Cost: $125 pp, reservations required
Phone: 905-935-2866
Website: www.konzelmannwines.com

Artisans-at-the-Vineyard
Hillebrand Estates
September 18–19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Experience an outdoor marketplace of one-of-a-kind art and homemade wares crafted by local artisans.
Cost: Complimentary admission
Website: www.hillebrand.com

A Taste of Tuscany, a Bistro Experience
Pillitteri Estates Winery
September 18 & 19, 25 & 26, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Pillitteri patio will be sizzling with a selection of authentic Italian cuisine Tuscan style, presented by Chef Gerald Meechan of Toast of the Town.
Cost: $14 pp
Website: www.pillitteri.com

Harvest Celebrations
Magnotta Winery
September 18 & 19, 2–4 p.m.
Celebrate harvest season with a BBQ of grilled meats and seasonal vegetable kebobs paired with a sampling of Limited Edition wines.
Website: www.magnotta.com

Smokin' Grills – Part Two
Lakeview Cellars
September 18 & 19, 25 & 26, noon to 4 p.m.
Join Lakeview Cellars and Chef Darren Stoute of the After Hours Bistro in Niagara Falls as he grills up a storm. Wine is available by the glass. Picnics are also welcomed.
Cost: $12.95 pp plus tax and gratuity
Website: www.lakeviewcellars.on.ca

Vineyard Trolley Tour and Tasting
Pillitteri Estates Winery
September 18 & 19, 25 & 26, Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Enjoy a guided Vineyard Trolley Tour followed by a tasting of three wines paired with complimenting appetizers the hospitality room overlooking the vineyard.
Cost: $10 pp
Website: www.pillitteri.com

Wines of Depth and Altitude – Chardonnay
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
September 18 & 19, 25, noon to 4 p.m.
Producing some of Canada's most acclaimed Chardonnays, Stoney Ridge invites guests to a rare vertical Chardonnay tasting, paired with Artisan Cheeses from "The Cheeseboard."
Cost: $6 pp
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

Rhythms of Steel
Château des Charmes
September 19, 2–4 p.m.
Chateau des Charmes celebrated the harvest with the Hummingbird Steel Orchestra. Sip their steel-aged wines to the rhythms of steel drums amidst the vines of their St. David's Bench Vineyard. Cost includes one glass of wine. Reservations are not required.
Cost: $5 pp
Website: www.chateaudescharmes.com

Riedel Tasting Seminar
Peninsula ridge Estates Winery
September 24, 7 p.m.
Join Peninsula Estates Winery for an in-depth Riedel tasting seminar featuring Peninsula Ridge Estates Wines while further delving into the various facets of viticulture, winemaking and wine appreciation. All ticket prices will be deducted from any Riedel purchase that evening.
Cost: $15 pp or $25 per couple
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Stargazing and BBQ
Stonechurch Vineyards
September 25, 7:30–11 p.m.
Cost: $5 for BBQ, free admission
Phone: 905-935-3535
E-Mail: winery@stonechurch.com
Website: www.stonechurch.com

Harvestfest 2004
Konzelmann Estate Winery
September 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy an outdoor BBQ featuring German Oktoberfest sausage paired with Konzelmann wine at Niagara's exclusive lakefront winery
Cost: Adults $6, Kids $4 (sausage and pop)
Website: www.konzelmannwines.com

Celebrate the Crush!
Strewn
September 25, 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Pick grapes in the vineyard, help with the crush and take home a bottle of freshly-pressed grape juice. Also, watch a barrel coopering demonstration, test your skills at wine aroma identification, and sample premium Strewn VQA wines.
Cost: $10 pp, reservations required
Phone: 905-468-1229
Website: www.strewnwinery.com

5k Harvest Run
Puddicombe Estate
September 25
Take part in a 5k race on a course through the vineyards and orchards and up the Escarpment.
Phone: 905-616-4688
Website: www.finishlineservices.org/event.htm

Craft Show featuring Haldimand Art Works
Lakeview Cellars
September 25 & 26, noon to 4 p.m.
Various handcrafted items including pottery, paintings and sculptures will be on display and for sale at the winery. All artwork is that of the Haldimand Art Works in Cayuga, Ontario.
Website: www.lakeviewcellars.on.ca

Equinox Weekend
Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery
September 25 & 26
The weekend only, Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery will offer complementary tastings of their 2001 and 2002 Equinox – their premium white blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Website: www.peninsularidge.com

Antiques in Autumn
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
September 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the charming and picturesque Stoney Ridge Estate Winery and discover antique dealers from the Twenty Valley area. Enjoy wine from the award-winning portfolio and visit the Cheese Board for an artisan cheese experience.
Website: www.stoneyridge.com

October

Icewine Tasting Bar
Inniskillin Wines
October 1, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit Inniskillin's unique Icewine Tasting Bar in the Wine Boutique. A series of four samples of our award-winning Icewine will be made available for $20. Icewine Tasting Bar is available every day.
Cost: $20 per Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal sample. Individual fees per sample.
Website: www.inniskillin.com

3rd Annual Harvest Hoedown Bluegrass Festival
Colio Estate Wines
October 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Colio Estate Wines in their Harvest Hoedown featuring "The Back 40" Bluegrass band. Food will be available from Zeta Kappa Phi Sorority to raise funds for their Santa Sacs for Children. Free tours of the winery will be available and the Country Cloggers will perform.
Cost: Free admission
Contact: Gail Heffernan
Phone: 1-800-265-1322
Website: www.coliowines.com

Chard by a Nose
Cave Spring Cellars
October 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Known for almost two decades for their finesse and elegance, the Chardonnays of Cave Spring Vineyard exemplify the terroir of the Beamsville Bench. Taste wines going as far back as 1998.
Reservation required.
Cost: $10 pp
Phone: 905-562-3581 ext. 302
Website: www.cavespring.ca

The Wine Council of Ontario is a non-profit trade association that represents Ontario wineries. Ontario's four wine regions – Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County – grow 90 per cent of the grapes used in Canadian wine production. Ontario is home to more than 90 grape wineries that produce 44 million litres of wine worth $400 million in retail sales annually. Directly and indirectly, 5,050 people are employed by the Ontario wine industry. Ontario wines are available at LCBO and Vintages stores, and winery retail stores. For more information about the Ontario wine industry, visit www.winesofontario.ca.