Niagara Escarpment Wineries - Winter 2013

My boyfriend and I make a point to get up to Canada, just over the border along the Niagara Escarpment, to check out the Niagara Ice Wine Festival each winter. 

This year, while we sampled some ice wines, we focused on checking out as many "new to us" wineries we could, and sampled everything! We found some incredible wineries, met some wonderful people and had great conversation about food and wine. 

I'm not even close to a wine critic, but I'll give you my take on flavors and taste. I won't go through all the color, clarity, complexity, balance and finish notes, but will mention what we liked so you can sample them when you get a chance. As a point of reference, I gravitate towards white wines and my boyfriend is a fan of reds. In the time we have been dating though, almost three years, we've come to appreciate the opposite and my palate is beginning to change. One thing we can agree on, we both love Rieslings, so much of what we buy are Rieslings.

My reviews below are also about the overall atmosphere and experience at each, which is almost as important to me as the wines. Enjoy! 


Legends Estate Winery: We started off our day at Legends Estate Winery. They are situated right near the water, and even though it was a cold day out, the sun was shining so we walked around the grounds. The location is beautiful and a gazebo situated right near the water makes it a great spot for summer visits. 

The winery itself is a small space with one tasting area. There was one other couple wrapping up a tasting when we arrived so we looked around as they paid and then began our tasting. Most of the wines we tasted we good and we settled on a bottle of Truth & Dare (one white, one red). The packaging of the bottles was fun (see bottom picture of all the wines)- Truth is green, Dare is red). I'm not a huge fan of reds, but I enjoyed this one. The girl taking care of us was pleasant and asked if we were from Buffalo because of our accent. We just laughed.

Good start to our day! 

The Good Earth Food & Wine Company: Our second stop of the day was to The Good Earth Food & Wine Company, and from the moment we pulled up the driveway, I was in love. The grounds house a few different buildings. One building serves as a cooking school, and the other (pictured below) is the winery and a restaurant. The tasting room is small, but absolutely beautiful. As opposed to many typical tasting areas that are set up as a bar, the tasting room has small circular tables with a hole in the middle for the chilled wine to sit. The owner of the winery greeted us and did our tasting herself. She could tell we enjoyed wine, so we sampled everything. They had two Rieslings to sample and we were told people were split down the middle on which they preferred. For us, it was the 2010 (I didn't care for the 2009 at all). The best wine there, and my favorite wine of the day, was the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. Wow. It is the perfect summer night wine with a very crisp flavor that went down a little too easily. We are planning on building a fire pit in our backyard this year. This wine will be perfect for our first night enjoying it! Absolutely outstanding.

The wines are priced a little higher than other wineries in the area, but they were worth it, the tasting alone was outstanding, and I'm already kicking myself for not buying more than one bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc.

We didn't eat in the restaurant, but the menu looked fantastic and they have pre-fixe menus throughout the year that we will definitely go back for. The cooking classes seemed pricey (most of the classes you just watch, and they are not hands on), but from what we heard, they are extremely popular there. 

This winery alone is worth the drive over the border! Make it a "must" stop next time you get to Canada! 

Vineland Estates Winery: We are not strangers to Vineland, it is our favorite place to visit every year, and the only repeat winery we visited. Unlike most years we have gone, the tasting room was not very busy and our favorite wine expert, Joe, was not there. While the girl who took care of our tasting sort of rushed us through it, it was great to get back there and sample some of our favorite wines again. We ended up walking out of there with four bottles of wine; 2 bottles of the 2011 St. Urban Elevation, 1 bottle of the 2010 Semi Dry Riesling (one of my all-time favorites), and a bottle of the 2011 dry Riesling which we sampled for the first time. For a drier Riesling, I thought it was fantastic (and I'm more of a semi dry girl). The flavors were crisp and I really enjoyed the finish. 

Vineland is an absolutely gorgeous estate with a restaurant housed in a separate building as well as a small chapel for weddings. The tasting room is large and they have a nice storefront area with all the wines and accessories.  If you go upstairs they have a small cheese shop which is wonderful!

Thirty Bench Wine Makers: From the outside, Thirty Bench Wine Makers has a very rustic feel to it. On the inside the space boasts big windows that overlook a gorgeous estate and wood throughout. In addition to the tasting bar, they have a VIP tasting area with small stations for you to get a more in depth tasting. The storefront area is small, but they have very cool handmade wood serving dishes, trivets and more.

We mostly focused on the white wines here and enjoyed the flight of Rieslings. They have three different Rieslings (all prepared different ways), and then a mix of the three. As we sampled each of the three, we really enjoyed the 2011 Small Lot Riesling. In addition, the 30 Bench Riesling (the mixture of the three) was great and really produced the flavor that I thought was lacking in the other two. The mix was a lot cheaper than the individual ones, but we wanted a little of each to take home. 

We found this winery on a whim, just noticed it as we were driving down the street and decided to stop. I'm glad we did! 

                                        

Megalomanic Winery: When we were looking for this winery, we almost missed it. It's hidden, basically underground with just a small, hill-like structure sticking out. There is a long winding road to get to it, but once we were inside we were amazed. The space is incredible! When you walk in, you are at the storefront, a small area with all the wines for sale and a cash register. The tasting room itself is huge, although tastings are only done at one small bar area. The tasting room is also where the wine is made, and stored and there are barrels throughout the space and the fermentation tanks used to make the wine. There are beautiful chandeliers throughout the space and a nice running waterfall in one area. 

The wines were outstanding! We walked away with a bottle of the 2011 Narcissist Riesling and the 2011 Homegrown Riesling. Each had very different distinct flavors that, from start to finish, were a treat for my palate. They also had a fantastic Riesling ice wine, and I've always been partial to Vineland's, but this one was better. Next time we get up there, I'm definitely going to splurge on a bottle! 

Ridegepoint Wines: When I started putting this blog together, I forgot we even went to this winery...that's how memorable it was. From the moment we walked in the tasting room, I felt like I was being talked down to, and rushed through everything. This winery was the only place we had to actually pay for the tastings (most will waive it if you buy a bottle), and the lady who took care of us was not pleasant or helpful. The only positive from this winery, I did find a red wine I enjoyed; the 2011 Cabernet Merlot. While it was on the drier side, I found it full of flavor. I am looking forward to enjoying a nice steak with it this summer.  

Rosewood Estates Winery: Rosewood is a fun winery, with a beautiful tasting room. The winery is also home to many beehives, and in addition to more typical types of wine you see, they produce a wine called mead (which is wine made with honey). I loved the layout of how the store was set up - all the wines were in wood containers that were shaped to look like a honeycomb. Throughout the winery they had cute wine quotes and the grounds outside were beautiful as well.

The lady who took care of us was so personable and gave us a good history of the winery and mead. We tried many different wines and they were all good. We both absolutely loved the 2011 Mima's Block Riesling. We were excited to try the Mead wine and really enjoyed it. It definitely has a very different flavor than other wines and the honey and fruit flavors in the 2008 Mead Royale were great. It is sweet, and usually served as a dessert wine. We also purchased some honey (in an adorable bear glass jar) and the cutest little honey dipper. We've since tried the honey and it is absolutely fantastic! 

Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery: This winery was our last stop of the day, and as far as the overall "experience" goes, this was our favorite winery of the day (and after the great time we had at Good Earth, I thought it was impossible to top).

The winery is also the home of the owner, Sue Ann Staff. She purchased the estate from her ancestors and renovated it, although many original features are still noticeable throughout the home. 

The tasting room is her kitchen. Her actual kitchen that she cooks in! It has a very modern feel to it and is very inviting and comfortable. The lady working that afternoon was so full of knowledge and we spent a long time talking with her about the wines. Unlike the other wineries of the day, there was absolutely no wine we tried here that I didn't like. Everything was fabulous. The wines are priced a little higher than most, but they were truly outstanding. We left with a bottle of the 2011 Riesling Baco Noir (a combination I didn't think I'd like, but LOVED), 2011 Riesling, and the 2010 Baco Noir. 

After our tasting was complete, the lady working showed us around the lower floor of the house and it's beautiful! What a location. 

Our Sunday along the Escarpment was absolutely wonderful. It is one of the best day trips for wine lovers in the Buffalo area (and beyond). There are many limo/bus packages offered from various companies that would be a perfect way to explore with friends, family or for a special event. Check out my blog on The Ice Wine Festival from last year for more ideas of places to go! 

Many people have asked me why I haven't blogged about the wineries in Niagara County yet, while I've mentioned Niagara on the Lake a few times. To be honest, I have been to the Niagara County wineries a handful of times, but have only fallen in love with a few. Maybe it is because Niagara On The Lake has soooo many to choose from, that I gravitate towards there, but I honestly think the quality of the wine, and the location, makes them better overall. This summer though, I'm planning on getting back up to the wineries in Niagara County, and will blog about them! 

Our haul for the day: 18 bottles of wine and some honey!

The Ladies of the Vine Wine Club

When I was teaching a Zumba class last semester, one of the ladies in my class mentioned she wouldn't be at class the following week because she was attending the monthly "Ladies of the Vine" dinner. Intrigued by the name (and joking that if it had something to do with wine she was "excused" from class) I asked her what it was all about. She told me it was a monthly get together to eat and drink wine and the next time she was in class she brought me a flyer. I jumped on the internet that night, and soon after contacted the founder of the group, Kristin.

Kristin, a Buffalonian, was living in Fort Myers, Florida in 2004, which is where the original idea for the "Ladies of The Vine" concept came from. When we discussed where the idea came from, Kristin said, "...over dinner and drinks with some friends. I was telling them how nice it would be to get together more often for nice dinners and to learn about wine. After a few more drinks, I said, "what the heck" and decided to get something off the ground." Kristin partnered with a restaurant in Fort Myers and began hosting a monthly women's wine club. It was an instant success.

After moving back to Buffalo in 2005, Kristin knew she wanted to start a women's wine club up here, but wanted to get re-acclimated to the area first. In August of 2010 she launched the first wine club event in Buffalo at Stillwater. Since that initial event, they have continued to meet the first Tuesday of every month.

Anyone can participate, and the group has no formal "membership" policy. Ladies pay one price for dinner which includes appetizers, dinner, wines, tax and gratuity. Each month the group tries out a different restaurant in Buffalo (although they do admit they have some favorites they have gone back to; Torches, 31 Club and Rue Franklin, to name a few). The typical cost of the event is $60.

Also included in the cost are a chance at prize drawings at the end of the night, and throughout the year money is donated to local charities. For the past year, "The Ladies of The Vine" have been working with Everywoman Opportunity Center.

Reservations for the event are required ahead of time and cancellations are nonrefundable if made within 48 hours of the event.

To find out more about the monthly events, you need to join Kristin's mailing list. (e-mail her to join at marketingforu@aol.com or call her at (716) 380-8565). An e-newsletter goes out each month, along with an invitation to the event. Kristin also sends out invites and updates via Facebook and everything can also be found on their website. Participants don't need to come every month, they can take a look at the schedule, see what interests them, and join in when they can.

For anyone who works full time, has kids that keep them busy, or doesn't get to get out on the town often, it can be hard to make new friends. This group is the perfect place to strike up new friendships (who share your common love for food and wine). Kristin noted that many of the ladies who have participated have become great friends!

Depending on the size of the restaurant, monthly get togethers typically have between 50-60 ladies in attendance. The group also hosts smaller happy hour events and dinners in Niagara County as well.

"The Ladies of the Vine" truly has something for all women. Whether it's getting to "Love on Buffalo" and sample different menus out, learn about wine, get away from work and kids to have a fun night out, or network with a lot of business professionals in Buffalo, you won't be disappointed you attended an event. The next dinner will be held on Tuesday April 3rd at Rick's on Main in East Aurora. Check out all the details on their website/Facebook pages today!

Niagara Ice Wine Festival 2012

I love wine...like LOVE wine. I’m a white wine girl, and can always go for a good glass of Reisling after a long day, or if I’m being totally honest, after most days! I host a wine tasting party with my girlfriends every year where each person brings a wine and we sample, play games, have lots of good food, and rate all the wines. Not to brag or anything, but my bottle of wine wins every year as favorite wine! I make it my mission to scour the area for a local winery to pick as my choice for the party. I typically go on a few wine tasting outings during the year and one of my favorite spots to tour is Niagara On The Lake in Canada.

Earlier this month, my boyfriend and I ventured up to the North to attend the Niagara Ice Wine Festival. During our Sunday excursion we stopped at eight different wineries (five new ones) and I continue to fall more in love with the region (and the best part, it's less than an hour drive!).

Here are some of my highlights from the day:

My absolute favorite stop when we get up there is Vineland Estates Winery, located at 3620 Moyer Road, Ontario L0R 2C0, CA. For the past two years we ended up tasting at the same spot, with the exact same man, Joe. He has an outstanding personality and is the person you need to ask for if you get up there. The previous year Joe told us about a sparkling Riesling they were going to be coming out with, but when we were there last it was not yet available for tasting. I was extremely excited to taste it this year, and it did not disappoint. Basically every wine we tried (both ice wine and an assortment of other wines) were great, and we left there with a few different bottles. The property itself is gorgeous, with a restaurant, chapel, tasting room, and small marketplace upstairs with cheeses and other products. If you are a white wine drinker like me, try the 2008 St. Urban Riesling, the 2009 Semi Dry Riesling, The Sparkling Riesling Methode Cuve Close, and the Cabernet Sauvignon Ice wine (although all the ice wines are delicious)!

Two other wineries we went back to for the second time were Tawse Winery and Flat Rock Cellars. Tawse has fantastic wines and I was excited to try the latest Riesling. The tasting specialists (for lack of a better term) and Tawse were friendly and fun, and we enjoyed the chit chat with them. They are surrounded by pretty scenery and I love the large glass room divider that shows off where the wine is made, behind the tasting room.

Flat Rock is one of the most fun places to hang out and enjoy the scenery. Their tasting room has huge windows that overlook their vineyard and on a clear day (which it was when we were there) you can see Toronto in the distance. They sell huge homemade marshmallows and have a big fire pit outside to roast them. We had to get them, and they were delicious. They have a good selection of wines and I'd suggest trying their "Twisted" wines mixing together a few different wines to make up this line.

As for the new places we tried we ventured out to Angel's Gate Winery, Organized Crime Winery, Crown Bench Estates Winery, Creekside Estate Winery and Stone Church Vineyards. I wasn't much of a fan of the last three. Crown Bench Estates is pegged the "most innovative" winery branching out and making flavored ice wines including hot ice (combining five different hot peppers), vanilla ice, and ambrosia chocolate ice, among others. We tried a few but weren't impressed with any. On the plus side, Crown Bench Estates sells these awesome ice wine glasses that I had to have, $7 each. Stone Church was our last stop of the day and I wasn't a huge fan of any wine, but they have pretty awesome spreads and dips for sale - try the caramelized onion and maple. As for Creekside, I just wasn't a fan of anything there.

Angel's Gate and Organized Crime were fun additions to our tour! While the tasting experience at Organized Crime wasn't my favorite; the tasting room is tiny and I mean TINY, and the owner's dog was in the room next door scratching on the door, they had my pick for favorite wine I tried of the day - their Reisling. Angel's Gate was our first stop of the day, and the winery is super cute. They had a pretty great patio and would be perfect for a summer night, overlooking gorgeous scenery.

The Niagara Ice Wine Festival offers a pass that includes food pairings at some of the wineries along with your tastings for $30. While it's a good deal, we've never purchased it. We typically purchase a bottle or two at most wineries we go to, and if you do that, in most cases, the winery will waive the tasting fees. During this trip we didn't end up paying for one tasting, but we did come home with 8 bottles of wine and a gorgeous set of ice wine glasses!

This weekend is the last weekend of the Ice Wine Festival, but if you can't make it up there soon, plan a day trip with your significant other or close friends, and explore all the great wineries just over the border! Red wine drinkers, don't worry, there's plenty of awesome red wines available for tasting too!