Sparkling Wine Weekend Guide: Niagara Escarpment & Twenty Valley

We begin this three day weekend trip with a drive from Toronto. You can easily access the area from other places (like Buffalo) thanks to the infrastructure here. We definitely recommend taking Friday off to make the most of your time in the Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley. After all, the area is home to 47 wineries, 16 historical sites, 14 restaurants, 8 cycling trails, 6 music festivals… and a whole lot more! If you’re departing from Toronto (or somewhere else in the GTA), it’s a speedy 1 – 1.5 hours (or less) to Beamsville, a central point in the region. It’s also the namesake of the “Beamsville Bench,” a topographical feature that suits viticulture just perfectly.

When arriving in Wine Country, it’s important to have a designated driver – whether you’re hiring someone to take you around (keep reading for more details on our suggestions on this) or taking on the responsibility yourself. Lucky for Jeff, the coin toss went in his favour and Mike was an excellent designated driver.

But before we get into what should be your first stop, we have a few more important details you should know about the region…

Why is this area so great from a viticultural perspective? Well, the temperature along the Escarpment is moderated year-round by Lake Ontario, providing ideal conditions for grape growing and the production of high quality wines. Two very popular cool climate grape varieties thrive here – Chardonnay & Pinot Noir – both of which are synonymous with sparkling! The wineries in this area are also typically more “boutique” in style, with a laid-back approach and incredibly friendly and welcoming staff who are eager to share the fruits of their labour, and their knowledge about Ontario wine!

Kew Vineyards is perhaps one of the most Instagrammable spots in Wine Country, which should come as no surprise as to why we love it so much! 🤓 The property itself was granted to the Kew family after the war of 1812, and the beautiful historic home was built by the family in the 1850’s, who resided there until 1975 where they ran a carriage building company. The first vines were planted on the property in 1975 by a gentleman named Herman Weiss, a grandfather to the region who was responsible for many of the first vineyard plantings along the Beamsville Bench.

But the beauty at Kew is far more than skin deep! They are most known for their array of wonderful traditional method sparkling wines, made using the 3 classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier. Our favourite Kew sparkler is the 2010 Rosalie. Named in honour of the proprietor’s mother, this 100% Pinot Noir bubbly is aged for 6 years on the lees, making it deliciously rich and complex, yet still surprisingly refreshing, on the palate. We get notes of ripe strawberry, fresh baked raspberry tart, and a crisp hint of grapefruit on the finish. There’s also the Pinot Meunier Natural Brut – the first of its kind in Ontario, showing how Pinot Meunier can stand on its own to produce a beautifully dry, fruit forward and crisp sparkling – and the 2011 Barrel Aged Blanc de Blancs. The latter just so happens to spend two and a half years on the lees, and has a beautiful straw colour with a rich mousse. Yum! 

Oh, while you’re enjoying a flight of the incredible sparkling wines at Kew, definitely get a cheese plate and hang out on the patio overlooking the vineyards. 😉

Now you’re full, and ready to continue your day! How convenient that your next stop is also mere metres away, right?

Malivoire’s story began in 1995, when Martin Malivoire purchased his first vineyard on the Beamsville Bench where original plantings of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Gamay & Pinot Noir still stand. Sustainability is a huge part of their winemaking practice, and the winery was designed for minimal energy consumption and incorporates the natural pull of gravity into the winemaking process. Now that you’ve been to the 2017 Winery of the Year, we can’t forget to remind you that Malivoire is home to Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar, the 2017 Ontario Winemaker of the Year!

Malivoire produces two sparkling wines labelled Bisous (a french word for “little kiss”, used as a way of acknowledging someone fondly)! The NV Bisous Brut is a blend of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, and is delightfully toasty with a distinct minerality and stone fruit character. The NV Bisous Rosé is a Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir) with fresh, gentle aromas of strawberry, watermelon and honey. Both are produced from 100% estate grown fruit from the Beamsville Bench vineyards, and are whole cluster pressed and fermented in older French oak barrels before the second fermentation in bottle where they are aged on the lees for 36 months (for the Brut) and 25 months (for the Rosé).

Another stop just minutes away. Really, you’re spoiled for choice. 😉 And, you’re welcome, by the way. Why? Because Back 10 is amazing!

Our love affair with Back 10 Cellars is a long (and wine filled) one! In the early 00’s, Christina & Andrew Brooks purchased a property in Beamsville, and began a decade long journey to build a vineyard – which Christina documented in a book! In the beginning they launched Crush on Niagara Wine Tours (which we went on) and ran a Bed & Breakfast on the property (which we stayed at) so it was definitely a full circle moment when we were able to sit together and reminisce in their tasting room over a glass of bubbly. They are such an amazing and inspiring couple!

Back 10 Cellars are fanatical about Riesling (it was the first wine they crafted, and has gone on to win them multiple awards) so it seems only natural that they created their first sparkling wine, the Smitten Sparkling, from the same grape! This intensely aromatic wine is produced in the Charmat method and is off-dry in style, full of bright ripe orchard and citrus fruit on the nose and palate. It should come as no surprise that we were smitten with it! Luckily the 2017 vintage is in stock now, so get it while you can!

At this point, your designated driver might be ready for a break, so take King Street to Jordan, making sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jordan Hollow Park. Located in a low lying area near Twenty Creek, the spot is very tranquil. Oh, and is home to a seasonal farmers market and… a spot for all day breakfast!

From here, you can access the Twenty Valley Trail to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area heading south, or, if you take the trail northward instead, you will pass a sturdy wooden staircase to the Jordan Historical Museum.

A boutique inn located in the Village of Jordan, the Inn on the Twenty offers just under 30 guestrooms, furnished in a traditional, timeless style. The Inn on the Twenty offers a variety of suites, but each includes all the essentials for a wonderful stay in the region.

The Vitner’s Loft Suite is simply gorgeous – bi-level, with a fireplace, kitchenette and lounge on the first floor, and a bedroom and ensuite above. Did we mention the ensuite features a whirlpool tub (Mike’s favourite)? Yep, it does! On top of that, the suite’s soaring ceilings, skylight and windows looking out to Main Street and Inn On The Twenty Restaurant made for a wonderful stay.

Did we mention the bed? You’ll be asking staff at checkout where the mattress and duvets are from because they are the epitome of perfect. And, incase you picked up some sparkling wine during your travels earlier in the day… guess what? There’s a wet bar with a bar fridge and ice bucket so you’re all set for some bubbles by the fireside. Score! Mike was definitely ready for a glass after chauffeuring Jeff around all day. 😆

One thing we love about the Inn on the Twenty is that it’s a full experience unto itself. With accommodations steps away from their incredible restaurant, Cave Spring Cellars and the Mews shopping arcade – what more could you want from one of Ontario’s quaintest villages?

Oh, and just a quick reminder: Jordan is made up of the village (where you’re over-nighting) and Jordan Station, stretching along Twenty Creek, which empties out into Lake Ontario at a natural harbour. Tiny by today’s standards, the settlement was once a busy shipping centre for the export of logs for boat masts, industrial products and fruit. Cool, huh?

Now that you’ve checked in, soaked up some suds in the jet tub and maybe turned on the fireplace for some romance, it’s time to check out (no pun intended, but hey, it works) what’s across the street! Luckily (for your designated driver and anyone who loves cool climate wines), it’s the retail shop of Cave Spring Cellars!

Just over three decades ago, the Pennachetti family helped to cultivate Vitis Vinifera grape varietals on the Niagara Peninsula with the planting of their first Riesling and Chardonnay vines at Cave Spring Vineyard. Since that time, Cave Spring Cellars has become one of most acclaimed wineries in Canada, with a reputation built on distinctive cool-climate wines that express Ontario’s terroir. We love a good Riesling and a Chardonnay, but we are the Sparkling Winos after all, so you might be thinking: “well, what about the bubbles?”

So, here we go! The 2009 Blanc de Blancs CSV (Cave Spring Vineyard) is made entirely from Chardonnay grown in the limestone-clay soils of the Cave Spring Vineyard, located on the Beamsville Bench. This Traditional Method sparkler was aged ‘sur lie’ for 72 months prior to disgorging and showing beautifully. Citrus, minerality, and a delightful nuttiness and toastiness… we could go on! The NV Blanc de Blancs is also made from Chardonnay, and is also a real treat!

If you’re not done with shopping, there’s always time to check out the Mews Arcade, a collection of boutique shops showcasing local crafts and fashion, a great place to grab a gift for mom (on the off chance that she doesn’t like sparkling wine)!

Phew, it’s been a busy day! Now that you’ve taken in the sights and sips of the area, it’s time to eat. And we couldn’t possibly think of a better spot for dinner in the area than the Inn on the Twenty Restaurant, right next door to Cave Spring Cellars! 😎

Located directly across the street from the Inn itself, the Inn on the Twenty restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner in Wine Country. We love the elegant but unpretentious vibe of the restaurant, which offers beautiful views of Twenty Creek and combines modern decor with a historic charm. We were seated promptly for dinner by our gregarious and charming server Claire, who told us the restaurant focusses on regional farm-to-table fare, prepared by Executive Chef Jason Williams. We loved that the menu was inspired by Niagara’s terroir and always speaks to the season.

So what did we have for dinner? Well, we started with the healthy but flavourful Local Organic Greens (which were offset by delicious bosc pear and toasted almonds) and “Pingue” Prosciutto. What is that exactly? Think wildflower honey roasted figs, toasted pine nuts, mustard greens, shaved asiago cheese, extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic… or, Mike’s favourite things. And we opted for a specialty cocktail with our appetizers. But, surprise, surprise… the base was Cave Spring Cellars sparkling, topped with St. Germaine. Yum! 😍

When it came to the main course, Jeff went for the Surf ’n’ Turf. There’s just something about the land and sea that calls out to us, especially when you’re working with 24 hour braised beef cheeks, vanilla roasted nova scotia lobster, autumn vegetables, red wine reduction and lobster butter. Lobster butter? Count Jeff in. Mike went for a seasonal special: Beef Wellington. Who doesn’t love beef, local prosciutto and mushroom duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry? So based on those choices you’re probably thinking “they must have gone with a red wine at dinner, right?!” Wrong! 😜We opted for the Cave Spring Cellars Dolomite Brut (which we didn’t get the chance to try earlier next door), and it paired perfectly with our meals. Sidebar: sparkling wine is the most food friendly wine out there, and perfectly with pretty much everything. 😉

With such a exceptional and decadent meal, we had to pass on dessert (which totally disappointed Claire). But if you’re smart and save room, the Frangelico Crème Brûlée sounds like it would be an amazing end to a phenomenal meal. As does the Warm Apple Crostata. And the Chocolat Crémeux. So pretty much everything on the dessert menu. Wait, why did we pass on dessert again!?

If you’re not done socializing, be sure to check out the Jordan House Tavern, just a 5 minute walk down the road! A great spot to listen to some live music, meet some new friends, or have a night cap. They’re open late on Fridays and through the weekend (till 1 am), so if you work up an appetite while socializing over music, we recommend the buffalo cauliflower. Because who doesn’t love deep fried vegetables in hot sauce? Yum!

Now that you’ve had a restful night’s stay and after you’ve called Guest Services to figure out where the mattress and duvet are from (because they’re both so perfect you want to replicate this night’s sleep at home), take 10 strides north (we’re not joking, it’s literally next door) to De La Terre Café & Bakery for a quick breakfast. Start your day off beautifully with an Almond Chocolate Croissant and a Cappuccino.

With a belly full of delicious goodness, don’t let the charms of Jordan pass you by. Take a walk down Main Street and take in the quaint architecture of this little village. From colonial manors to tiny cottages, this is one cute place!

Now that you’ve walked off the croissant and taken in some of the fresh Twenty Valley air, it’s time to start the day with a wine tour. This time, why not spring for a driver so everyone can partake in the tasting?

We were lucky to have the amazingly fun Tammy from Wheelz Niagara. We knew it would be a perfect fit when she told us she loved to take photos (and we caught her snapping paparazzi style photos of us at various points throughout the day). Driver and photographer? We were all set. 😆

Whether you follow our guide below, defer to Wheelz Niagara to plan your day, or just drive around until you find a spot to stop at… one thing’s for sure: you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sparkling wine, here in the Twenty Valley!

Our suggested itinerary below will help you make the most of your time (so you’re not driving around between stops for too long) and offers an array of sparkling experiences.

We recommend starting your second day in the Twenty Valley and Niagara Escarpment at Creekside Estate Winery. Their mantra is “make great wine, and never stop experimenting” – which is exactly why we love them so much!

Since 1997 the folks at Creekside have refused to follow trends or be pigeon-holed, and have developed a reputation for embracing new grape varieties, wine styles and winemaking techniques to create a portfolio of wines which are unique to Creek! They were among the first to see the potential of Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah in Ontario, which have gone on to become their signature wines. Creekside continues to produce wines that are unmistakably distinctive and reflect the unique micro-climates of the Niagara Peninsula. Oh and did we mention how much FUN they are?! Our visit to the Creekside vineyard can be summed up in one word: EPIC!

We had the pleasure of going on a picnic in the vines, arranged by Britnie and Josh (spoiler alert: check with the winery for seasonal availability – usually in the summer!). Who doesn’t love a good wine picnic? We sure do! Especially when our picnic lunch was paired with Creekside’s Backyard Bubbly. Let us tell you… there’s nothing quite like sippin’ sparkling wine, among the vines, under the sun!

Now a word about the Backyard Bubbly. Sauvignon Blanc can be difficult to do in the traditional method – but Creekside does it right! Bursting with flavours of citrus and tropical fruit (and the grapes’s distinct grassy note), this is pretty much the closest thing you’ll find to summer in a bottle. Luckily, the 2016 Backyard Bubbly is available for purchase, yes!

Now what you’ve had a picnic lunch in the vineyard, it’s time to head over to your next stop for some more sparkling, a couple butter tarts and … some art!

13th Street Winery strives to create exceptional wines that reflect Niagara’s unique terroir, as well as provide a place for guests to congregate, relax, discover and learn. Owners (and friends) Doug & Karen Whitty and John & June Mann share a common love of wine, food, art and hospitality – and all of that becomes very clear during a visit to 13th Street! There is the aroma of fresh baked butter tarts wafting from the bakery, gorgeous artworks hung throughout the tasting room (and even in the winemaking facility!) and of course there is wine. Lots of wine. Oh, and a king.

A… king? Yes! 13th Street Winery’s president Doug Whitty was named the 2017 Grape King by the Grape Grower’s of Ontario. The title carries the distinction of being chosen based on vineyard management, knowledge of wine and allows the bearer to represent Ontario’s grape and wine industry at events across the country. Pretty cool, if you ask us!

And now, a word about the wine. We’ve been longtime fans of the NV Cuvée Rosé (so of course we had to buy a magnum of it) but the real treat was getting to try the 2007 Grand Cuvée (which of course we bought as well). Remarkably complex with a mouthwatering nose of fresh butter, bread dough and warm toast, complimented by creamy, toasty and mineral notes on the palate. This Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir) was a real treat – especially if you love the delicious autolytic character of a traditional method sparkling wine. And let’s get real, who doesn’t? Unfortunately it’s now sold out, but the recently released 2012 Premier Cuvée is also a real stunner!

Now that you’ve been to a King’s domaine, taken in some art and, of course, some bubbly, why not head over to one of the first Ontario wineries to make traditional method sparkling? On a personal note, Henry of Pelham was the first Ontario winery we ever visited! It is also one of the oldest in the region – producing their first vintage back in the 1980’s! At the time there were very few wineries producing premium quality wines made from 100% Ontario grown grapes, so the term “pioneers” certainly applies here. Henry of Pelham has won numerous domestic and international awards, including the Gold Medal at the 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships for the 2012 Catharine Estate Blanc de Blanc ‘Carte Blanche’. In addition to their amazing traditional method sparklings, they focus on producing high quality Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir & Baco Noir.

For a special treat, why not go behind the scenes and do a tour? Private tours are available, and include stops in Canada’s largest underground barrel cellar, the scenic vineyards and… an on-site cemetery! Touring the cellar includes a tasting of the Cuvée Catharine Brut (named after Catharine Smith – the widow of Henry of Pelham, and matriarch of the family)! The Cuvée Catharine Brut and Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut are produced in the traditional method, are both are aged on lees for 30 months and offer a delicious toasty brioche character! And that 2012 Catharine Estate Blanc de Blanc ‘Carte Blanche’? Well, the accolades are well deserved. Entirely estate-grown Chardonnay is hand-picked by Henry of Pelham, then the best of the best juice is isolated, partially barrel fermented and aged for 60 months in the bottle before disgorging.

And incase you’re in the mood for something beyond bubbles… two words: Baco Noir. The Speck Brothers (owners & operators of Henry of Pelham) are often hailed as the pioneers of Baco Noir in Canada. And for good reason! Their 2016 Baco Noir is one of our all time favourite (and most versatile) Ontario red wines. Its our charcuterie board go to!

Oh, and after our tasting we hopped over to the adjacent Coach House Café where we had the veggie burger to put all veggie burgers to shame. What can we say? We’re hungry!

Westcott Vineyards specializes in Pinot Noir & Chardonnay – the two star players in traditional method sparkling wine. And their story is equally as interesting as their wines. After living busy lives working in IT and banking in Toronto, they decided to slow down a bit and move out to Niagara to grow grapes. Although, they’ve hardly “slowed down” at all. They produced their first vintage in 2012, and in 2015 opened their tasting room (built from a reclaimed 200-year-old timber-fame from a barn)… and its gorgeous!

The 2016 Violette Sparkling is produced in the Charmat method from estate grown Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, and is fruity and infectious! Bursting with fresh tree fruit like pear and peach – opt for this one if you prefer an easy-drinking sparkling wine. The 2013 Brilliant is produced in the traditional method (also from estate grown Pinot Noir & Chardonnay), and is rich and complex! With toasty notes of almond, biscuit, flint, and a hint of smoke – opt for this one if you’re a traditionalist. Or do what we do… get both. 😎

And now onto another one of our favourite wineries! Flat Rock Cellars was founded in 1999 on a stunning piece of the Niagara Escarpment. At Flat Rock, they believe in producing wines from low yields (for higher concentration), hand picking and sorting the grapes, and using progressive viticulture and winemaking practices. They have an amazing 5-level gravity-flow system inside the winery, and use the latest in wine-making equipment from around the world. And all this hard work clearly pays off, as their wines are spectacular! Oh, and check out that view… you can see the Toronto skyline in the distance!

We’ve been drinking Flat Rock’s bubbly for years, in fact it was one of the first Ontario sparkling wines we’d ever had. So it certainly holds a special place in our sparkling hearts! The 2010 Riddled (named after the riddling process used to make traditional method sparkling wine) is made from 100% Chardonnay with the primary fermentation done in neutral oak barrels before the secondary fermentation takes place in bottle. It’s aged on the lees for 5+ years resulting in an incredibly complex wine at an insanely affordable price tag.

But Flat Rock is all about taking things to the next level, which they did with their 2009 Crowned (named after its unique crown cap closure – Flat Rock was the first winery in Ontario to use 100% non-cork closures). The Crowned is made the same way as the Riddled, but from the best parcels of Chardonnay fruit and with extended lees ageing. It’s truly a stunning wine – and with only 501 bottles produced – a very special one as well.

Oh, and look out for the 2011 Patrick Chan Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. This one is a gold medal winner (see what we did there? another pun!).

Now that was a Sparkling Wino experience! A picnic in a vineyard with Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc; sampling bubbly, taking in art, appreciating some of the best butter tarts in Ontario and and checking out a king’s domaine; a cellar tour with some of the best sparkling in Ontario (made in honour of which might be the Province’s most famous ‘Veuve’); and, some of the best views of Toronto (from 100 kilometres away), enhanced by some incredible sparkling.

Since you stayed so close to Jordan, why not hail a cab and head further afield for dinner?

Peninsula Ridge is one of the most scenic wineries in the area – and so, it stands, with good reason that they are a perfect choice for dinner! Did you know that the winery has planted 42 acres of vinifera grapes and also manages a neighbouring 43-acre vineyard, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling?! Conveniently for us, part of that Riesling has been used to create a new sparkling wine, which is a nice, off-dry offering that’s perfect for summer, brunch and in place of dessert.

The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge is perfect for dinner, especially if you’ve been touring wine country the entire day! It offers a casual fine dining experience – up our alley – and a seasonal menu that focuses on feature fresh, local foods paired with a selection of Peninsula Ridge wines. The outdoor patio is perfect for warm days, offering magnificent views of the Niagara Escarpment, the surrounding vineyards and Lake Ontario! On cooler days, the intimate dining area is perfect for perfect for dinner.

We couldn’t help ourselves and both got the Nova Scotia Snow Crab Cakes, with warm great northern bean salad, romesco and chimichurri. 🤤

Ah, it’s day three and your weekend away is coming to a close. But don’t let the prospect of having to drive home get you down! Flip a coin, choose a designated driver (tag, you’re it Jeff!) and enjoy one more day in the beautiful Twenty Valley and Niagara Escarpment area.

Start your day with breakfast at the Inn on the Twenty Restaurant. Served a la carte, it’s a perfect way to start your day (whether you’re feeling like a classic continental spread, a fruit plate or hey, why not, the french toast).

Now it’s time to check-out of the Inn on the Twenty, but like we said … don’t despair! You’ll be back… and there’s plenty more sparkling on the horizon. Perhaps even sooner than you think! 😉

We recommend making the most of the beautiful topography and scenery by taking the backroads on your way home and making a few pitstops along the way. Leave the Jordan area and head west on King Street towards Beamsville, weaving your way along Lincoln Avenue, McLeod Street and finally Locust Lane for the beautiful payoff that is Hidden Bench Winery.

Whether you decide to take in the scenery (featuring the iconic green roof barn, perfect for an Instagram break) or stop by for the amazing, award winning wines (including Chardonnay and Sparkling, Hidden Bench is worth the detour. The term “Grown, Produced and Bottled” found on the wine reflects the fact that they’re crafted with 100% estate grown grapes, either as blends or single vineyard selections. We love the range of chardonnays but hey, we’re Sparkling Winos so we’d be remiss to forget to mention the new Sparkling Wine!

Made in the traditional method and  aged on lees for a minimum of 36 months, the Hidden Bench Sparkling wines are produced with estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with zero-dosage. While the most recent vintage is sold out, fear not: Fall 2018 will see the release of the 2012 Natur and the Non-vintage Natur!

Not to be outdone, just a short drive away is another beautiful winery: Fielding Estate! The Fieldings searched the Niagara Region for the perfect location and came across the cozy Beamsville location with the rolling hills and the awe-inspiring view of Lake Ontario. We said it was beautiful, didn’t we? While gawking at the scenery, why not stop by the shop and pick up a bottle of the NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut? Made with 63% Chardonnay and 37% Pinot Noir, this wine has a fresh aroma of citrus fruit, green apple and baked bread and lively acidity. While shopping, you might even come across proprietor Curtis Fielding, who was Grape King in the 2012/2013 season. Two kings, one weekend. Cool, eh?

Head to Mountainview Road for another stunner: Angel’s Gate Winery! Hands down, the winery has the best view of Toronto. Squint on a spring day and you’ll see the CN Tower. But that’s only one reason to stop by. Angels Gate Winery has been crafting award winning wines for almost two decades now. They combine traditional old-world winemaking techniques with innovative new-world technologies to create wines with great balance and structure, while maintaining each varietals unique characteristics. They have 190 acres under vine, 168 of them being on the Beamsville Bench.

The Archangel line – the 2011 Archangel Pinot Noir Rosé, the 2012 Archangel Chardonnay, and the 2013 Archangel Sauvignon Blanc – is now a focus of the winery’s sparkling program. All of these wines are crafted in the traditional method, though each are very different! The Pinot Noir Rosé is dominated by a fresh red berry character, the Chardonnay is dominated by tree fruit flavours (apple and peach) with a noticeable toastiness, and the Sauvignon Blanc is dominated by citrus fruit with a distinct herbaceous undertone.

Now that you’re buzzing with excitement about the sparkling and the view, it’s time to head over a metre couple of metres to pick up some honey at Rosewood Estates Winery! Unlike any other winery, Rosewood is also a Meadery! It all started over 80 years ago when R.W. Roman’s passion for beekeeping and mead began in Ukraine. After a move to Canada, he continued to keep bees alongside his son Roman. Years later, Roman and his wife Renata fell in love with Niagara-on-the-Lake during their honeymoon and the dream began. Today, Rosewood’s philosophy is very simple: Earth to Bottle. Sustainable beekeeping has been at the core of the Roman family for three generations, and they apply the same practices to their winemaking. They use gentle processing, wild yeast (where possible), careful use of oak, and minimal manipulation to create some seriously cool wines.

Of those seriously cool wines, Nebulous (a Pét-Nat), is their first sparkling. This wine is funky, bottled before primary fermentation is complete and has apparent sediment. Also not to be missed is the Mead Blanc, an aromatic blend of Gewürztraminer and estate honey, fermented together for a unique profile. Don’t forget to leave with some honey, which runs the gamut from Wildflower, Smoked (so good) and infused with walnuts (also super good). All you’ll need is brie, some crackers and…. oh, right. I guess it’s time for a late lunch!

You can’t leave the area without having a delicious meal at The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. The Bistro Cafe – whether indoors, or on a beautiful sunny day, under the pergola – is a perfect stop to fill your belly before coming home.

The bistro’s philosophy is “global meets local” and the menu varies with the season. Brunch is served on Sunday until 3. So don’t idle too long!

Alas, it’s time to head home… with a trunk full of VQA Ontario Sparkling Wine, we hope! Oh, and also, with a love for this special place ingrained in your brain so intently that you’ll want to visit over and over.

We mean, where else could you have the most beautiful flight of sparkling wines in one of the world’s most instagrammable wineries (Kew), have some great eats at the 2017 Ontario Winery of the Year (Redstone), enjoy a picnic in a vineyard with Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (Creekside), sample bubbly while taking in the art and butter tarts of a king (13th Street), join in on a cellar tour while learning about Ontario’s answer to the ‘Veuve Clicquot’ (aka Catherine Smith of Henry of Pelham), take in some of the best views of Toronto, while enjoying incredible value, traditional method sparkling wine (this one’s a toss up between Flatrock and Angel’s Gate) and see some busy bees in action (Rosewood), all within close proximity to one another?! We have no idea where else other than the Twenty Valley and Niagara Escarpment. We hope this guide has inspired you to visit and to check out what’s bubbling out here in this beautiful slice of Ontario!