A family that drinks together, stays together, so why not give the gift of Niagara wine?  But choosing the right bottle for your loved one can be an unwelcome cause of stress during a season that is supposed to be filled with joy.  White or red?  Sweet or dry?  How much do you spend?  There are a lot of options out there.  Let’s go over a few simple “dos” and “don’ts” when it comes to giving the gift of Niagara wine.

If you have ever seen a sommelier or a wine professional taste wine, you may have noticed that there is a lot more to it than simply lifting the glass to your lips and taking a swig.  Indeed, to get the most out of tasting a wine, a sommelier will follow a specific procedure that is designed to provide the taster with as much sensory information about the wine as possible.  This article will go over a sommelier’s approach to wine tasting and give you the knowhow to taste wine like a pro!

When you are exploring a place that is new to you, it is important to get the most out of your experience.  When it comes to visiting Niagara’s world-class wine region, the best way to do this is to travel with an experienced local who is knowledgeable about our history, the domestic winemaking industry, and the particulars of Niagara wines themselves.

Wine labels contain a myriad of terms meant to aid the consumer in understanding the product better before committing to its purchase.  One of the most misunderstood and controversial terms you may find on a bottle of wine is the word ‘reserve.’  Often assumed to be an indicator that a wine is of superior quality, the term ‘reserve’ is not as cut and dry as you may think.  Let’s shed some light on the reality behind this often misconstrued labelling term.

You’ve heard a lot about the world of wine and you want in!  But…you haven’t got a clue where to start.  With all the different grape varieties and wine producing regions out there, it is easy to feel lost when approaching the world of wine for the first time.  Grab a bottle of wine and let’s review a few basic steps to help start you on your journey.

Fruit wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of an organic material that is not grapes.  Some common varieties of fruit wine include peach wine, plum wine, and blueberry wine. But, it is possible to make wine out of organic materials that you may not expect, such as dandelions and potatoes.  Renowned for its production of world class grape wines, the Niagara Region is also a producer of award-winning fruit wines.

Biodynamics is an agricultural philosophy that regards the vineyard as a complete ecosystem.  It bears some commonalities with organic agriculture but takes the philosophies of organics to a new level.  Biodynamics abstains from the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the vineyard. It also abstains from artificial adjustments in the winemaking process.  Biodynamic farmers only use natural fertilizers and schedule their vineyard maintenance according to the lunar calendar.  This agricultural philosophy predates modern organics and was first conceived by Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner in the 1920s.  The facets of biodynamic winemaking are discussed in more detail below.

A journey through Niagara wine country is a feast for the palate as well as for the eyes.  Make a trip to the Niagara Peninsula in summer and you’ll enjoy the sights of the rugged Niagara Escarpment, the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, and if you look closely, roses are in full bloom at the ends of many rows of grapevines.  These rose bushes naturally contribute to the beauty of the vineyard, but they serve a practical purpose as well.

Cuvée is many things;  It is a celebration of the grape and wine industry in Ontario,  An opportunity for Ontario’s winemakers to showcase their favourite wines,  A place for industry professionals to network,  A recognition of Ontarian winemaking excellence,  An acknowledgement of academic achievement by today’s oenology and viticulture students, And, a lot of fun!

Wayne Gretzky; a name hockey fans have known for decades is also a name increasingly noticed by many that have never seen him play. There is no doubt that Gretzky first received recognition and fame as a talented hockey player. But it is arguable that he is now appreciated for the award-winning Gretzky brand wines, newly constructed Wayne Gretzky Estates (WGE), the unique No. 99 Canadian Whisky, and his ongoing commitment through all of this to give back to the community. Wayne Gretzky is making his mark in Canada and across the world that will last longer than his hockey career ever could.

Canadian whisky is a great thing, but how is it best enjoyed?  In my opinion, there are three primary ways to drink whisky: neat, on the rocks, or–my favourite–in a cocktail!  Enjoying whisky neat or on the rocks is a great way to appreciate the product in its purest form without the influence of other ingredients that are working to change the balance of the beverage.  When you’re looking for something more adventurous, whisky cocktails can taste earthy, sour, or sweet.  Here are three of my favourites!

When it comes to Icewine, nobody beats Niagara!  Icewine is a dessert wine style known for its extremely high level of natural sugar and for its intensity of flavour.  But how exactly is this sugary, highly focused wine achieved?  Let’s learn more about this exciting product and expose the natural magic behind Niagara’s Icewine.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to explore wine and chocolate pairing. When pairing wine with any food, not just with chocolate, there are some guidelines to follow.  To pair properly, more attention should be paid to the structural components of the wine than to its flavours.

The Icewine Martini is a perfect combination of Vodka and Icewine. In years past, Icewine has been enjoyed on its own.  This year however, I want to pump up the Icewine with some vodka.  Commonly referred to as an “Icewine Martini”, this cocktail is both sweet and strong.

Sparkling wine is fast becoming one of Ontario’s most exciting wine products.  But not all bubbles are created equal.  Let’s explore this special wine style and find out just what’s in a bubble.

It’s time for holiday parties and time spent with family. What would a cozy night by the fire in late December be without your favourite wine-based holiday drink? We’ve gathered our top four holiday drinks that can be easily crafted in under 10 minutes, all with help from your favourite Niagara wine! Let’s take a closer look!

The kitchen can truly be a magical place. It’s where family and friends come together to create meals that are true works of art. In saying that, you can create a true masterpiece by adding wine to certain dishes. Now, that doesn’t mean you can just throw in a splash of your favourite bottle of Niagara’s finest anywhere you please. Cooking with wine takes finesse. Let’s take a closer look at the best ways to cook with wine. Maybe you’ll find a new spin on your favourite recipe!

Everyone enjoys the satisfaction of a great deal! Buying wine is no different than anything else. We want the best product for the lowest price. In Ontario, a bottle of wine can sell for as little as under $10 or as much as several hundred dollars. So, why do some wines cost so much?The production of a bottle of wine involves many steps with many vested interests along the way. Each contributor must receive a level of compensation. They must cover their costs and make a profit to make their contribution worthwhile. (It’s business after all!) Put together the sum of these costs and you arrive at the price of a bottle of wine.Let’s look at some of the specific contributors to cost. We’ll also illustrate some of the differences between a wine with a high price point and a low price point.

If your family is anything like mine, wine and Winter Holidays go hand-in-hand. In fact, sometimes the wine is more important than the presents! Holiday Pairings give you a perfect opportunity to share your favourite wine finds from the year with family and friends, and a great time to indulge in some of the best that Ontario has to offer.

“Wait, you’re saying that my wine can get even better?!” Well, yes, in some circumstances your wine can get better! As the old saying goes, some things get better with age. This is true for a small variety of wines. Some wine can be aged from five to ten years, and some even 20 years or more! So, how do we begin aging our wine?Well, let’s find out!

Do you have some leftover wine? If it’s a great bottle, we don’t blame you if it’s empty, but we can all relate to the pain that comes from pouring unused or spoiled wine down the drain. So, what would you say if we told you that there are everyday uses for spoiled or leftover wine around the house? That way, your money can go to good use and no wine is wasted! It’s a win-win situation.

Wine lovers of all tastes have one thing in common: their appreciation for a fine wine.From the most experienced wine sommeliers to those who are new to the world of wine; we are on the same journey, which is to find the best tasting wine and then enjoy it for many years to come. Many find that a sure-fire way to enhance the overall experience is to use either a decanter or an aerator, or a combination of the two. These tools can help stimulate and speed along the oxidation processes, while filtering sediment from the glass. But, do these tools really work?Let’s find out.

Once you’ve found that perfect bottle of wine, it can be hard to stay away. You might even find yourself making excuses to have a glass here and there. But the good news is, there’s no need to make excuses! It’s quite common for adults (of legal drinking age) to have a glass a day. It has even been found that having a glass of wine each day can help increase your happiness and improve your overall quality of life (within moderation, of course)!Let’s find out why!

There’s nothing like coming home to a nice glass of wine after a long day at work.Especially when it’s all you’ve been thinking about that day. So, you can only imagine how disappointed you would be to come home and realize that your bottle of wine has gone bad. Regardless of if it’s opened or unopened, all wine does risk going bad. Of course, there are some wines that are meant to be aged, but it can be hard to discern which bottles will last and which ones won’t.Let’s take a look at some of the tell-tale signs that your wine has gone bad. But first, how does wine go bad?

Are you a DIY enthusiast?Well, even if you aren’t, we’ve gathered a bunch of fun and simply DIY ideas for those empty wine bottles you have lying around! Who knew that you could add such stylish and unique décor throughout your home with empty wine bottles? Plus, if you’re savvy enough and looking to save some money while planning for an event, such as a wedding, these wine bottle DIYs can make the perfect centrepiece!Let’s get started!

Wine can be paired with so many different dishes! One of the most popular dishes to pair your wine with is undoubtedly fish. Yet there are so many different kinds of wines and so many different fish varieties, how can you tell which one goes best with which? Well, we’ve put together a guide to help you pair them perfectly. Read on to learn more!

We are proud to share a blog post from world-traveler Chanel Brown, who is the blogger behind the site CulturalXplorer. Chanel joined Niagara Vintage Wine Tours where she toured three local wineries, one large winery, and one brewery. Find out which wineries she saw and what she learned below.You can see the original post here.

Outdoor summer wine tasting party? Now, who doesn’t love the sound of that! Delicious food, crisp wine, and a warm summer breeze! What a great opportunity to spend a gorgeous day or night making wonderful memories with family and friends. We’ve put together a guide that can help you plan an outdoor summer wine tasting party that will go off without a hitch and be remembered for years to come! Keep reading to learn more!

Add a twist to a glass of your favourite wine!Oh yes, your desired vino is perfect just on its own – but why not add a little twist for some fun? Combining your best vintage with some sparkling, or even adding your favourite fruits can really enhance the flavour and mix things up a little bit. Keep reading to see some of our favourite simple, 3-ingredient wine drink recipes!

What’s better than a beautiful summer day?Spending a day in the sunshine with a glass of wine, of course! The key to a refreshing glass of vino, is enjoying it at just the right temperature. Now, red wines are usually best served slightly cooler than room temperature. But for white wines, ice wines, and sparkling, keeping it chilled is what truly makes the difference. Let’s explore four fun and trendy ways to keep your wine chilled this summer!

You haven’t experienced fine wine at it’s best, until you’ve sipped out of high-quality stemware.Surprisingly, your wine glass can have a significant affect on its contents. The glass can affect the oxidization and alcohol evaporation, ultimately altering the flavour and aroma. Not only that, there are certain factors that can help you tell a high-quality glass apart from the ones with lesser quality. Let’s look at some of the tell-tale signs, so you can start enjoying your Niagara vintage wine from a glass that’s sure to impress.With these techniques, you’ll become a wine glass pro in no time at all!

It’s finally here – patio season!Gone are the days of being cooped up inside. Now you can enjoy your comfortable sandals, pretty floral dresses and stylish Bermuda shorts, all while sipping your favourite cocktails on the patio. Let the sun shine down on your face as you enjoy a new spin on your favourite red wine. Here are three unforgettable red wine drink recipes that you can enjoy any day of the year, but especially during patio season!

Many of us enjoy drinking wine because of the experience of wine tasting. It is often a social pass time that brings friends together. If you’re interested in learning more about wine, being guided by an expert can give you an opportunity to really explore different kinds of wine and learn new tips and tricks!Having an advanced palate can really help you to further enjoy the experience. Chances are, you will understand what your group is discussing, learn something about a new kind of wine, or teach one of your group members a thing or two! One of the best ways to become a wine expert is to train your palate. With the right technique and effort, you’ll be tasting wine like an expert in no time!

Every wine enthusiast should have the proper tools to serve and share their wines.With the right tools and accessories, you can really take your love of wine to the next level. Certain accessories can make it easier to access the wine, store it, and even help emphasize the overall quality. We have gathered the top 5 accessories that wine lovers find helpful or enjoyable. Bring one home for yourself to use, or give to a friend who enjoys a glass of vino!

Q: What’s better than a bottle of wine to yourself? A: That’s easy, wine shared between friends!So, you’re invited to a dinner party with all your friends? What fun! A chance to mingle and reconnect with great friends, and over great food and drinks! Bringing a bottle of wine for your host or hostess is always a kind gesture. Regardless if it’s intended for the party or as a gift in general, chances are they will enjoy having an extra bottle around! Now, the question is: which wine do I bring? Here are several tips to help ensure you bring a wine that everyone can enjoy.

Who doesn’t love going out to eat?It’s time to stop slaving over a hot stove or washing dirty dishes! Going out to a restaurant for dinner can provide you with an opportunity to relax, a chance to spend quality time with family and friends, and to truly enjoy your food and drinks. Speaking of drinks, it can often be a little nerve wracking to order a bottle of wine if you aren’t particularly familiar with the drink menu. Fear not! There’s no need to stress over ordering the wrong wine. Here are a few tips to help you become a master of ordering wine while fine dining!

Having your favourite wine at your fingertips doesn’t have to be a luxury. Owning a well-rounded wine collection can be convenient, especially when hosting guests for dinner or enjoying a relaxing night in. Often, people picture a fancy and expensive wine cellar when contemplating the idea of beginning a collection. Having a collection of wine doesn’t have to be a significant investment or big ordeal. Here are some guidelines that you can follow while wine collecting.

Cheese and wine? A match made in heaven!This duo is notorious for making mouths water all around the world. For hundreds of years, people have been pairing wine with cheese for an enjoyable food and drink pairing. As you might already be aware, certain wines pair best with certain foods. The best way to learn how to pair the two, is by pairing wine with cheese. Different kinds of cheese will vary in: moisture, fat content, texture and flavour, while wine can vary in sweetness, acidity, and body. By combining the two, you can bring out flavours you never thought possible! Read more to find out which wine pairings work best.

Who wouldn’t want to go on a wine tour?On a Niagara Vintage Wine Tour, you have the opportunity to learn about local wineries and their products. You can ask questions about how the wine is made, what food pairs best with certain wines, and you can even ask about the history of the winery. With Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, you can choose from a variety of tours that are offered, based on your personal preferences. Many of the tours are available seven days a week, throughout the year. Keep reading to find out which wine tour might be the best choice for you!

Like any wine enthusiast, you deserve to have a cellar that you’re proud of. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to create one! The perfect wine cellar can be built on a budget. With the right space, and an eye for innovation, anything is possible. A wine cellar can properly store your favourite wine for years to come. Once you’ve created a budget and a plan, it’s time to begin!

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favourite Niagara vintage wines. There’s a wide variety of delicious and trendy wine recipes waiting for you that are perfect for a winter evening. From sangria with a hint of cinnamon, to vanilla-inspired mimosas, you can experience the decadence of wine from the Niagara region all year long.

The wines found in Niagara Wine Country are delicious representations of the area’s vinicultural offerings. But, what is it that makes these wines different from the rest? Well, what sets certain wines apart from each other is how they are made. Winemaking is a fine art that requires highly-trained experts and years of experience. Our Wine Smart Guides and wine specialists would be happy to educate you on how certain wines are made during your Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour.

Once you’ve found a wine you love, the only thing left to do is enjoy it. Everyone has a personal preference on how they enjoy certain foods and beverages, but with wine there are certain techniques that can help to enhance the flavour, aroma, and overall experience of the wine in hand.

A wine tour presents the perfect opportunity to explore different wines. Not only do you have a chance to try a variety of wines, but you can learn about them, too! Our wine expert guides are more than happy to answer questions and teach you all about the wines as you tour through Niagara Wine Country.It’s important that you ask questions during your wine tour. This is the best time to learn about certain wines, which can help you identify trends with your favourites. Wine shopping will be a much smoother experience in the future once you have a better idea of what factors contribute to your personal palette.

A Niagara Vintage Wine Tour is the perfect opportunity to begin planning a successful wine tasting party. A tour will introduce you to the basics of wine tasting and provide you with a useful resource guide that’s perfect for entertaining.

Why Host A Wine Tasting Party?

There are many perks to hosting a wine tasting at your home. Why not invite a group of your wine-loving family and friends over to enjoy a night of fabulous wines and quality time? Now the question is, how do you host a successful wine tasting party? In four simple steps, you will be well on your way to an enjoyable night full of laughter, loved ones, and of course, wine!

Wine Tasting Atmosphere

The surrounding atmosphere can affect your wine tasting. If there is a strong scent, for example of perfume or food, it can affect the way you react to an aroma. A noisy or crowded room can also have a negative effect on a wine tasting. Here you are more likely to be distracted from the wine in your glass.If your wine tasting atmosphere isn’t your cup of tea (or glass of wine), simply try moving to a more neutral environment. The atmosphere may be more favourable on the other side of the room, or a different room altogether. The tasting staff at the wineries during your Niagara Vintage Wine Tour will be able to advise you of the most neutral atmosphere available.

The best time of year for a wine tour is now! Wine tours can be enjoyable all year long.  What season you book a tour in completely depends on your personal preference. Spring and Autumn often present more ideal times to book a wine tour in Niagara due to moderate weather. On days where the weather ranges from 12°C to 22°C you may find it to be the most comfortable, since there is some walking involved. Most can wear a comfortable and light outfit and bring along a sweater or jacket, just in case.

There’s no doubt about it – planning a wedding can be stressful! There are many different aspects that need to be taken into consideration and details accounted for.  This includes the food and drinks that are served at the reception. If you plan on having wine served at your wedding, it may be wise to explore wines that will pair best with your wedding food and suit the tastes of your guests.A Niagara Vintage Wine Tour provides a great opportunity to explore different wines that you could serve at your wedding. For more information about Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tours, contact us today.

The fact that wine needs to be stored properly to maintain peak quality is common knowledge. However, knowing how to store wines properly is not as common. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid the negative effects of improper storage on a wine’s colour, nose, or taste. For some people, the change may be too subtle to notice or may attribute it to other factors. But if you enjoy wine, storing it properly will ensure maximum quality when you are ready to open that bottle.So what constitutes proper storage? That depends on whether your bottle is unopened or opened.

It’s important to store your leftover wine properly. This ensures that the flavour and aroma last longer once the bottle has been opened. Unopened wine can be stored for years, but once opened it will only last for a few days. Once you have found a new favourite wine from a Niagara-on-the-Lake winery you should be able to enjoy it until the very last drop! You can inquire about the best ways to store wine and more tips and tricks during your Niagara Vintage Wine Tour.

The wines you will taste a few months and years from now will come from this year’s harvest.  While you are enjoying last year’s wine on one of our tours, viticulturists are busy in the vineyards. Will it be an exceptional vintage year?  September to October is typically the harvest period for Niagara On The Lake wineries.  Wineries in Niagara will base their decision on the ripeness of the grape. This is measured by the sugar, acid and tannin levels. The style of wine they wish to make will determine the sought after levels of each component.

What better way to complete a day of wine tasting than with delicious and savoury food. If you pair it perfectly, wine can enhance the overall dining experience. But, if the choice of food isn’t quite right for your preferred wine, you might have a recipe for disaster.To find out the best way to pair wine with various dishes, attend your Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour prepared with great ideas for wine and food combinations.