Cuvee Grand Tasting Program 2024

Program of Events

7:30 pm

Grand Tasting

Enjoy the winemakers’ favourite wines and samplings of signature dishes created at live cooking stations.

9:30 pm - Midnight

Après Cuvée Party

Enjoy the Icewine and sparkling bar, craft beer and coffee while you dance the night away to live music from Jonesy.

Share the excitement!

Follow @CCOVIBrockU and share your Cuvée-related posts!

Cuvée en Route

March 29-31

Taste, tour and shop your way along the wine route with your Grand Tasting ticket, serving as your Cuvée en Route passport at participating wineries and dining partners.

cuvee.ca/cuvee-en-route

See page 29 for more information.

Cuvée milestones

1989 Victoria Park Restaurant hosts their first Cuvée. Approximately 350 guests attend and 16 wineries participate.

1990 Cuvée en Route begins. First Experts Tasting is organized.

1991 Addition of General List Wine Awards.

1993 Wine Writer Gerald Asher, is appointed Honourary Chairman.

1994 Skyline Brock Hotel hosts Cuvée.

1995 Queen’s Landing Restaurant hosts Cuvée. Addition of Sparkling and Dessert Wine Awards. Six chefs contribute to the Cuvée feast.

1998 Cuvée’s 10th Anniversary.

2000 Addition of Limited Edition Red and White Wine Awards.

2001 Addition of Cuvée Awards of Distinction for restaurants with the best representation of Ontario wines on their wines lists.

2003 White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa hosts Cuvée.

2004 Niagara Community Foundation takes over the planning and production of Cuvée.

2005 Addition of the Gold Awards.

2006 His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond named Patron of Cuvée.

2007 Fallsview Casino Resort becomes hosting sponsor of Cuvée.

2008 Cuvée Award of Excellence in Viticulture is introduced.

2010 Savour Ontario is the Culinary Host.

2011 His Excellency David Johnston named Patron of Cuvée.

2012 Record 63 wineries entered into the competition.

2013 25th Anniversary Silver Celebration and the introduction of the Grand Tasting Format.

2014 25th Anniversary of the first Experts Tasting. Niagara Community Foundation announces the transition of stewardship of Cuvée to Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

2015 Brock University’s CCOVI takes over the planning and production of Cuvée.

2018 Cuvée’s 30th Anniversary and introduction of the Cuvée Award of Excellence in Winemaking.

2020 Due to the world-wide pandemic Cuvée in-person is cancelled but the event moves online to support its participating wineries with online awareness and sales opportunities.

2024 Cuvée returns to in-person.

Chefs of Cuvée

Tasting Plates are subject to change.

Each food station will include an offering of a vegan/gluten free dish.

Bolete

176 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, 905-641-9559 bolete.ca

Chef Andrew McLeod champions the modern Canadian cuisine movement. Integrating local and terroir-driven products from across the country with influences from Canada’s myriad of cultures gives his style a distinct place in Niagara’s flourishing food scene. Chef McLeod opened the doors of Bolete in 2016. Located in downtown St. Catharines, Bolete features an evolving menu of inspired dishes and a curated wine and cocktail list in a restored 150-year-old building.

TASTING PLATES

• Pork and shiitake pot stickers. House made pork dumplings, shitake, soy caramel, cilantro and sesame

• Lobster and blue crab fritters with tomato chutney, lemon confit, lemon aioli along with and a crispy shallot salad

Fat Rabbit

34 Geneva Street, St. Catharines, 905-688-6553 fat-rabbit.ca

Meet Chef Zach Smith. With 20 years of culinary experience, Chef has run kitchens from Vancouver to Niagara. Most recently, Toronto’s Bar Raval and Matty Matheson’s Meat & Three in Fort Erie. The Fat Rabbit restaurant focuses on shareable plates and rotating menus.

TASTING PLATES

• Cojunado. Hot smoked Spanish chorizo, bacon, Piquillo pepper mayo, cured egg yolk

• Beef tartare, with an olive dressing, caper mayo and white anchovy

Ostin’s Restaurant, Holiday Inn

327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, 905-688-2324 ostins.ca

Chef Kathy Frydryk was born and raised in St. Catharines where she went to school for Pastry and Culinary education at Niagara College. With years of working experience in hotels and wineries in our wine region, it chased her to reach out and work across Canada, from West to East coast and all the way North to Whitehorse. Having been away from home for years, Kathy returned to Niagara to start a family and settle down. Now at the Holiday Inn, Chef Kathy is transforming minds, leading by example, creating top quality chefs and cuisine that embraces the region and all its beauty.

TASTING PLATES

• Braised short rib ravioli. Slow cooked short ribs, folded into delicate pasta pillows with a red sauce and a medley of vegetables

• Tabbouleh with avocado and chickpeas. Made with fresh herbs and bulgur wheat with a zesty dressing

Righteous Monger

righteousmonger.com

Chef J. Mark Hand is a Niagara fixture. Over the years, he has literally built from the ground up such Niagara legends as On the Twenty, AG, The Niagara Culinary Institute and, before he was shaving, The Auberge Suisse, where he apprenticed under the venerable Josef Kohler. Chef, consultant, hired gun, entrepreneur and now ‘Righteous Monger’.

TASTING PLATES

• Chef Hand brings together local artisan cheeses and hand-made chutneys

The Restaurant at Redstone Winery

4245 King Street, Beamsville, 905-563-9463 redstonewines.ca/restaurant

Chef David Sider was born and raised in Vineland, just minutes from the property that would later become Redstone, in the heart of the renowned Niagara wine region. He began cooking in local wineries while attending high school but found himself underwhelmed by the lack of inspiration in the Niagara food movement at the time. Following a brief stint in Toronto, Chef David accepted a position at Langdon Hall in Cambridge. Here, he spent the next five years learning in one of the most renowned kitchens in the country, an incredible experience for a young chef. Following his position as Chef de Cuisine at Langdon Hall, Chef David headed for the west coast and a position as restaurant chef at the idyllic Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, BC. The incredible location allowed Chef David to work with the finest and freshest seafood, and he enhanced his skills in managing a large kitchen operation. Having been away from home for years, David returned to Niagara with his young family in tow to accept a new challenge. At Redstone, Chef David is leading by example, delivering top quality cuisine that embodies the region and utilizes the best it has to offer.

TASTING PLATES

• Beef tartar. Redstone farm-raised beef, egg yolk, pickles, potato chips

• Cured albacore tuna with carrot vinaigrette, spiced yogurt and pickled chili

Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill

242 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 289-819-0179 ruffinosnotl.ca

Some people are born to do what they do, that is true of Chef Ryan Crawford. Ryan has been involved in the kitchen his entire life. He studied at the noted Stratford Chef School and then became an instructor there for four years. He has travelled extensively, staging at The French Laundry and Terra Grill in Napa Valley; l’Orangerie, Lucques and Patina in Los Angeles, and Jardinière in San Francisco. Closer to home, he has worked with Michael Stadtländer and Jamie Kennedy.

Ryan solidified his place in the Canadian culinary scene as Executive Chef of the Stone Road Grille in Niagara on the Lake. It was during this time that he and his good friend Paul Harber of Ravine Vineyard Winery began farming together. Ryan and Paul brought The Happy

Pig Farm to Niagara. Eventually he opened Backhouse and focused on Integrated Cool Climate Cuisine. Backhouse was a labour of love and helped solidify Chef Crawford’s love of farming. He and his partner, Martha Brett, are now found welcoming friends and family nightly at Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill!

TASTING PLATES

• Arancini Mozza Sticks

• Polenta Fritters

Tide and Vine

3491 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, 905-356-5782 tideandvine.com

Tide and Vine was established in 2012 when Mike Langley and Kat Steeves purchased a 1974 VW camper van and began shucking oysters throughout Niagara. Their journey has allowed them to embed themselves in the fabric of the area’s thriving food community. Born in Niagara Falls, Mike travelled the world gathering ideas along the way, the culmination of which happened when he met his business partner and future wife, Moncton-born Kat Steeves. From ‘Pearl the Shuck Truck’ to a flagship restaurant in Niagara Falls, Tide and Vine have made it their mission to bring the sea to Niagara, showcasing the bounty of local and seasonal items that surround them.

TASTING PLATES

• A selection of freshly shucked East Coast Oysters served with lemons and signature house sauces

Wellington Court Restaurant

11 Wellington Street, St. Catharines, 905-682-5518 wellington-court.com

Chef Erik Peacock grew up around the food business. An early exposure to the food business, paired with the beautiful bounty of the Niagara food and wine region, shaped Erik’s future as a chef. After spending time in Australia Erik returned to Ontario where he attended George Brown College in Toronto for Culinary Arts. Upon his return the wine and food scene in Niagara was emerging. This opportunity delighted Erik. He formed relationships with winemakers and winery owners as well as local food producers. They inspired Erik to create a menu focused on local ingredients infused with international flavours.

TASTING PLATES

• Our famous pate done differently. The Pepsi will contain gelatin and with each mouthful popcorn cooked in duck fat will follow

• This will be a dip of sorts you can eat with pita, the trout roe and some herb oil will make it pop with colour

Sweet treats

Criveller Cakes

4435 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, 905-356-9441

crivellercakes.ca

Dilpreet Singh Brar and Gurjit Singh left their home country of India and moved to Italy with big dreams and a passion for natural foods and confections. In 2023, Dilpreet and Gurjit acquired a well-known and established landmark called Criveller – an elegant Europeanstyle pastry and chocolate boutique. Both men were mentored by classically trained, master pastry chefs from Italy known as Giovanni del Priore and Leonardo Priore. Today, they are one of the most sought-after establishments for weddings and other festive occasions. Dedicated, driven and passionate. They both believe that quality can never be compromised, and the satisfaction of the customer is the number one priority. They live by the credo, “If a man loves the labour of his trace, the Gods have found him”.

TASTING PLATES

• ‘Croque en Bouche’, fresh bignes filled with flavoured custards

• Assorted European tortes

• Icewine truffles from a variety of Niagara’s premier wineries

Italian Ice Cream

4435 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, 905-356-9441

italianicecream.ca

Andrew Vergalito is the chef owner of the Italian Ice Cream Company in Niagara Falls, established in 1978. With 20-plus years of experience, Andrew enjoys creating new and old gelato flavours for everyone to enjoy. His inspiration comes from the bounty of Niagara’s top chefs and ingredients from Italy.

TASTING PLATES

• Gelato bar

Participating wineries

13th Street Winery

1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines, 905-984-8463

13thstreetwinery.com

WINEMAKER: Jean Pierre Colas

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Gamay Blanc de Noir, $34.95 W O

At 13th Street, we are known for our Gamay and our traditional method sparkling wines. I am pleased to share with you the combination of these in one bottle producing a special, magical product. It is what I am enjoying after hours! So easy to drink! Cheers.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Reserve Viognier, $29.95 W O

Viognier is a less common varietal in Niagara and one I find fun to work with. I also have a special affinity for Viognier as both a winemaker and a consumer. Through this wine, we can have elegance and power at the same time. Enjoy.

180 Estate Winery

4055 19th Street, Jordan Station, 905-562-7080 180wines.ca

WINEMAKER: Ramsey Khairallah

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Gewürztraminer, $32.00 W

Gewürztraminer was one of the first wines I loved drinking. It’s luscious and delicious exotic fruit flavours enticed me to want to chase its style. Traditionally a popular wine but rare in the Niagara area, its nice to have the opportunity to recreate the Alsatian Gewürztraminer style and raise its popularity. The Gewürztraminer off of the Mia Cara vineyard in the Creek Shores sub-appellation loves to ripen up and work with me to recreate this style.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Meritage Reserve, $65.00 W

I love working with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot Bordeaux varietals especially when I have the opportunity to create an exceptional blend. It is extremely satisfying growing grapes traditionally from France in a cold climate and create a distinctly Niagara wine with its own recognizable set of traits.

Adamo Estate Winery

793366 3rd Line EHS, Mono, 519-942-3969 adamoestate.com

WINEMAKER: Vanessa McKean

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Estate Chardonnay Musque, $32.50 W O

Being from an Emerging Region, we are always very proud to share our own Estate Grown Wines, and our Chardonnay Musque offers all there is to love about Chardonnay, with a subtle but fun floral spicy characteristic typical of Chardonnay Musque. This wine was barrel fermented in neutral French Oak.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2018 Foxcroft Cabernet Franc, $50.00 W O

Cabernet Franc is one of my favourite varietals and our series of wines from Foxcroft Vineyard highlights our commitment to working with growers who share our belief that great wines start in the vineyard. This wine is drinking really well right now and we are excited to share it.

Alvento Winery

3048 Second Avenue, Vineland Station, 905-562-1212 alvento.ca

WINEMAKER: Marc Pistor

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 Astral (Marquette & Baco Noir), $34.20 W O

The 2019 Astral represents what is possible with Red Hybrid grape varietals here in Niagara. Their inherent sustainability and consistency offer an opportunity for our winery, and even our industry, to expand beyond traditional growing regions and offer high-value products.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, $35.00 W O

The 2021 Barrel Aged Chardonnay is a style and expression that I love. Rich and expressive with balance and length. Its quality demonstrates the reality that Niagara produces world-class Chardonnay.

Bachelder

Beamsville, 905-932-3942 (call to make an appointment to visit) bachelderniagara.com

WINEMAKER: Thomas Bachelder

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Bachelder Gamay Noir, ‘Niagara Cru’, $32.00 W

This ‘vieilles vignes’ Block of Gamay Noir was planted on Line Two in Four-Mile Creek VQA in 1983 by Esther and Erv Willms. It is a survivor because not only is the block 40 years old, but it has survived many a cold winter here, the cold snap in early 2022 knocked the vines for a loop, and reduced the eventual crop. But the Willms vines are old and wise, and they bounced back fabulously in quality, if not in quantity! Here, then, is a precious offering of one of Niagara’s most iconic vineyards: a tough winter that made for concentrated and complex Gamay Noir! Fermented with 55% Whole Clusters and (as always) with wild yeast and aged with great love for 15 months in neutral Burgundian barrels.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Bachelder ‘Les Villages’, Bench Chardonnay, $34.95 W

We LOVE Niagara Chardonnay, and we have an especially soft spot for the minerality of the Bench wines (we admit we are hooked on the flinty, low-tide; sea spray and oyster-brine nuances). Here, then, is a carefully crafted blend of four of our favourite Bench SingleVineyards: Wismer-Foxcroft; Wismer-Wingfield; Hill of Wingfield and Saunders (organically-grown). Wild Ferment. 16 months of careful élevage. Barrel-fermented in mostly neutral barrels and puncheons with less than 20% new oak.

Big Head Wines Inc.

823 Line 6 Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-4321 bigheadwines.ca

WINEMAKER: Andrzej Lipinski

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 RAW Chenin Blanc, $50.00 W O

This is my favourite Chenin since our 2017 RAW. Balanced and showing varietal character from the generous amount of botrytis combined with wild fermentation.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 RAW Cabernet Sauvignon, $70.00 W O

Low yielding and ripe, this was a Cabernet we had some fun with. Appassimento, followed by carbonic, and then destemming for further maceration. This example shows technique and the human component, as opposed to the place. No oak, no filtration.

Calamus Estate Winery

3100 Glen Road, Jordan Station, 905-562-9303 calamuswines.com

WINEMAKER: Kevin Panagapka

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Meritage Reserve – Gold Award Winner! $35.95 W O

I chose this wine to showcase one of our premium reds that we won gold for in “All Canadian Wine Championships”. Aromas of red currant, blackberry and black cherry. Full body, rich mouthfeel and a lengthy finish are framed with flavour of vanilla, spice and licorice. Food Pairing: Pair with braised beef, lamb, and game. Wild mushroom risotto and grilled beef. Alcohol: 13.1%

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Barrel Kissed Chardonnay, $21.95 W O

I picked our 2021 barrel kissed Chardonnay that won us a bronze award for Wine Algin. Flavour: Aromas of lemon, peach and vanilla. Medium body, crisp acidity with flavours of baked apple. Food Pairing: Pair with mild buttery or creamy dishes or subtly flavoured, simply seasoned pork or poultry dishes. Alcohol: 13.5%

Château des Charmes Wines

1025 York Road, St. Davids, 905-262-4219 chateaudescharmes.com

WINEMAKER: Amelie Boury

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Fumé Blanc, $34.95 W O

A newer wine to our line-up but one that speaks to the essence of our winemaking style. Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Paul Bosc Estate

vineyard that are aged in French Oak give us this bright yet subtle expression. This is the only plot of Sauvignon Blanc planted on the Paul Bosc Estate and we have chosen to barrel ferment and age this wine. The production rests limited for now but are looking forward to new Sauvignon Blanc planting on the estate. This might be a newer wine to us but one that is sure to stick around for years to come.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Sparkling Rosé, Pinot Noir, $34.95 W O

A fan favourite amongst our customers and a phenomenal example of a traditional method sparkling wine. Aged on lees for close to 5 years, deepened the richness and mouthfeel while the recently disgorged technique brings a subtle freshness. A true labour of love with wonderful strawberry aromas that suit any occasion.

De Simone Vineyards Estate Winery

865 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-684-1547 desimonevineyards.com

WINEMAKER: Vincenzo De Simone

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $80.00 W O

Our 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the potential for what a Cabernet Sauvignon can be in the Niagara region. It showcases the unique vineyard techniques that we use works in creating a premium Niagara wine. This wine displays notes of dark cherry, cassis, and all spice. The body is full, well-structured and perfectly balanced. The tannins allow for superior age-ability.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Riesling, $30.00 W O

Our 3 time award winning 2020 Riesling is perfectly balanced between fruit and acidity. It has beautiful green apple notes which follows through with a nice crispness on the palate. Riesling grows beautifully in our vineyard and makes for a consistent, refreshing, easy drinking wine.

Domaine du Clos Jordanne

4260 Mountainview Road, Beamsville, 905-563-3942 leclosjordanne.com

WINEMAKER: Thomas Bachelder

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Claystone Chardonnay, $39.95 W

Our Claystone Vineyard Chardonnay is a truly remarkable wine. We strive to be as unobtrusive as possible as winemakers, so to allow the identity and focus of the vineyard to be on full display. Here is a great example of how a mere 200 meters East of our beloved Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard we discover something uniquely different, with diverse and complex character derived from a terroir unlike any other in the region. I love how the minerality feels like its on fully display here with notes of crushed granite and flinty lemon zest leaping from the glass.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Claystone Pinot Noir, $39.95 W

One of the things I love to see in Pinot Noir is a wild and brambly character to its fruit spectrum. Imagine hiking the Bruce trail and coming across wild raspberries in the forest. I think our Claystone Pinot Noir does a wonderful job of displaying this ‘wild side’ to Pinot with forest berry fruits and deep, dark almost bloody minerality. A truly remarkable wine and a testament to an iconic Niagara terroir.

Flat Rock Cellars

2727 Seventh Avenue, Jordan, 905-562-8994 flatrockcellars.com

WINEMAKER: Andrea Perez Castillo

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Rusty Shed Chardonnay, $35.15 V #1552 W

I was inspired to choose The Rusty Shed Chardonnay because I just love how expressive this wine is of our Estate vineyard. The classic notes of green apple are accented with lovely citrus notes, minerality and lemongrass. This is such an opulent Chardonnay from a terrific vintage; loads of fruit here accented by toasty oak. A partial malolactic ferment contributes to the mid-palate weight of this beautiful wine.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Gravity Pinot Noir, $40.15 W

This is such a special wine. Such intensity of fruit, and structure that promises longevity. The tannins here are just beginning to soften. Primary fruits are still prominent; a complex medley of red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and black currant all perfectly balanced with the spice notes derived of careful barrel aging. This is currently my favourite Pinot in the portfolio.

Fred Wines

925 Line 2 (around back), Niagara-on-the-Lake, 289-434-5346 fredwines.ca

WINEMAKER: Fred Di Profio

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 Darkside, $38.00 W O

This is the first wine crafted for my ‘passion project’ which started as a concept in 2019 and was launched only one year ago. The Darkside reflects my 25 years of experience working with the diverse terroirs of Niagara and my unyielding drive to perfect the art of the blend, ripeness and vibrant colour.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Primrosé, $30.00 W O

I just love working with Gamay! It is such a versatile grape: From approachable barrel-aged reds to vibrant fruity rosés to playful sparkling wines. The Primrosé captures much of this versatility. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Vinemount Ridge appellation, noted for long, cool maturation periods; perfect for maintaining acidity while achieving full flavour ripeness and vibrant colour.

Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery

1469 Pelham Road, St. Catharines, 416-428-8036 henryofpelham.com

WINEMAKER: Lawrence Buhler

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot, $47.95 V #616433 W

The Speck Family Reserve (SFR) wines are the highest expression of our specific vineyards’ terroir. From our oldest Estate vineyards, shovel-planted by the Speck Bros. Starting in 1984, these wines take advantage of the many unique and defining features of our property, including glacially deposited soil types and the varying history of the plantings. An assemblage of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Planted in 1999, the Merlot comes from a high spot on our Old Farm. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from a site with heavy, chocolatey clay that dates to 1988, while the Cabernet Franc hails from our Short Hills Bench Vineyard, planted in 1999. Fermented in

a 5000L oak tank, aged in small oak barriques, and made in vintages where the Atlantic-Maritime aspect of our climate expresses itself. Concentrated dark berry tones are balanced by black plum, red fruits and smokiness. Well integrated tannins give a firm but smooth texture.

90pts, Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Cuvée Catharine Blanc-de-Blancs ‘Carte Blanche’, $49.95 V #315200 W

Named in memory of Henry’s wife, widow, and family matriarch, Catharine Smith, ‘Carte Blanche’ is a vintage expression of Cuvée Catharine. We hand-pick fruit from our oldest and best estate-grown Chardonnay vineyards on the Short Hills Bench in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada for this Canadian sparkling wine. The best of the best juice is isolated, partially barrel fermented and then aged for 54 months on the lees. Look for elegant lemony flavours and aromas of freshly baked bread.

93pts, Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

Inniskillin Winery

1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-2187 inniskillin.com

WINEMAKER: Nicholas Gizuk

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay, $30.95

W O Winerack #623744

This premium vineyard in Niagara showcases some of the best chardonnay fruit with vines aging from 30 to 45+ years old. The Four Mile Creek appellation lets the intensity of the sunlight we get in Niagara on the Lake to ripen and push complexities in these vines, and we strive let the fruit and terroir to show through this wine. Typical flavors of white fleshy peach, citrus, spice, and tropical notes are indicative of this barrel fermented Chardonnay. This wine is truly a pleasure to make and find the differences in the blocks and craft the best version of this historic vineyard.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Sparkling Cabernet Franc Icewine, $119.95 GP #80019372 W

Sparkling Icewine is a truly exceptional product that takes Icewine to the next level. The Cabernet Franc grape is ideally suited to grow in Niagara and is versatile and vibrant. This wine showcases flavors of strawberry, crushed cherry and raspberries, bright acidity makes for a very balanced Icewine. The tight bubbles give a nice mouse and creamy finish that truly sets itself apart.

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery

2145 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-6173

jacksontriggswinery.com

WINEMAKER: Chris Holman

FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Entourage Brut, $34.95 W Celebration or not, our Brut is great for any occasion. Traditional method sparklings are some of my favourites because of how many layers and characteristics they contain from every stage of the process. Beautiful complex fruit, delicate shortbread cookie and biscuit nuances from the ‘sur lees’ aging process, subtle vanilla and

baking spice from barrel aging blend together seamlessly to create a wine bursting with character.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir, $29.95 W

Pinot Noir is one of our flagship varieties here in Niagara and for good reason. It is one of the best varietals at displaying the unique characteristics of our Niagara terroir. It’s one of my favorites for this reason. Great to sip on its own and get lost in its subtle complexities but also a master of pairing with many great cuisines.

Kacaba Vineyards Winery

3550 King Street, Vineland, 905-562-5625 kacaba.com

WINEMAKER: Vadim Chelekhov

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Signature Series Reserve Syrah, $60.15 W O

2020 Signature Series Reserve Syrah from Kacaba Vineyards and Winery is a very special wine to me. Kacaba Vineyards and Winery is proud to own one of the oldest vineyards of commercially grown Syrah vines in the province and country! All fruit sourced for this wine came exclusively from our farm in Vineland, Ontario. Applying environmentally conscious farming practices and carefully tending to vines by hand, small blocks of Syrah were combined with a small portion of our estate-grown Viognier (8%) for a co-fermentation style of Syrah winemaking. The iconic warm and dry vintage of 2020 produced fruit of exceptional ripeness and intense flavour profile. We captured those fine nuances in this wine and allowed it to mature in oak barrels for 20 months before producing the final blend of besttasting casks. I love this wine for its flavour intensity, silky-smooth tannins, long lingering spicy finish and concentrated dark fruit nose that just leaps out of the glass, enticing you to come back to it sip after sip! Salut!

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Summer Series Susan’s Sauvignon Blanc, $20.15 GP #19989 W O

2021 Summer Series Susan’s Sauvignon Blanc is by far my favourite summer sipper wine! This Sauvignon Blanc leaps out of the glass with aromas of lemongrass, ripe gooseberries, exotic tropical fruit and subtle mineral notes. The palate continues the fruit notes from the nose and delivers an elegant balance of fresh acidity and a long dry lingering finish. Very pleasant and refreshing to sip by the pool or a lake on a warm sunny day this wine is very versatile to enjoy with an array of different seafood and pasta dishes. During the cold months, I pour myself a glass of this Sauvignon Blanc to bring back amazing memories of the Summer times and pair it with a hearty soup or a stew. Cheers!

Karlo Estates

561 Danforth Road, Wellington, 613-438-4150 karloestates.com

WINEMAKER: Derek Barnett Spencer Mayer

FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Estate Malbec, $39.00 W O

This is the only Malbec in Prince Edward County and is delicious. It has gotten multiple gold medal scores already so it’s not just us that thinks so. It’s a beautiful wine.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2018 Estate Chardonnay, $45.00 W O

This wine is stunningly beautiful and is perfect in our terroir. Our Estate Chardonnay has quickly become one of our signature wines.

Kern & Co. Winery

Virtual, 905-399-6868 kerncowine.ca

WINEMAKER: Adam Kern

FAVOURITE WINE: 2018 Rapanaro Vineyard Cabernet Franc, $49.00 O

Our Rapanaro Vineyard Cabernet Franc is sourced from a special sliver of land running along the length of the Niagara Escarpment. This site deserves some closer attention due to its unique rich clay soils that produce wines demonstrating a particular intensity. In the 2018 vintage we experimented with winemaking techniques to discover what would complement and enhance the profile of this site. The resulting wine is savoury, layered and dynamic.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2018 Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay, $42.00 O

Foxcroft is a renowned vineyard site in the Twenty Mile Bench with a distinct and familiar profile. Known for its excellent sun exposure, airflow and drainage, the wines consistently demonstrate an expression of ripe sun kissed fruit and minerality derived from the limestone rich clay soils. Our Foxcroft Vineyard Chardonnay is a classic example from a warmer vintage, with delicate oak impact and layered with aromas of golden peach, pineapple, meyer lemon zest.

KEW Vineyards

4696 King Street, Beamsville, 905-563-1539 kewvineyards.com

WINEMAKER: Philip Brown

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Fume Blanc, $20.95 W

I love Sauvignon Blanc in this region. Our cool climate is perfect for maintaining that perfect mouthwatering freshness and those great tropical fruit character. Our terrior helps accentuate those lovely flinty and chalky mineral tones and the French oak barrels we ferment and age our Fume Blanc in do a great job adding layers and complexities to this wine, creating a lush texture palate.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Blanc de Blancs, $32.95 W

Produced solely from Chardonnay, our Barrel Aged Blanc de Blanc was barrel aged for five months prior to us bottling it for secondary fermentation, this provides an added dimension of complexity to the wine. I love traditional method sparkling, and we make some of the best in the world here in Niagara. It’s the whole package, lovely rich mousse, yellow apple, toasted macadamia nut, and concluding with a long and balanced finish with toasty decadence.

Konzelmann Estate Winery

1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-935-2866 konzelmann.ca

WINEMAKER: Shantal Silverthorne

FAVOURITE WINE: NV Sparkling Riesling, $24.95 W O

Our sparkling riesling is a wine that I am very proud of. It is one of the first wines that I focused on since becoming Winemaker. I was also involved in the rebranding of this wine and establishing a fresh new label for it. It is the first wine that I saw through the whole process at Konzelmann from vineyard to bottle . These grapes are harvested from our Lakefront vineyard which boasts nice acidity and fruit forward flavours, creating a well balanced wine.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Meritage Family Reserve, $44.95 W O

Our Meritage wine is one of my favourite wines we produce at Konzelmann. This full bodied wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It was crafted during an exceptional vintage (2020) and was one of the last wines our founder, Herbert Konzelmann, put to barrel. Fast forward 2 years later, these barrels were hand selected as a collaborative effort from our team to create our meritage blend. I feel it is a great example of the highquality red wines Niagara is able to craft.

Lailey Winery

15940 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-8188 laileywines.com

WINEMAKER: Faik Turkmen

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 Stonebridge Chardonnay, $48.00 W O

This wine is made from all four Chardonnay clones 95, 96, 548 and 76 grown on our Stonebridge Estate vineyard (heavy clay terroir). The grapes were hand-harvested into small bins and kept clonally separate, then pressed and wild fermented in 33% new French Oak puncheons and barrels. The low-intervention, wild fermentation took 2 months to complete and malolactic-fermentation occurred at its own pace during this time. I love pouring this chardonnay to lovers and skeptics of the variety alike. This wine has turned many skeptics to lovers of chardonnay!

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 Stonebridge Reserve Cabernet Franc, $65.00 W O

I LOVE Cabernet Franc and am a firm believer that it is one of the best red grape varieties grown in Niagara. The grapes for this single vineyard, small batch wine come from the Twenty Mile Bench subappellation. The mineral-rich soils and elongated growing season, combined with classic elevage in French oak barrels, have led to a richly flavoured wine of excellent depth and layered complexity. This reserve Cab Franc was wild fermented and aged in French oak barrels for 19 months and has tremendous aging potential.

Leaning Post Wines

1491 Highway 8, Stoney Creek, 905-643-9795 leaningpostwines.com

WINEMAKER: Ilya Senchuk

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Chardonnay, $32.00 W O

This Chardonnay is a personal favorite because we love Chardonnay and this is an amazing example of what great balanced chardonnay can be. It is our lifes mission to change peoples minds about chardonnay one glass at a time and we are confident that this wine can do it.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Senchuk Vineyard Pinot Noir, $70.00 W O

Made from grapes from our home property, this is our best Pinot Noir that we make. On the edge of the Niagara region in Lincoln Lakeshore this vineyard provides such complexity of earth characteristics and we could not be more proud of this wine. Burgundian in style but proudly 100% Niagara VQA from the Lincoln Lakeshore sub appellation. This wine tastes amazing now and will age so beautifully.

London Born Wine Co.

4000 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, 905-563-7256 londonbornwines.com

WINEMAKER: William Hoare

FAVOURITE WINE: 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve, $34.95 W O

This 2018 Cabernet Franc is a true masterpiece. It exudes luscious aromas of black fruit intermingled with hints of dried savoury herbs and ripples of chocolate. Being 100% estate grown allows the true terroir of the grapes to shine in every bottle. I’m excited to share this gem with you!

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Chardonnay Musqué Reserve, $22.95 W O

I always like to experiment and add intrigue to peoples palates, and I think we achieved that with this Chardonnay Musqué. A lesser known varietal that drinks textured and fragrant. It is estate grown on our smaller vineyard on Cherry Avenue and creates part of the scenic backdrop that greets you as you sit sipping wine on the patio of our new tasting room and lounge.

Malivoire Wine Co.

4260 King Street E, Beamsville, 905-563-9253 malivoire.com

WINEMAKERS: Shiraz Mottiar & Elisa Mazzi

FAVOURITE WINE: NV Bisous Brut, $35.00 W O

Traditional method sparkling wine is such an exciting process in winemaking. You need patience, but so worth the wait. This Bisous Brut shows just what Chardonnay and Pinot can do when married together in the bottle on lees for 3 years!

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Gamay Le Cœur, $32.00 W O

Gamay is an incredibly versatile variety and I love that we have the opportunity to explore so many different ways to bring out the best in it. This vintage of Gamay Le Cœur is so expressive - the use of carbonic maceration has generated a unique combination of flavours resulting in an irresistibly juicy fruit-forward wine with bright acidity.

Marynissen Estates

1208 Concession 1 Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-7270 marynissen.com

WINEMAKER: Mitchell McCurdy

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Icon Blanc De Blancs, $49.95 W O

The Blanc de Blancs showcases great streamlined acidity, it’s fruity with a bit of toast and complexity from the 29 months sur lie. Truly a favourite of mine. An impeccable example of the quality Niagara can offer in the sparkling category.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Icon Meritage, $90.00 W O

The Icon Meritage was one of the most exciting red wines I’ve put together. This wine is from one of the top vintages Niagara has ever seen. The hand selected barrels from our top producing vineyards work seamlessly to offer a full, complex red that delivers with every sip.

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery

5600 King Street, Beamsville, 905-563-0900 peninsularidge.com

WINEMAKER: Sean Palmer

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Beal Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, $26.95 W O

We see the benefit of harvesting from over 20-year-old vines, as the Chardonnay that comes into our building often only requires gentle guidance to achieve greatness. Each vintage may present new challenges, but consistently Chardonnay stands out as our cornerstone of quality. Our reserve Chardonnays are only made in vintages where fruit quality is optimal. Our Reserve labeled wines are exclusively produced from our estate Beal Vineyard. Barrel selection for our Reserve Chardonnay wines is done with care and uses a mixture of new and second-fill French and American Oak barrels.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 McNally Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, $29.95 W O

Extensive winemaking went into the production of this lovely, delicate Pinot Noir. Warm fermentation with frequent punch downs to develop structure with 11-day post-fermentation maceration. Aged for 19 months in 1st and 2nd fill French oak barrels with frequent lees stirring. The result is a nose of red currant, cherry, and hints of cocoa powder. The palate is light-bodied with soft tannins, and a long finish accented with a touch of cassis and bumbleberry. A lovely expression of the McNally Vineyard and the Beamsville Bench appellation.

Pillitteri Estates Winery

1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-3147

pillitteri.com

WINEMAKER: Alex Kolundzic

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Winemakers Special Selection: Wine Club

Barrel Reserve (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, 2 barrel selection aged 2 years in new french oak), $68.00 W

This is a special selection of red wines with only 2 barrels of this wine produced. It was blended exclusively for our wine club membership and is only available to be sold to wine club members of Pillitteri

Estates Winery. We are excited to present this rare wine to it’s first ever public tasting to bring attention to our wine club program and exclusive offerings available at our winery to members.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Racina Ambra (Gewürztraminer Riesling, Skin Fermented White Wine), $25.00 W

This is a skin fermented white wine that is a unique flavor. Skin Fermented wines or orange wines as they are commonly known have become popular, particularly among wine drinkers looking for new and unique styles of wines.

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

1366 York Road, St. Davids, 905-262-8463 ravinevineyard.com

WINEMAKER: Lydia Tomek

FAVOURITE WINE: Reserve Red, $65.00 W

Of all of the barrels in our 450-barrel program, we tasted and graded and picked the top 5 from each of the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot categories. The final six from these 15 barrels are selected based on their contribution to aging potential, complexity, intensity, and harmony. These six barrels all came from our 100% organically farmed vineyard which consistently shows us that there is something truly special in St Davids when it comes to ripening these varietals year to year.

FAVOURITE WINE: Ravine Sauvignon Blanc, $32.00 W

This wine was produced from a series of picks and fermentation batches where harvest time, fermentation vessel and fermentation kinetics. I aimed to create a wine that captured everything Sauvignon Blanc has to offer - great acidity, pleasant citrus nuances, tropical flavours and some traditional green notes. From cool fermentation to hot, to playing with organic yeast strains from Stellenbosch, we did it all!

Floral Studio

Redstone Winery

4245 King Street, Beamsville, 905-563-9463

redstonewines.ca

WINEMAKER: Jessica Otting

FAVOURITE WINE: 2019 Limestone Sparkling, $29.95 W

This wine is a favourite amongst the team at Redstone. The 100% Chardonnay traditional method Sparkling has spent 42 months on lees and shows beautiful notes of vanilla custard and lemon curd. Sparkling is a go to wine choice for me and pairs so well with all sorts of food!

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Redstone Meritage, $46.95 W

The Meritage blend is our premium red blend that shows off the Redstone terroir, which is a little unique in the region. Our red clay soils and slightly warmer vineyard really ripen the grapes well and allow us to show off our beautiful Bordeaux varieties. This wine in particular is a full-bodied Cabernet dominant blend with beautiful ripe fruit flavours. This wine is great with dinner but also perfect for curling up by the fire.

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

15376 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-262-0636 riverviewcellars.com

WINEMAKER: Nick Salvatore

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Astra Sparkling Riesling, $24.95 W O

Riesling is one of my favourite varietals and is very well-suited to grow in Niagara. Its expression from the silt and sandy soils that we have at Riverview are fantastic and should rival any other soil around. The versatility of this grape allows it to produce world-class sparkling wines with bright acid, minerality and freshness. I also love how the subtle toast character from the lees contact balances everything out.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Barrel 81 Cabernet Merlot, $29.95 W O

Barrel 81 is our premium red blend. It comes from the incredible 2020 vintage where warm and dry conditions allowed for full ripening across all of our reds. I love the challenge of tasting through all of the wines made each year and figuring out the best possible blend. In this case, we have a nice balance of red and blue fruits with a subtle spice from the extended oak aging.

Rosewood Estates Winery

4352 Mountainview Road, Lincoln, 905-563-4383 rosewoodwine.com

WINEMAKER: Ryan Corrigan

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Shoulders of Giants (Cabernet Franc), $45.00 W O

Cabernet Franc holds a special place in my heart, undoubtedly one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. Flourishing in the fertile soils of Niagara, Ontario Cab Franc takes on diverse expressions across various vintages. The 2020 Vintage, in particular, stands out as one of the most exceptional experiences with Cabernet Franc in recent memory. Harvested at perfect ripeness, the fruit delivered a symphony of flavors, harmoniously balanced by a vibrant acidity. This vintage allowed us the privilege of letting the wine craft itself, seamlessly guiding its transformation from juice to the beautiful wine in the bottle. What captivates me about this wine is its ability to echo

the essence of the vintage—a full-bodied masterpiece, abundant with rich, dark fruit yet perfectly counterbalanced by a lively acidity that dances on the palate. This wine is undeniably crafted for culinary enjoyment, a perfect complement to a variety of dishes. However, its allure extends beyond the dining table; sipping it solo offers a moment of pure appreciation for the artistry encapsulated within the glass.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Neptune (Dry Riesling), $40.00 W O Riesling often finds itself unfairly labeled as a straightforward wine, pigeonholed into two traditional styles, and ubiquitously cultivated throughout Ontario. Nearly every winery in Niagara boasts at least one rendition of this grape, and while there’s merit in that, my vision for the varietal has always been more expansive. That’s precisely why this Riesling deviates significantly from the norm. A departure from the ordinary, this wine is a testament to the uniqueness of each vintage, a chameleon that evolves with the changing years. Its journey begins with a dry fermentation in neutral French oak, a meticulous process that spans an enlightening 18 months of aging. This distinctive approach imparts a beguiling texture, a luxurious mouthfeel, and aromas that defy the usual expectations of the region. Inhale, and you’ll encounter notes of lemon zest, lime, and brioche, a symphony of scents that tantalize the senses. The palate is an exhilarating dance of acidity, perfectly balanced with a rounded fullness, concluding with the subtlest hint of salinity. This wine, aptly named and truly representative of its varietal, transcends the ordinary Riesling experience.

Tawse Estate Winery

3955 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, 905-562-9500

tawsewinery.ca

WINEMAKER: Jessica Otting

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Robyn’s Block Chardonnay, $46.95 W O Robyn’s Block Chardonnay uses grapes from the old vines planted as far back as 1981, showing off the true terroir of our Cherry Avenue Vineyard and its clay and loam soil. Unique flavours of crushed oyster shell come through its rich body and texture.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2021 Cherry Ave Pinot Noir, $49.95 W O

My favourite Pinot Noir with our masterful blend of fruit from Robyn’s Block and David’s Block. Pulling from vines planted between 1998 and 2005, our oldest Pinot Noir vines in our vineyard profile. Cherry Ave Pinot always has expressive notes of black cherry and cranberry along with well-integrated subtle oak and earthy tones.

The Foreign Affair Winery

4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland, 905-562-9898 foreignaffairwinery.com

WINEMAKER: Rene Van Ede

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $44.95 W

The 2020 vintage was my first vintage grape to glass with The Foreign Affair Winery. This wine is a great representation of this vintage.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Chardonnay, $29.95 W

The 2022 Chardonnay is a great representation of the new vision for our winemaking style at The Foreign Affair Winery.

Thirty Bench Wine Makers

4281 Mountainview Road, Beamsville, 905-614-3219 thirtybench.com

WINEMAKER: Emma Garner

FAVOURITE WINE: Sparkling Riesling NVD, $40.00 W O

Emma was inspired to choose this wine because it represents two things that Niagara excels at – creating world class Sparkling wines and growing Riesling which represents the terroir in which it is grown. And who doesn’t love bubbles and Riesling?

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc, $26.95 V #30073 W O

Cabernet Franc is a grape variety that is close to Emma’s heart. The Beamsville Bench has demonstrated in warm and cool years how this variety can shine. At Thirty Bench it has become one of the cornerstones of what we produce and continues to push the elevation of quality.

Trius Winery

1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 1-800-582-8412 triuswines.com

WINEMAKER: Craig McDonald

FAVOURITE WINE: Showcase Blanc de Blancs NVD, $65.00 W O

You can’t think about Trius without thinking about bubbles. This wine is a composition of 3 vintages, 100% Chardonnay from two vineyards. It is an excellent representation of what we strive for; a detail oriented and focused wine both viticulturally and in the cellars.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Showcase Red Shale Cabernet Franc, $65.00 W O

Cabernet Franc is such an incredible grape in our region, it’s a joy to both grow and work within the cellars. Red Shale has a rich history with Trius, this wine always tells the tale of the vintage. 2020 was a great year in the vineyards and this wine shows it, so it makes me very excited to pour and talk about.

Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery

3576 9th Street, St. Catharines, 365-880-5136

wendinghome.ca

WINEMAKER: Ron Giesbrecht

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Wending North Estate White Blend, $34.95 W O

The idea of Terroir driven wines need not (and should not) be restrained to a single variety. Blends are symphonies that still express individuality and specific terroir character. The six varieties and the amounts of each that appear in this blend are entirely from the Wending Home Estate Vineyards and express both the vineyard and the winemaker’s idea of what can be the vineyard’s best expression. Elegantly aromatic and floral while also giving the palate richness and texture. No oak, but complexity through lees contact.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Cabernet Franc Estate, $44.95 W O

The Wending Home Estate Vineyards are so well suited to the Cabernet Franc grape with soils that are an alluvial deposit of silt, clay, and small stones. I love the “honesty” of this grape, giving what it can from the year and vintage that it is in, no smoke and mirrors of trying to be something that it is not. These vines are also “experienced” just

as I am, although my experience in winemaking predates this vineyard by a decade or so, the planting of these vines in the 1990’s provides a depth, concentration, and consistency that I find a strong kinship to.

Westcott Vineyards

3180 Seventeenth Street, Jordan Station, 905-562-7517 westcottvineyards.com

WINEMAKER: Casey Kulczyk

FAVOURITE WINE: 2020 Brilliant Traditional Sparkling Rose, $40.00 W O

A traditionnelle method sparkling rose crafted from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir. There is a restrained period of lees aging. This shorter time en-tirage is used just to encourage persistence and better bubble texture, while trying to limit development of autolytic character. We focus on picking more ripe to ensure the characteristics of the variety and place show through more deeply on the nose and palate. I chose this wine for the purity of variety and fruit it delivers. It showcases all the hallmarks of elegance, soft texture, and forward red fruits we have come to expect from our Vinemount Pinot Noirs. Sparkling wine is known to magnify the aromas and flavors, and I very much like how this wine displays the natural reflection of Pinot Noir sparkling in Vinemount.

FAVOURITE WINE: 2022 Butlers’ Grant Old Vines Chardonnay, $50.00 W O

Produced as a single vineyard offering from low yielding 30+ year old vines, the 2022 Butlers Grant Chardonnay delivers a wine with much concentration and intensity. The wine is layered and complex with expression of minerality running through the nose and palate. The nose opens up slowly and rewards you when you take the time to let it evolve. Barrel fermented and aged 10mo in used FO, with no batonnage. It is fermented with native yeast and completed full MLF. We strive to simplify our inputs so to let place shine over process. I choose the wine and vintage for the depth of character it reflects. It is initially rich and concentrated. However, when you reach the palate there is a sense of grace, balance and vitality. It moves into the finish with harmony and ease where it beautifully counteracts the intensity and opulence originally displayed on the nose.

Craft brewing

of Après Cuvée

Kame & Kettle Beer Works

25 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill

289-273-2550

kameandkettle.ca

Lock Street Brewing Co.

15 Lock Street, St. Catharines

905-935-2124

lockstreet.ca

Niagara Oast House Brewers

2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake 289-868-9627

oasthousebrewers.com

Silversmith Brewing Co.

1523 Niagara Stone Road, Virgil 905-468-8447

silversmithbrewing.com

Awards & committees

Cuvée Vineyard of Excellence Award winner

Sponsored by Lakeview Vineyard Equipment

Steve Pohorly

Cuvée Winemaker of Excellence Award winner

Rob Power

Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence winner

Philip Dowell

Our gratitude to:

Participating wineries, chefs, craft breweries as well as our many volunteers. Also our sincere appreciation for the support of Brock Administration and the hard-working teams including: University Marketing and Communications, Development & Donor Relations, Government & Community Relations, Printing Services, and the incredible group at CCOVI.

Cuvée Advisory Council

• Tim Kenyon, Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic, Brock University

• Michelle McGinn, Acting Vice-President, Research, Brock University

• Debbie Inglis, Director, CCOVI

• Barb Tatarnic, Manager, Cuvée, Professional Studies & Outreach, CCOVI

• Anil Rebell, Cuvée Co-ordinator, Absolute XM Events & Management Inc.

Cuvée Steering Committee

• J. Mark Hand, Chef

• Magdalena Kaiser, Wine Marketing Association of Ontario

• Erik Peacock, Chef

• Barb Tatarnic, Manager, Cuvée, Professional Studies & Outreach, CCOVI

• Anil Rebell, Cuvée Co-ordinator, Absolute XM Events & Management Inc.

Cuvée Founding Members

• David Bergen, Cuvée Co-founder

• Debi Pratt

Cuvée Vineyard of Excellence Award Adjudicators

• Helen Fisher

• Kevin Ker

• Jim Willwerth

Cuvée en Route March 29-31

Your Cuvée Grand Tasting e-ticket allows you to visit any of the following wineries and dining partners. cuvee.ca/cuvee-en-route

Cuvée en Route Wineries

13th Street Winery

180 Estate Winery

Alvento Winery

Bachelder (email for reservation)

Calamus Estate Winery

Flat Rock Cellars

Inniskillin Winery

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery

Kacaba Vineyards and Winery

Kern & Co. Winery

KEW Vineyards

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Lailey Winery

Leaning Post Wines

London Born Wine Co.

Malivoire Wine Co.

Marynissen Estates

Pillitteri Estates Winery

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

Rosewood Winery & Meadery

The Foreign Affair Winery

Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery

Westcott Vineyards

Cuvée en Route Dining

180 Bistro

Barrel Head Wine Pizza Patio at Pillitteri Estates Winery

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery Restaurant

Now celebrating its 33rd year, Cuvée has become the longeststanding event of its kind and one of the most prestigious celebrations of Ontario wine in the country. As the event has evolved, under the guardianship of CCOVI, Brock University, proceeds now support the industry it showcases.

Cuvée 2024

When CCOVI took over stewardship of Cuvée in 2015, a legacy fund was created with the proceeds. This fund allows the next generation of wine industry professionals access to student scholarships, which are pivotal to finding their journey as well as supporting research priorities identified by the grape and wine industry.

This legacy fund will continue to support student scholarships and research programs.

Why it matters

The Ontario grape and wine industry employs more than 22,000 people and attracts 2.6 million visitors to the province each year. It is an important driver of the provincial economy and contributes $5.5 billion to the Ontario economy annually according to research completed by Wine Growers Canada.

CCOVI is committed to helping the industry continue to grow by training the next generation of industry professionals and providing applied research solutions.

About CCOVI

Located at Brock University in St. Catharines, an hour from the Toronto area, CCOVI is an internationally recognized research institute that advances the interests of the grape and wine industry by investing time and resources on the industry’s research priorities.

Established in 1996, CCOVI works in partnership with the Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Craft Wineries and Wine Growers Ontario. Its network extends to external academic communities, federal and provincial research organizations, and regional grape and wine industry groups across Canada as well as cool climate wine regions around the world.

To learn more about CCOVI activities, visit brocku.ca/ccovi