THE pasta

Fresh Lobster, Ricotta and Basil Lasagna

Peller Estates

Signature Series

Chardonnay Sur Lie

Peller Estates

Private Reserve

Sauvignon Blanc

Chef Jason Parsons, The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates

RECIPE PAGE 16

Gamay Braised Rabbit, Mushroom, Spinach and Fettucine

Peller Estates Private Reserve

Gamay Noir

Thirty Bench Small Lot

Pinot Noir

Chef Jason Parsons, The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates

RECIPE PAGE 17

Pappardelle with Braised Lamb Shank, Lemon, Sage, and Pecorino

Thirty Bench

Small Lot

Rosé

Wayne Gretzky Estates Signature Series Shiraz Cabernet

Chef Ross Midgley, Oaklands at Riverbend Inn

RECIPE PAGE 16

Spaghetti with Fresh Broccolini, Preserved Lemon and Chickpeas

Trius

Showcase

Ghost Creek

Riesling

Trius Brut

Chef Frank Dodd, Trius Winery Restaurant

RECIPE PAGE 17

Pesto Crusted Chicken with Saffron and Cherry Tomato Gnocchi

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Rosé

Trius Showcase

Wild Ferment

Sauvignon Blanc

Chef Maurice Desharnais, Wayne Gretzky Estates

RECIPE PAGE 17

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage and Browned Butter

Trius

Distinction

Barrel Fermented

Chardonnay

Trius

Divine

White

Chef Frank Dodd, Trius Winery Restaurant

RECIPE PAGE 18

Roasted Garlic and Maple Syrup Salmon with Yukon Gold Potato, Orzo and Bacon Cake

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Whisky Oak Aged

Chardonnay

Wayne Gretzky Estates

Signature Series

Pinot Noir

Chef Maurice Desharnais, Wayne Gretzky Estates

RECIPE PAGE 18

Get To Know Our History

The Riverbend Inn sits on a 17-acre parcel of land on the corner of John Street and Niagara River Parkway. The land was originally deeded to William McClellan in 1809, who built a modest stone farmhouse and farmed the land.

In 1860, Dr. Thomas Halliday Watt purchased the farm, and a large 6,500 square foot Georgian red brick mansion was built. Dr. Watt grew fruit and worked as a consulting surgeon until his death in 1902. He was buried at St. Marks Cemetery in Niagara-onthe-Lake. In 1908, Dr. Watt’s second wife, Melicent, sold the property to Mr. Dawson, who began a poultry farm, but only kept the land until 1909.

The land briefly belonged to Mr. Gibnne, who then sold it to Brigadier-General Charles Nelles, a distinguished Canadian veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, in 1920. General Nelles planted the beautiful oak trees and named the land “Oaklands”. General Nelles was mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake between 1929 and 1930 and was also the first president of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Legion, Branch 124. His son Percy Nelles was a flag officer and Chief of the Naval Staff in the Royal Canadian Navy.

General Nelles sold the land in 1927 to a group of six sisters – Kate, Gladys, Del, Nora, Olga, and Elizabeth Ansley. The Ansley sisters converted the residence into a school for persons with disabilities. At the height of its success, the school housed 16 children of various ages, happily socializing with the local community. The school ran for 45 years until the sisters could no longer operate it.

In 1972, the home was purchased by Dr. Afrukteh of Niagara Falls. The property was divided into apartments, 4 or 5 in the house and 2 in the Coach House. One of the tenants, Peggy Anderson, set up a charity called Newark Neighbours in the former entrance of the Inn. Newark Neighbours grew too large and was moved into the barn on the northwest section of the property and still operates today, providing food and clothing for residents in town who demonstrate financial need.

Dr. Afrukteh opened a private art gallery in the home in 1984, and in 1988 he built a 12,000 square foot addition to the original building to accommodate the gallery. Unfortunately, the art gallery lasted just a few years before it closed down, leaving the building vacant for many years until it caught the eye of the Wiens family.

The Wiens family approached Dr. Afrukteh to purchase the property in 2002, and he agreed to sell to them. The home was turned into a 21-room Georgian style Inn and the old cherry and peach orchards were replaced with 12 acres of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vidal vines. The Riverbend Inn formally opened its doors to the public on April 12, 2004.

Andrew Peller Limited purchased the Riverbend Inn in February 2021, adding the property to their family of wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Inn will complement Peller Estates Winery, with the new vineyards now forming a contiguous 57 acres of high-quality grape growing managed by our winemakers. The acquisition is a natural extension to Peller Estates in providing a premium wine tourism experience in the Niagara Region.

FIRE PIT EXPERIENCE AT RIVERBEND INN & VINEYARD

Friday to Sunday, Weather Permitting $54.95 per person, plus tax/gratuity

Experience a true Canadian wine country experience, with the most beautiful vineyard view all year round. Warm up by our fire pits on our Ansley Sparkling Terrace with a glass of wine or a warm fire pit feature beverage. Your beverage is served alongside Chef Ross’ grilled cheese and a s’mores bundle for roasting.