Photo courtesy of Ravine Vineyard
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A St. David s DAY IN
By Gabrielle Tieman-Lee
The energetic atmosphere and excitement of Clifton Hill is thrilling, but the charm and pace of Niagara’s small towns offer visitors an opportunity to discover a different side of the region’s local culture. Nestled at the base of the Niagara Escarpment only a short drive from the historic Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the charming town of St David’s sits on the hill side – surrounded by million-dollar estate homes, rolling vineyards and picture perfect views of the Niagara River. And though this town is worth visiting for the picturesque drive alone, what can be found tucked away in the town’s quiet streets is equally worth the trip: unique boutiques, chocolate shops, farm to table restaurants and award-winning wineries simply waiting to be discovered. Ravine Vineyard | 1366 York Road What could be sweeter than a day spent in the vineyard? Nestled in the warm corridor of St. David’s Bench where history and family values meet is Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery. This fifth generation family farm is home to a 100 per cent certified organic vineyard and winery, year-round award-winning restaurant, canning house, event facility, garden and grocery shop and outdoor family fun activities.
This winery offers it all: sip and sample award-winning red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines at the modern tasting bar, enjoy a crisp hard cider on tap at the outdoor patio as the kids kick a soccer ball in the field, sample local cheeses in the shop or enjoy farm to table food in the restaurant. Realistically, you could spend all day here. Eat local is not a seasonal term at Ravine. Their commitment to freshness means their menu is constantly changing in the spirit of dining on the farm; with all dishes consisting of local ingredients and produce cultivated and harvested right on premise (think locally cured charcuterie boards, wood oven pizzas, daily soups accompanied by zucchini muffins and mouthwatering entrées). “We like to say it’s always sunny in St. David’s, because that’s the feeling we strive for on our 150-year-old family farm” says Paul Harber, proprietor of Ravine Vineyard. “From dining in our award-winning restaurant to tasting our portfolio of biodynamic wines and attending community events like our Canada Day celebrations, we consider our guests to be a truly important part of our legacy.” Old Firehall Restaurant | 268 Four Mile Creek Road Surrounded by bright-coloured umbrellas, picnic tables and greenery, The Old Firehall Restaurant is nestled at the heart of
