It seems that the rain follows me when I make my way down the QEW for the Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. Last year I attended the kickoff barbeque that was hit by major torrential rain. This year I made sure to check out the Grand Tasting and Dinner held at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. The Grand Tasting brings winemakers from all over the world into one place where over 100 Chardonnay’s are poured for attendees. Wineries from all over the world were in attendance including attendees from New Zealand, California, Spain, France and of course Canada. Rain or shine this event is still one of the best ways to discover new wines and chat with the people who make them. My favorite thing about the grand tasting is that it highlights the quality of the Ontario Wine industry as a whole as it shows that Ontario Wines stand up to wines being made anywhere in the world.
When I arrived at the grand tasting I was greeted with a glass and a tent full of winemakers. The wine was being poured at the tables underneath tents which made for a very casual atmosphere. Once the rain let up you had the opportunity to check out an oyster bar with oysters being shucked by Tide and Vine, and a sparkling wine bar to pair. Among great Ontario sparkling wines from Cave Spring and Trius there was an opportunity to taste a 1994 Blanc de Blancs from Thelema winery in South Africa. While this may not have been the best wine at the tasting bar it is not often you get the opportunity to taste wines that are twenty years old.
Dinner was served in the same tent where the winemakers were gathered earlier. Service was done Family style which means everyone was passing dishes around the table. I’m a big fan of meals served this way because it adds to the casual atmosphere. Highlights from the table were Chardonnay Grapevine Smoked Rainbow Trout from Kolapore Springs, Tunisian Carrot Salad with Harissa Vinaigrette and Ontario Golden Beet Salad with Ricotta, Walnuts, Bacon and Ver Jus Vinaigrette. Dessert was an assortment of pies from Whitty farms and 13th Street Bakery. There were 8 dishes in all on the table.
Wine highlights from the meal were getting a chance to taste the 2011 Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay and tracking down the 2012 Lailey Brickyard Chardonnay. The Wismer continues to be a favorite of mine and I am eagerly awaiting the 2012.
I had a chance to taste over 50 wines on Sunday. It is great to see that most of the standouts were from Ontario. Here is a short list of some of the wines I really enjoyed. I challenge any attendee to come out of the event with only one favorite… it’s just not possible.
2011 Bachelder Wismer Vineyard – $44.95
2010 Angel’s Gate Old Vines – $23.95
2013 Creation (New Zealand) – $32.00
2012 Flat Rock Rusty Shed – $24.95
2012 Lailey Brickyard – $25.20
2012 Trius Barrel Fermented – $19.95
2012 Norman Hardie County – $39.00
2012 Southbrook Whimsy Richness – $34.95
2012 Mer Soleil Unoaked – $32.00
I realize I doubled down on mentioning that there was a casual atmosphere at the event. If you’re new to wine it can be overwhelming thinking about going to an event like this… but trust me, this is a fantastic way to get into wine. I am already looking forward to next year rain or shine.
