Ontario wine industry begins with the grape growers: meet the Wiley’s
Wine is, first and foremost, an agricultural business. For every glass of wine you drink, there is a hard-working farmer growing grapes used to make that wine.
In a way, these grape-growers are the unsung heroes of the wine industry. Without them, there would be no wine at your table.
Dave Wiley (left, the dad), me and Phil Wiley (right) at their farm near St. Catharines, Ontario
I recently had the opportunity to meet Phil and Dave Wiley, a father-son duo who are farmers and grape-growers based in Niagara. Dave, the father, also has a daughter who is a winemaker for Megalomaniac, a Niagara winery. I met the Wiley family at their farm near St. Catharines, Ontario. The Wiley’s may be best known for their popular Wiley’s Pure Juices product.
Wiley’s vines earlier this spring, before budding
According to the Grape Growers of Ontario, there are about 500 grape-growers in Ontario.
On their website, they provide some insightful statistics. The industry is much broader than the growers. There are suppliers for the vineyard equipment, trucking and shipping and warehousing the grapes. Also, consider there are many employees who work at the wineries, and beyond.
Here are some interesting numbers in Ontario:
- About 500 growers
- 18,000 grape-bearing acres, with nearly 14,000 acres in Niagara under vine
- Nearly 200 wineries
- Economic impact from tourism is more than $1 Billion
- 50+ kinds of grapes grown in Ontario
Ontario is considered a “cool climate” growing region (vs a warm climate such as Australia). There are certain grapes that do well here and that includes varieties. Some of the most popular grapes grown in Ontario include:
- White wine grapes: chardonnay and riesling
- Red wine grapes: cabernet sauvignon, gamay, merlot, pinot noir and vidal (ice wine)
For information about VQA Wines and Wineries, visit: VQAOntario.
Shannon Skinner is an inspirational writer, speaker and TV host and producer. You can watch her interviews at ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com and travel writing here on her blog, as well as other publications.
Countries where it is illegal to wear camouflage clothing
Travellers beware. You might enjoy wearing your camo-patterned yoga pants to a class, but if you find yourself travelling with them to a country where it is illegal for citizens/travellers to wear camo clothing, you could have a problem.
I recently watched an Instagram Reel video by travel TV host, Samantha Brown, who alerted her audience about the issue. Even though I am not a big fan of the camo-pattern myself (I have one pair of yoga pants in this pattern), I was not aware it is illegal in some countries around the world. Or, I once did know this fact and have since forgotten, since I normally don’t have any such item.
The camo-style pattern in these countries is reserved for military uniforms. If it is discovered you have any clothing items, or other apparel, in camo-style, they could be taken away from you and you may face punishments, depending on the country you are in. And in some countries, anything with a camouflage design, in addition to clothing, is illegal.
Countries where camouflage clothing is illegal for citizens*:
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Dominica
Ghana
Grenada
Jamaica
Nigeria
Oman
Philippines
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
*source: Wikipedia
** as at time of writing
Clothing and other apparel items could include:
Yoga pants/clothes
Bags/satchels/backpacks
Tops/Pants
Jackets and coats
Wallets/cardholders
Umbrellas
Do check your items that you have packed if you are going to any of these countries. Remember, if not following the law in these nations, you could end up with a big headache.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning, inspirational TV host/producer, author, speaker and travel writer.
Aura, the first Indian restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Dining options are evolving in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Now you can have Indian cuisine right in the heart of the old historic town.
I dropped by the relatively new Aura on the Lake restaurant offering Indian cuisine, which opened in July 2022. It is the first Indian restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This upcoming season will be their first full summer since opening.
Nittin Sharma, owner and chef
I sat down with owner and chef, Nittin Sharma, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Anjna. This is Sharma’s first restaurant. He fell in love with the area, saw an opportunity and took a chance on himself, with the support of his wife.
As someone who loves Indian food and culture, I asked Sharma what his biggest observation has been.
“Most people think Indian dishes are hot and spicy.” But this is not always the case, he adds.
With that in mind, Sharma created a menu that has something for everyone, even for those who don’t like curries. They have vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are street food favourites such as Samosa Chaat, Dal Kachori, chicken fingers with fries and jalapeno poppers. For vegetarians, there are Indian classics such as dal and paneer tikka masala. For non-vegetarians, there is butter chicken, shrimp and lamb. For quick lunch meals there are burgers and rice bowls, and so much more.
samosa chaat (yummy!)
I tried the Samosa Chaat (chaat in Hindi means “to taste” or “to lick”): potato and peas stuffed samosas on a bed of chickpeas, with yogurt, the house signature chutneys and pomegranate seeds. It was delicious, with its tangy and spicy favours.
The restaurant interior is spacious and contemporary. There is a bar in addition to the dining room. The previous owners of the building did a marvellous job with the interior, which Sharma says he did not change when he took over the space because it was so well done.
Aura, located on King Street, is an ideal location as it is walking distance from the shops along Queen Street and other attractions, and a short walk to the lake. The staff is friendly and helpful.
I can’t wait to return to have another Samosa Chaat and try more dishes on the menu.
Location: 233 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
Website: https://www.auraonthelake.ca/
Shannon Skinner in an award-winning tv host/producer, speaker and writer, covering travel, wine and living well for women.
Two Sisters Vineyards owners open restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The owners of Two Sisters Vineyards, Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, have opened an independent restaurant, 11th Post on Queen, in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The restaurant opened in April, as an extension of the Two Sisters winery, and I dropped by to have an early look one week after opening.
The restaurant name is a nod to the Two Sisters’ proprietary wine blend, Eleventh Post. The cuisine is described as “casual food in a refined atmosphere” and “upscale yet causal,” with a focus on locals and tourists alike.
The building, located on Queen Street, is new. It is a project that began about seven years ago, but took longer than expected because while digging they kept finding historical artefacts, which delayed it. The property is gorgeous (its design fits with the style of the local buildings on the street) and there is excitement now that it is open.
The restaurant/bar interior is contemporary, spacious and inviting. A couple of pieces of art from the family’s personal collection hang on the walls, adding a personal touch to the premises. There is a lovely courtyard in the back and there are plans to open a retail store on location for Two Sisters Vineyards wines. The facility will be available for events, weddings, etc.
Coincidently, on the day I was there, one of the owners, Melissa, was at the restaurant enjoying a meal with her family. I had the opportunity to have a delightful, quick chat and meet her family.
I also sat down briefly with the chef, Justin Lesso, who lives in the area with his young family, to chat about the restaurant, menu and what the future holds. Lesso previously worked at the Two Sisters Vineyards winery restaurant, Kitchen76, for five years, and is now at the helm as chef at the restaurant. “We make our own sauces and ingredients, except bread and ice-cream, and we use all fresh ingredients.”
Chef Justin Lesso and me
The menu has a range of items, along with wine from the Two Sisters Vineyards. Any dish can be made vegan, Lesso tells me, which is music to my ears. Some of their specialties include roasted chicken, tuna rice bowl, ribeye frites, salmon filet and back baby ribs.
I ordered the Post Nachos (vegan version). The chips were seasoned on top with spices such as chili, cumin, coriander, garlic, cinnamon – sweet and spicy to be balanced. The BBQ beef brisket was swapped for tofu seasoned with BBQ sauce. Other toppings included guacamole, chopped tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and sprigs of cilantro. The serving size is quite generous. They were absolutely delicious.
Location: 135 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Hours: note they are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Website: 11th Post on Queen
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning television host/producer, writer and speaker who covers travel, wine and living well.
India Consulate General in Toronto hosts media event
On February 10th, 2023, I attended an event for media hosted by the India Consulate General in Toronto.
I had the honour of chatting with Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava and all the other staff from the consulate. Ms. Srivastava provided highlights of this past year of achievements and updates regarding the important Canada-India relationship.
Watch for upcoming articles for more information.
Here are some photos from the event. I usually take photos of the food, but unfortunately this time I didn’t capture any because I had such a lovely time mingling that I forgot to take some snaps. Drat.
Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava
Pictured with Shuban Krishen, India Consulate General in Toronto, Com/Pol & CSO
Gursharan Mann, TV Host and Actor
Ms. Srivastava speaking to the group of media in attendance
Photo credit: Nisarg Lakhmani. Next to Ms. Srivastava, I might be the only non-Punjabi in this photo 🙂
Making new friends
Shannon Skinner is an author, international speaker, travel writer, and host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. She is also a travel expert on India as a destination. Read about her journeys to Incredible India .
Other related posts you might be interested in:
Shannon’s Travel Bag: India Stories
India Republic Day in Toronto
On January 26th, we celebrated India Republic Day at the India Consulate in Toronto, hosted by the Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava. In India, January 26th is considered the day the constitution was adopted, making India a republic. It was adopted in 1950. And so, every year, on January 26th, it is commemorated in India and abroad.
The Indian flag was unfurled by the Consul General, who gave a short speech, followed by lovely entertainment. Breakfast was provided by Chaska. They have several locations in Toronto and Mississauga (I love Indian food). Here are some highlights:
Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava.
Pictured with my friend Ajay Tandon, who I will be forever grateful for helping me get to India
– and fall in love with the country.
Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, unfurling the flag and singing the national anthem.
Punjabi media were on location as well as some celebrities.
Lovely entertainment
Young girl performer sings
The consulate was packed with members of the community
A breakfast box and mango lassi, provided by Chaska.com
Millet, paneer, samosa. I love Indian food.
Shannon Skinner is an author, host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, international speaker and travel writer.
What to do, where to stay in New Orleans: 48 Hours in NOLA
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, New Orleans, Louisiana is a destination that has much to offer. Got 48 hours? Here’s what you can do, and where to eat and stay in New Orleans.
You can pack in a lot in 48 hours (2 nights/3 days) in the The Big Easy, a nickname originating from the laid-back attitude of the jazz scene, as I discovered on a recent visit. New Orleans has a whole lot going on, from its live jazz music scene, to chic bistros, sandwich shops, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, historical architecture, and other cultural delights.
The key to doing a lot in a short period of time is good planning and a solid itinerary; let me offer you mine. I am sharing with you my itinerary for my long weekend in New Orleans, which you can follow, or pick and choose whatever suits you. This itinerary basically highlights the attractions, activities and dining, just be sure you adjust for time and distance to get from place-to-place.
My Journey and Itinerary
My journey to New Orleans began travelling by van from Lafayette, Louisiana, where I was a keynote speaker at a conference for travel creators, TBEX conference for travel creators. I travelled with a group of travel creators/bloggers. My itinerary begins when our van landed in New Orleans at our hotel in time for lunch.
One thing to note upfront is, since I am a vegetarian, in my travel guides I include or mention vegetarian/vegan options.
DAY 1
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What to do in New Orleans During the Day
Early Lunch
Start with an early lunch at Joey K’s, a family-run restaurant offering homestyle Creole Louisiana soul food in an historic building located on Magazine Street in the heart of the Garden District. Joey K’s offers a range of dishes from the classic Po’ Boys to red beans and rice, to seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, bread pudding dessert and more. Vegetarian/vegan options: they have a large salad you can order without meat or cheese.
I ordered a garden salad
Some of the items my colleagues ordered
Go Exploring: Magazine St. and Garden District, Then Take the Charles Streetcar
Explore Magazine Street by foot and check out some of the quaint shops, antique stores, restaurants and bars.
Take a Garden District guided walking tour (Historic Orleans Tours) and discover historic mansions, lovely gardens and important architectural sites and history. The Garden District is a wealthy area and home of many celebrities, such as author, Anne Rice, who was born and lived in the ‘hood for many years, and based her books on the area. You can see the house where she lived (now different owners). Others include actors Sandra Bullock and John Goodman, as well as others. Plan for 2 hours.
The late Anne Rice’s former house that now belongs to someone else.
Our trusty tour guide, Rob Florence, taking us through the Garden District
Other mansions in the Garden District:
One of the area’s highlights is the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where more than 7,000 people are buried, including Rice’s fictional characters, the Mayfair Witches. The name of the cemetery is derived from the original name of the district which was called Lafayette. Fun fact: the Interview with a Vampire author, who recently passed away, got up to many shenanigans in New Orleans in real life, including staging her own funeral jazz parade while still alive and well.
Jump on the Charles streetcar to the downtown core. Along this scenic route are mansions, parks, large oak trees, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and more. As this is the Mardi Gras parade route, you’ll notice many strings of colourful beads hanging from oak trees. Streetcars are a convenient and affordable way to explore New Orleans. There are 4 streetcar lines, originating from the downtown. One-way ticket cost: $1.25.
-
What to do in New Orleans at Night
Dinner at Bombay Club, which offers live jazz music every night. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the restaurant specializes in fine Creole cuisine, and some dishes are infused with Indian fare. It is also known for its speciality cocktails and they have a selection of sharables. I ordered the tikka masala, paired with Oynos pinot grigio, and for dessert shared a sticky toffee bread pudding. Absolutely delicious. Vegetarian/vegan options: if you eat cheese, I recommend the masala, but if you don’t, ask your server for recommendations.
Delightful live jazz performance
Tikka masala
If you are lucky, you might see an exciting wedding jazz parade at night in the city, especially on a weekend, as we did. The police stop traffic and escort the brass band and partygoers through the streets.
Later, an evening stroll along the world-famous Bourbon Street. It will surely ignite all your senses. Catch live jazz music on every corner. The street is wall-to-wall bars, strip clubs and souvenir shops, and revellers. Have a drink on one of its famous balconies. Just off Bourbon Street, visit hotspot Pat O’Brien’s, renowned for its Hurricane Cocktail (for me, a glass of wine). Located on Peter Street, just off Bourbon St., it has a large open-air patio, a famous flaming fountain, live music (duelling pianos) and lively atmosphere.
Bourbon Street
Drinks with colleagues at Pat O’Brien’s
Note: On Bourbon Street, if you are snake-phobic (like me), be on the alert for people with snakes offering pedestrians to have photos taken with them. And overall, keep your wits about you.
DAY 2
-
What to do in New Orleans During the Day
Breakfast
Start the day off with breakfast of the New Orleans classic, beignets, a small square-shaped donut-like fritter served with powered sugar, at Café du Monde. Located in the historic French Market, the oldest public market in the U.S., in New Orlean’s French Quarter district. Pair the beignets with a café au lait. Fun fact: the beignets were brought to Louisiana by the Acadians.
Beignets
Walking Food Tour, Historic French Quarter
Take a walking food tour in the French Quarter with Destination Kitchen. Our food tour featured a 3-hour walking food tour “venue hopping” with tastings at famous eateries, while learning about the fascinating history of New Orleans. Tastings included Louisiana favourites: gumbo, jambalaya, Po’ Boys, gator bites, charbroiled oysters, bread pudding, and more.
Vegetarian Po Boy made with French Fries
Simple yet delicious, classic beans and rice dish (vegentarian)
Platter with sandwiches for our group
The venues on our food tour: The historic French Market has a variety of food stalls where you can try many items, and it is affordable and ideal for the budget-traveller; The Market Café, which has live jazz on an open-air patio where you can sit and take your time; and ended at the New Orleans School of Cooking where we tasted sweet pralines. With Destination Kitchen, there is an option to combine a walking tour with a cooking class at New Orleans School of Cooking. Vegetarian/vegan options: they can accommodate; ask when booking.
City Festivals
Check out a city festival. New Orleans has more than 130 festivals every year, including Mardi Gras. For a brief part of the afternoon (30 minutes), I parked my butt on some grass at a park and enjoyed some live music at the 15th annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival that featured blues and jazz performances, an art market, BBQ vendors (with vegetarian options). Presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the festival took place at Lafayette Square. I caught the performance of the amazing Joy Clark (it was brief, though, because it rained). Check the entertainment listings for current festival events.
Tour Sazerac House
Late afternoon tour of Sazerac House, a relatively new fun and interactive venue where you will learn about the famous New Orleans Sazerac cocktail created in the 1850s, and experience a variety of tastings. Located at Canal and Magazine streets.
Sazerac House lobby
Sazerac House, sampling the famous drink
Sazerac House lobby
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What to do in New Orleans at Night
Dinner
Dinner at Meril, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s latest concept and his fourth restaurant in New Orleans (Meril is named after his daughter). Located in the Arts Warehouse District, Meril is casual and contemporary with a lively atmosphere. There is something for everyone on the menu and the staff will happily adapt for food restrictions. Lots of sharable items on the menu, as well as a decent wine and cocktails selection.
Since I was with a group of travel bloggers, so we ordered a large variety of items to share, which ranged from fried turkey necks to devilled eggs, gnudi, ribs, eggplant, crisp cauliflower, chocolate mousse, yellowfin tuna bundle, and more. I had a beet and arugula salad, as well as vegetarian flatbread. The meal ended with candy floss for the table. For wine, I paired my meal with K Vintners Golden West Columbia Valley Pinot Noir 2019 (Washington). Vegetarian/vegan options: there are plenty of options.
The meal ended with candy floss with sparkles
If you desire a nightcap, consider the bar or lounge at the hotel as it is a packed day and you won’t have far to flop into your cozy bed.
DAY 3
-
What to do in New Orleans During the Day
Brunch, French Quarter
Brunch at the historic The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter (Royal Street), known for its live jazz brunch, creole cuisine and romantic outdoor courtyard. Enjoy some soulful entertainment while you feast on items from their extensive buffet, or order dishes such as omelets from the menu. Vegetarian/vegan options: the buffet has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and yogurt.
Two Sisters outdoor patio
Live jazz musicians play outdoors on the patio
Explore Royal Street, French Quarter
To work off that food, take a stroll along Royal Street and through the neighbourhood. heck out the Voodoo shops and cool architecture.
One of the French Quarter’s famous buildings
Voodoo shops are popular here
Moi
Visit Vue Orleans
Afternoon, visit Vue Orleans, an interactive experience to learn about the history of New Orleans and view the city – a breathtaking view – from the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel.
The Four Seasons Hotel. Vue Orleans is on the 34th floor.
Interactive exhibition, video story of the founder of jazz.
Interactive exhibition
View of New Orleans from the rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel
IF YOU GO…
Where to Stay:
New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District, located across from the Convention Centre on Convention Center Boulevard. Redesigned, comfortable and convenient. Rates range from about $230+ (U.S.), depending on when you go (check with the hotel directly for rates). The warehouse arts district was once an industrial area that evolved into an artsy and trendy area with art galleries, museums, boutiques, chic bistros and wine bars.
Photo courtesty Marriott
Getting There:
If you are travelling by air, taxi from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to downtown or French Quarter cost is approximately $40.00 (U.S.), with Uber being only a slightly less (by a few dollars). It takes roughly 20-30 minutes.
Getting Around:
A good option are the streetcars, convenient and affordable. Uber and taxis were reliable.
Safe for Women Travelling Solo?:
Stick to tourist or familiar areas, be aware of your surroundings at all time when in crowds and, of course, mind the alcohol.
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly?:
Louisiana cuisine is traditionally heavily meat-based and/or fried, though New Orleans has fabulous restaurants that offer healthy options for vegetarians/vegans.
What are your favourite things to do in New Orleans? I would love to hear from you. Tweet to me at @Shannon_Skinner.
I was a guest of New Orleans Tourism. Special thanks to Lafayette Travel and TBEX for making arrangements. Opinions are mine.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, international speaker, author, and travel and wine writer. She is based in Toronto. Watch her interviews at www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. For information on her speaking engagements, contact her at Shannon (at) ShannonSkinner.com.
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Friday Harbour Fashion Show with partner CAFA
On Saturday, August 20th, Friday Harbour, a new luxury, all-season resort located 45 minutes north of Toronto, presented its “Dress to Impress” Fashion Collective Series in partnership with the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA). It was an inspiring runway show infused with energy and passion celebrating Canadian designers, which took place on the resort’s signature pier.
CAFA was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement and emerging talent in Canadian arts and fashion.
The show took place over two weekends this summer.
Some of the Canadian designers featured in the show, which took place on the pier at the resort, included: Pink Tartan, Shan, Joseph Tassoni, Narces, Whitney Westwood, Christopher Bates, RVNG Couture, among others. The show was hosted by TV personality Nicole Servinis.
Hani Roustom, CEO, Friday Harbour, welcoming remarks with Vicki Milner, CAFA president
I also had the privilege of attending a pre-runway fashion show VIP cocktail reception on the pier. It was great to catch up with Friday Harbour’s CEO, Hani Roustom (I’ve known Hani since his days as director of the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto).
We tried a delicious new cocktail from Moët & Chandon: Ice Impérial, champagne on ice infused with fruit. And there was musical entertainment.
Moi (jacket by Italian designer, Etro; pants, Valentina; sandals, Chanel; sunnies, Chanel)
Guests were treated live music entertainment on the pier by Kyle Wauchope.
There were also several pop-up vendors onsite selling clothing, accessories and lifestyle brands (see below).
Here are some of the looks from the show:
Moi, pictured with Andrea McMullen, owner of AMC designs at Friday Harbour
Musical entertainment
The pier and harbour as the sun falls
Some of the pop-up vendors selling Canadian clothing/accessories/lifestyle brands:
About Friday Harbour: an all-seasons waterside resort providing world-class luxury located at the edge of Lake Simcoe, Innisfil, Ontario and only 45 minutes drive north of Toronto.
Shannon Skinner is an author, writer, TV host, international speaker. She writes about travel, wine and living well for women.
On slow travel
What is slow travel – and why is it important?
On slow travel:
Slow travel is a growing movement worldwide, particularly post-COVID, as people emerge from nearly 3 years of global travel restrictions and being stuck at home. For those travellers with chronic wanderlust, there is no greater hell than being stuck in one place, especially if a well-stocked pantry is merely steps away from your home office.
Slow travel is considered to be a focus on the connection and exploration of a region’s culture, food, arts and its people. It may include areas such as language, farming and viticulture. At its core, I think, is searching for authenticity.
The new Ironwood Cider House/Sunnybrook Farm I recently visited in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Slow travel examples:
Some examples of slow travel activities may include: hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, spiritual quest, taking cooking classes, wine tasting experiences, working on a farm or vineyard. Maybe you have your own ideas of slow travel.
There are many benefits to slow travel, including: enrichment, education, mindfulness, relaxation, self-development, self-reflection, discovery and health (mind/body/spirit). It may also give one a sense of being a responsible tourist.
Slow travel originated in the food industry. It is said to have been born in Italy in the ’80s, as a protest to the opening of McDonald’s in Rome. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out in Rome for a while to eat authentic pizza and drink delicious vino?
And so, slow travel has been around a long time, but now we are only more conscious of it. That consciousness is growing in tandem with climate crisis concerns. For many, it is swapping of plane travel for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways of transportation. For others, it is taking time to get to know a place, its people and way of life.
My summer slow travel plans:
This summer, I am going to embrace slow travel and focus my attention and energy in Ontario’s Niagara “wine country” region. In particular, I am taking the time to visit Niagara’s wineries to increase my knowledge about wine, explore the culinary scene, meet the people, spend time in vineyards, which I find peaceful, and learn more about Canada’s wine industry. Wine education, frankly, is a never-ending pursuit. Thank Dionysus!
So far, this spring, I have visited nearly half of the 40 wineries in the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. In some cases, it was a brief drop-in to check out the premises, in others I spent more time exploring. Some are large commercial operations and others smaller boutique wineries, which I have a growing appreciation for. I will be writing more about my wine travels in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, here is a list of the wineries I have visited so far this season:
Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries visited (so far):
Inniskillin Wines
Reif Estates Winery
Strewn Winery
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Trius Winery & Restaurant
Stratus Wines
Caroline Cellars
Marynissen Estates
Frogpond Farm Organic Winery
Ironwood Cider House (Sunnybrook Farm)
Bella Terra Vineyards (Pondview)
Konzelmann Estate Winery
NOMAD at Hinterbrook Winery
Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant
Two Sisters Vineyards
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
And so, as I put my summer plans into action, I will be spending time on the road and will report on my discoveries and experience soon.
I would love to hear about your plans for slow travel for 2022. Drop me a message or reach out on social media and let me know.
Shannon Skinner is an author, international speaker, creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, and a travel and wine writer. You can find her on Twitter at @Shannon_Skinner.
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Ontario VQA wineries win major awards
Two Ontario VQA wineries took home major awards this Spring from two internationally-recognized competitions in London, UK.
Flat Rock Cellars won Best in Show from Decanter World Wine Awards for a riesling and the Canadian White Trophy at the International Wine Challenge for another riesling from their cellars. And Reif Estate Winery won the Canadian Icewine Trophy and Sweet Winemaker of the Year awards from the International Wine Challenge.
As an Ontarian, I have been playing a small part in encouraging consumers to buy from local wineries. It is great to see our Niagara wineries getting recognition they deserve. I recently dropped by Reif Estate Winery on a tour of the area. I have not yet visited Flat Rock Cellars, but I intend on visiting this summer. I will write about it later in the season.
Photo taken at Reif Estate Winery last year on a brief visit.
Reif Estate Winery’s medal-winning Vidal Icewine
Following is the news release where you can find more details:
NIAGARA, ON, June 8, 2022 /CNW/ – Ontario VQA wineries win big at two of the world’s most esteemed wine competitions that took place in London, England this past spring. The International Wine Challenge (IWC) and Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) are both globally known for their rigorous judging processes and work with top, international judging panels. The 2022 results are in and together, Ontario VQA wineries win big with a total of 173 medals.
Link to the full news release.
Shannon Skinner is a writer, broadcaster, speaker and consultant. She is is the host/producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com and writes on travel, wine and living well.
