Two reasons to love September:
1. Fall Weather
2. The Start of the LCBO’s celebration of Ontario wines!
I was asked by the lovely Suresh from Spotlight Toronto to attend a special blogger tour of some of the Niagara winieries. The theme of this year’s promotion challenges everyone to “Find Your Favourite”. For someone who loves wine, and the fact that there are 50 wineries being featured this month, this may be a challenge but a sweet sweet challenge I’d say!
Also, there is a great blog competition happening right now for all you bloggers out there. Share your Ontario VQA Wine Country Experiences and win some awesome prizes! You can also vote for your favourite entires as well. http://lcbogolocal.com/blog-challenge
First off, we boarded a private goLOCAL train which served us a tasty breakfast. We were all given cute USB keys that were disguised as a wine cork. Safe to say, they were a hit.
The group was divided into two: Vibrant & Refreshing & Cool & Crisp. I was swept away with the Vibrant and Refreshing group where we were taken to a secret winery. After a short drive, we arrived at Hillebrand Estates, home of the popular Trius label.
In the cellar, we tried many wines from the Vibrant & Refreshing category. Vibrant & refreshing describes wines that are alive with character, fragrant and deliciously quenching, while showcasing distinct flavours from correct food pairings.
Favourite: 2009 Semi-Dry Riesling from Vineland Estates.
Next the separated groups met up at Creekside Estate Winery where we were greeted with local food trucks El Gastronomo Vagabundo & Gorilla Cheese. We were asked to sit on the Creekside Estates beautiful patio where our lunch would be paired with some amazing Creekside wine.
Favourite: Creekside Estate Laura Red 2007 (mmmm)
After a lovely visit at Creekside Estates, the group was separated again. This time, I was off in the Vibrant & Elegant group and was taken to Angels Gate Winery, which by the way, has one awesome view of the Toronto skyline. Perfect date scenery, just saying! Vibrant & Elegant wines have strong character and it was a definite challenge to choose a favourite from this group. We were lucky to try wines from not only Angels Gate but Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery & Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits.
Favourite: Henry of Pelham 2009 Family Tree (red) & Angels Gate 2008 Archangel Chardonnay Sparkling
On the bus home, we were surprised with delicious snacks from The Pie Plate. Mmmmm. Fun, fun day. Thanks Suresh, Spotlight Toronto, Wine Country Ontario and the LCBO.
the best part of the cne was the childrens corner and the huge bubble cauldron. i also won that domo stuffed animal playing whack a mole. i played against 10 others, come on, i was even impressed!
come on little heart, time for some fulfilling!
oh why why why must you taunt me, blank little white box. i haven’t forgotten about you but how can i fit all the happenings of my life in this blank little white box on my screen!
i’ve been surrounded by magical people, places, and things this summer. swimming, cottaging, travelling, eating, less worrying. my life is going somewhere, who cares, enjoy it now, i’m 23, enjoy it now. the year is halfway over! what does it mean? i’ll have to read my new years resolutions and see what i must finish/start/think/ hope for or perhaps i will pat myself on my back, and say good job! but perhaps i won’t even review and just be proud of my life this summer. it’s been magical. everyone/everything is. right?
