A Getaway for the Wine Enthusiast at Vineland Estates
Exploring Ontario
I love exploring Ontario and I jump at any chance for a little getaway to experience some local gems.Well known for it's unparalleled culinary and wine culture, Vineland Estates seemed like the place for a perfect sweet escape.
Located in Vineland, Ontario just on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, the estate is just a short drive away from Toronto. My trip from Markham was about an hour and twenty minutes long.
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| Photo courtesy of Vineland.com |
Being so close by, it's truly amazing that as soon as you begin to make your way up the long driveway to the estate, you feel like you've been transported into another place and time altogether. In the summer time you can experience driving through lush green vineyards and rolling hills, while in the winter the snow-covered rows are equally picturesque.
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The main building itself is Vineland's signature tower. It is truly a site to see and I could sit on one of the benches outside, admiring the beautiful stonework for hours.
The tower stands over a former Mennonite home which dates back to the 1840s. The building has been restored exquisitely and is now home to a cozy wine tasting room, gift-shop, local artisan market and gourmet cheese stand.
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| Photo courtesy of Vineland.com |
The tower stands over a former Mennonite home which dates back to the 1840s. The building has been restored exquisitely and is now home to a cozy wine tasting room, gift-shop, local artisan market and gourmet cheese stand.
My friends and I enjoyed a detailed tour of the vineyard and wine-making facilities. Our guide, Andre was incredibly hospitable and equally knowledgeable about his craft! He has a true passion for food and wine which was apparent throughout our tour.
His enthusiasm made our experience even more enjoyable. (If you visit, make sure you ask him all about his favourite food and wine pairings. As a sommelier and a frommagier-in-training he really knows his stuff!)
He led us down through Vineland's cellars and explained the history behind the business.
His enthusiasm made our experience even more enjoyable. (If you visit, make sure you ask him all about his favourite food and wine pairings. As a sommelier and a frommagier-in-training he really knows his stuff!)
He led us down through Vineland's cellars and explained the history behind the business.
Exploring the Wine Library
Loved the vintage details
Following our tour was a guided tasting led by Andre. He refreshed us on the proper technique of using sight and smell before swirling and finally tasting your wine. (You can learn the technique from Andre in the vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1VmYeTk1dc )
He selected four wines for us to try including some of Vineland's prize Reisling. Over the years, Vinelands has won hundreds of international wine awards including the Vinitaly Grand Special Trophy as the highest scoring winery (Their bottle was up against 3000 other international wines!)
Needless to say, our tasting experience was delicious and of course we ended it off with a sip of some delectable dessert wine (a must if you are in the Niagara region).
Needless to say, our tasting experience was delicious and of course we ended it off with a sip of some delectable dessert wine (a must if you are in the Niagara region).
If you are in the neighbourhood, Vineland offers an hour long tour to the public for $12 a person on weekends at noon during the winter months. From May to October their tours run daily at noon. All tours last one hour and will include the touring experience I mentioned above.
Three classic tastings are included in the price as well as a $5 discount voucher for any same day wine purchase. I'd definitely recommend picking up a bottle of their Elevation Reisling which has quickly become a favourite among my entire family.
Three classic tastings are included in the price as well as a $5 discount voucher for any same day wine purchase. I'd definitely recommend picking up a bottle of their Elevation Reisling which has quickly become a favourite among my entire family.
For more information on their group tours, food pairing tours or to book a visit just click here: Vineland Wine Tour
My friends and I spent the evening at the Estate Guesthouse and it was such a relaxing weekend escape. To read more about overnight stays at Vineland Estates check out my post by clicking the link.
Thanks so much to Vineland Estates for inviting me to enjoy this wine tour and tasting. A very special thank you to Andre for his hospitality and sharing so much information with us. My friends and I had a great time.
As always the views and opinions shared here are my own. Ever visited Vineland Estates? I'd love to here about your experience - leave me a comment below!
As always the views and opinions shared here are my own. Ever visited Vineland Estates? I'd love to here about your experience - leave me a comment below!
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