Join Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake for an exclusive Winemakers’ Tasting in the state-of-the-art wine lab at George Brown College in Toronto on Wednesday, June 26 (6pm – 9pm). Winemakers from four member wineries – Konzelmann, Lakeview, Reif, Stratus – will guide guests through a tasting of unique varietals from the Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation. The evening will begin with a welcome reception featuring a selection of wines and light fare fallowed by a formal tasting moderated by Master Sommelier, Bruce Wallner.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a one-of-a-kind wine growing region in the heart of Ontario wine country. A unique set of geographical elements create a specialty crop area where tender vinifera grapes thrive and flourish best. Our wineries span across four unique sub-appellations with distinct elements of terroir (i.e. geology, soil composition, elevation) that result in wines of exceptional quality and surprising diversity. But they all share a climate moderated by Lake Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment and the Niagara River. The Escarpment provides a sheltering effect for our vineyards while proximity to the Lake and River moderates temperatures throughout the region reducing the risk of late spring and early fall frost, extending our growing season. The longer hang time is especially important as it allows grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness at time of harvest resulting in wines with a balance of fruit flavours, tannins and acidity.

The warmer temperatures and longer growing season make this region suitable for growing a wide range of grape varieties. But while the Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation is widely recognized for being a world-class producer of classic vinifera varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, some winemakers have been crafting wines from other varietals with impressive results. Several wineries are producing stunning examples of special varietals like Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, Malbec and Petit Verdot among others.

If you want to learn more about these unique varietals and meet the winemakers join us at this exclusive tasting. This event has limited capacity so purchase your tickets today!