Ask CRUSHABLE: What Ontario wineries are rocking your world lately?
Dear Crushable,
We’re escaping to Niagara next weekend to visit our in laws. What Ontario wineries are rocking your world lately that we must visit?
Cheers,
Ontario imbibers in search of good drink
Dear Ontario Imbibers,
Kudos to you for visiting wine country in the winter. It’s one of the best times to visit, even though it might not be obvious at first.
Tasting rooms are quieter (re: empty), usually the owners and/or winemakers are the sole people kicking around, and they’re happy (aka relieved) for human interaction - especially the type of consumers who venture into wine country during hibernation. These folks tend to be more curious and educated consumers, and also spend more dough on wine.
Here are a few suggestions for wineries/winemakers who will take private tasting appointments. Be sure to mention Crushable when you reach out!
Thomas Bachelder
A visit to the “bat cave” is a must for any keen wine enthusiast. Widely known as one of the greats of the region, you’ll see why if you ever visit Thomas - he is truly in his element in the cellar, waxing on about varying percentages of whole cluster fermentation, inter weaving poetic analogies from his life. Expect to hear soliloquys on Pinot Noir and ballet, for example - a nod to his wife who was a former ballerina.
Edit: visits are currently on hold. Interested folks are encouraged to sign up to the mailing list to be notified when tastings re-open.
Malivoire
For the Gamay lovers. Malivoire has established itself as one of the benchmark wineries in Niagara producing marquee examples of the variety - from juicy, everyday drinkers to more serious, compelling styles showcasing the diversity and complexity Gamay has become lauded for. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar is also an incredibly easy going, lovely guy, who’ll make you want to stick around just to hang out with him.
Maenad
Sometimes you just want to kick back with a winemaker who is not so serious. Maenad is a project born from the mind of Yvonne Irvine. Vibrant and fun skin contact Chardonnay, piquette and pet nat epitomize the spirit Yvonne embodies. Currently, Meanad operates as a “virtual” winery, meaning no actual tasting room exists, though it is Yvonne’s dream to eventually offer in person tastings with a focus on authenticity and low key vibes. Reach out to see how you could set up a visit.
Two Sisters
Sometimes recommendations come solely based on the excellence of one person, and in this case it’s assistant winemaker Emily Royal. I had the pleasure of visiting Emily recently in Niagara, who dutifully and patiently took me through the Two Sisters cellar, showcasing everything from very traditionally made cuvees to more contemporary experiments she’s been playing with. Be sure to request Emily when you reach out - you’ll be happy you did.
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