With all this snow, it is hard to believe Spring is around the corner. Our team has been working diligently getting the property ready for another busy season. We have also spent lots of time in the cool cellars tasting the magnificent 19s and 20s. Over the next few weeks we will be racking our 2019 County Pinots and County Chardonnays to tank. The wine will then decant/settle naturally in the tank for a couple of months allowing us to bottle unfined and unfiltered.
Margaret has miraculously managed the impossible task of securing all our workers visas and airline tickets from Thailand. It has been an amazing exercise in patience and determination during these Covid times. They will quarantine for two weeks before heading to the fields to unbury, prune and tie 80,000 vines. Their meticulous work at this stage sets the foundation for a great growing season.
We are hoping to open the pizza oven in mid April (the “new” Spring break). Until then we have set up wood burning fire pits, barrels, chairs, and stools outdoors overlooking the vineyard. We will be serving wine by the glass, Johannes’ cold smoked trout, the freshest PEI oysters and individual portions of piping hot old-school Italian lasagna.
On Friday, March 5th, we will be holding an educational and fun Zoom tasting of older Niagara Chardonnays (2009, 13 and 15). While many great white Burgundy’s have been aging prematurely (Jasper Morris explains at min 44:20) our wines remain youthful and vibrant despite using absolute minimal amounts of sulphur . Hopefully you can join us next Friday, March 5th at 6pm for what promises to be a fun and educational experience. Cost is $199 inclusive of delivery and taxes. We will be donating $20 of each Zoom package to the Wellington Food Bank.
With the temperatures rising and the easing of travel restrictions, we look forward to welcoming you back to the winery. If you cannot visit us, we offer free home delivery for orders of $90 or more in Ontario and very competitive rates across Canada including Quebec. Click here for home delivery and the back vintage Chardonnay Zoom tasting.
Cheers from beautiful Prince Edward County,
Norm
PS: As temperatures start to rise and with Spring on the horizon, I would recommend our 2017 Riesling. It comes in at a very low 11% alcohol with fresh vibrant acidity. A great summer sipper and very versatile with lighter fare. It’s available in select Vintages sections at the LCBO and online.
