For more information on any of these ideas please contact Sherri Haigh at 905-684-8070 ext. 18 or 
It's been a status symbol for some time in the USA but now the idea of celebrity wineries is catching on North of the Border. Athletes, celebrities and Hollywood actors have caught on that Ontario's internationally award winning VQA wines are worth investing in as well as drinking.
Recently we have seen actor Dan Aykroyd, Masters Golf champion Mike Weir and celebrity fisherman Bob Izumi personally invest in the province's blossoming wine industry.
Actor Dan Aykroyd
Hollywood celebrity Dan Aykroyd created a stir in the wine community when he announced he was investing $1 million dollars in Niagara Cellars. Niagara Cellars owns Lakeview Estates, Birchwood Estates, Thomas & Vaughan and EastDell. The first product, Dan Aykroyd Signature Reserve Vidal Icewine 2005, will be released in early 2007. After that, Aykroyd will be lending his name to whites like chardonnay, Riesling and gewürztraminer and a variety of reds, including a cabernet sauvignon. The well-connected acting legend will also host the first annual Ontario Wine Auction and gala in Niagara-on-the-Lake June 22-22.
Masters Golf Champion Mike Weir
Canadian golf fans will never forget the day that Mike Weir became a Masters Golf champion. Noted for his class on and off the golf course, it was an equally exciting day for the industry when Weir decided to invest in the Ontario Wine industry. Mike Weir Estate Winery is a small, craft winery operated in partnership with the award-winning Creekside Estate Winery in the Niagara Peninsula. The goal of the winery is to infuse the highest quality inputs into every bottle produced. Proceeds from every bottle of Weir wine sold go to the Mike Weir Foundation, which supports children in need.
Fishing Host Bob Izumi
An internationally-syndicated television show, fishing magazine, line of fishing product and then his own cookbook were just not enough for Ontario celebrity fisherman Bob Izumi. Izumi decided there was something missing and that's when he approached an Ontario winery for help. Last spring, in partnership with Niagara-on-the Lake winery Coyote's Run, the first Bob Izumi Red and White were unveiled with impressive results. Whether you are dining at a world-class fishing resort, or in the comfort of your own home, Bob wanted to make sure that he had a great class of Ontario VQA wine to accompany his gourmet meal. And now he has it.
Ontario's wine country is still very much a family affair with sons and daughters carrying on the tradition. Discover the exciting stories and rich histories behind some of Ontario's top wineries.
Château des Charmes Wines (The Bosc Family) — The story of Château des Charmes begins over five generations ago with a family that traces its roots to the Alsace region of France and the vineyards of French Algeria. Thousands of kilometers from its present day vineyards, Canada's outstanding winery, Château des Charmes, traces its beginnings. Paul Bosc Sr., one of the pioneer's of the Ontario wine industry and recent recipient of the Order of Canada works alongside his son, wife and daughter-in-law in keeping his winery a top destination in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
www.chateaudescharmes.com
Cave Spring (The Pennechetti family) — A young Leonard Pennachetti took his cue from his grandfather who nurtured a hobby vineyard with his son and grandson. Cave Springs has become the focal point of the popular Jordan where Len and his brother Tom run the winery as well as the famous On The Twenty restaurant. Len has also recently re-opened The Jordan House.
www.cavespring.ca
Henry of Pelham (The Speck family) — Few Families in Ontario can boast the fact that an existing tavern built 150 years ago is still in the family. One such tavern is the Henry Smith Tavern or Mountainview Inn located where three Townships, Louth, Pelham and Thorold, come together. Today, brothers Paul, Daniel and Matthew Speck operate on that site one of Ontario's most well known wineries Henry of Pelham.
www.henryofpelham.com
The Wine Council of Ontario (WCO) has launched an environmental sustainability program to ensure its members take a leadership role in this very important area.
Narelle Martin, an environmental expert was hired to design the program/ The WCO is working with organizations like OMAF, the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Ministry of Environment to ensure the program has broad support. Niagara College is also partnering to assist in piloting the first phase of the program "Sustainable Winemaking Ontario - Environmental Best Practices fro Wineries and Vineyards.
Wineries with leadership in environmental sustainability:
- Stratus- The first winery in North American to be granted Leeds Certification
- Flat Rock Cellars - Environmental stewardship from vines to wine
- Frog Pond Farm - The only winery in Ontario certified as organic
Wine Country Cooking School
The Wine Country Cooking School - located within Strewn, an estate winery minutes from the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake - is a unique culinary experience for recreational cooks. As Canada's first winery cooking school, the school focuses on the relationship between food and wine. But they also showcase the abundance of fresh products grown in the region by featuring them in recipes and menus that reflect the seasons. For more info log on to http://www.winecountrycooking.com/
Savour the Sights - A Truly Unique Wine and Food Experience
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
Enjoy an epicurean experience including five courses of fine food created by The Good Earth throughout picturesque locations in this award-winning winery. Food and wine will be savoured in many locations throughout the night from the Great Hall to the vaulted Barrel Cellar with a sweet ending in the Estate Lounge.
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