As the weather turns colder, Ontario wineries are ready for the festive holiday season and winter months, and have much to offer. Go holiday shopping to pick up those unique gifts, or visit wine country and enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner at one of the many winery restaurants with family and friends. Check out the Calendar of Events - wineries are open throughout the winter so plan your getaway today.

HARVEST
Ontario wineries are winding up the fall harvest; grapes are in, and the magic of winemaking is taking place. Rob Power, one of the winemakers at Creekside Estates Winery, states, "We are very excited about our tremendous crop for 2006. The spring and summer weather helped ensure the fruit were in good shape. Despite the heavy rain, we are seeing great quality in several varieties and one of the largest crops to date. A very good year for Niagara."

HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Icewine makes a great stocking stuffer!
Find the perfect gift for that someone special on your list. Wineries have an assortment of gift ideas to assist with your holiday shopping. Pick up the perfect host gift, a special wine for office colleagues and something unique for that ever-difficult cousin Gerry. Check out the Calendar of Events for Winery happenings.

Can't make it to wine country? Visit your local LCBO for the Holiday Ontario VQA Superstars: Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir VQA, 750ml, $16.95, 13904 and Trius Merlot VQA, 750ml, $14.95, 587907; or check out the many Ontario wine gift packs available. To locate a store near you, visit www.lcbo.com.

Want to try something new? Look for the CRAFT Wines at your LCBO. Select stores carry these unique wines from smaller Ontario wineries. All offer great value and are excellent wines.

Brands to look for are:

  • Willow Heights Baco Noir VQA, 750ml, $10.95, 620146
  • Willow Heights Cabernet Franc VQA, 750ml, $13.95, 620138
  • Angels Gate Cabernet Merlot VQA, 750ml, $15.95, 620096
  • Angels Gate Sussreserve Riesling VQA, 750ml, $13.95, 620104
  • EastDell Estates Cabernet Merlot VQA, 750ml, $14.95, 620187
  • EastDell Estates Pinot Noir VQA, 750ml, $14.95, 613059
  • Willow Springs Cabernet Merlot VQA, $12.95, 26765
  • Willow Springs Vidal VQA, $9.95, 28290
  • Colio Estates Cabernet Sauvignon VQA, 750ml, $13.95, 621573
  • Hernder Estates Cabernet Franc VQA, 750ml, $10.45, 557363
    • IF YOU THINK THEIR MENU LOOKS GREAT,
    WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE WINE LIST!
    Check out the 2006 VQA Restaurant Award of Excellence winners. Plan your holiday get-together for family or an office party at one of the 63 restaurants that received the VQA Restaurant Award of Excellence for 2006.
    Click here for a list of this year's recipients.


     

    ICEWINE IN NIAGARA
    Plan a visit during December and January and experience the excitement around the Icewine harvest.

    Be sure to mark your calendars for January 20 - 28th for the 12th Annual Niagara Icewine Festival. For 10 days in January, the Niagara region is transformed into a wintry wonderland, celebrating one of Canada's most cherished products, Ontario Icewine. From Gala evenings, ornate ice bars and Icewine Classic Weekends, to roasting chestnuts, frozen art exhibits and winter tours along Niagara's famed wine route, the 12th edition of the Niagara Icewine Festival offers plenty for every taste.
    Visit www.niagarawinefestival.com for more details.