All posts tagged Featherstone

The Local Riesling Club

by Kato on June 30, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

vinelandThe Local Riesling Club
There’s no such organization, but maybe I should form one! There are lots of fans of local Riesling because it can be so good. Except in the 2007 vintage when it lost its edge and went flat.  Flat or smooth are not a good thing in Riesling. The 08’s seem to be back on track and I’ll be reporting as they become available over the summer.

A must for lazy summer sloshing on the deck or dock is Vineland 08 Semi-Dry Riesling. Delicious fruitiness, tons of zest and a wonderful happy feeling. Guaranteed to make you glad you took the day off! So fresh, it feel drier than its labeling and only nine percent alcohol. One of the gems in local wine.

Vineland 08 Semi-Dry Riesling, VQA Niagara 232033 $13.95
If you’re a real keener for something exclusive, check out Twenty Twenty Seven Cellars 08 ‘Featherstone Vineyard’ Riesling. Only a 100 cases made and selling for $24.95. It’s razor sharp, pure as snow and low alcohol. Classic dry Riesling. Only flavours now are wet stone but give it a year or three. (A second wine ‘Falls Vineyard’ has less presence). 2027 is a virtual winery creation by a Niagara College graduate, Kevin Panagapka. He has worked at Creekside, Flat Rock, Hillebrand, Thirty Bench – the winery name is his grape grower registration number. Available at Featherstone Winery in Vineland or from Kevin at 2027cellars@gmail.com

Twenty Twenty Seven Cellars 08 ‘Featherstone Vineyard’ Riesling, VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95

More Featherstone Wines

by Kato on June 29, 2009 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with No comments

featherlogox240In addition to the previous recommended Featherstone 08 Riesling ‘Old Vines’ VQA Twenty Mile Bench $16.95, Featherstone also has an excellent dry Riesling ‘Old Vines’ of their own. Seriously tart and needs a year.

If you’re there check out the off-dry Rosé. Lots of zest for party sipping or alfresco meals. Featherstone is a genuine cottage winery and you’ll not meet nicer folks than owners David and Louise. Best newsletter in Niagara.

Featherstone 08 Riesling ‘Old Vines’ VQA Twenty Mile Bench $16.95

Featherstone 08 Rosé VQA Twenty Mile Bench $14.95

P.S. Another Niagara winery showing well with 08 Riesling is Fielding, $16.00. Lots of nervy energy, almost bone dry.

Niagara Wine Tours

by Kato on April 13, 2009 in Food & Restaurants, Travel Notes, Wine Picks with Comments Off

before you go Pick up a copy of Wineries of Ontario at LCBO stores. It has maps and all the contact info for wineries, restaurant and hotels. www.winesofontario.ca

the low down The wonderful 07 Vintage is the current hot topic but don’t overlook the wines of 06, which are drinking really well right now. This cool year produced light wines that are truly local in character.

There are 2 district regions – the flat lands of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and the more sloped escarpment of Beamsville/Jordan/Vineland. The two regions are separated by the city of St. Catharines. If you’re on a day trip, I suggest you don’t try to visit both regions as this involves highway travel and that ruins the Niagara experience. The QEW is to Niagara what Yonge Street is to Toronto – a central artery best avoided. You need at least two days. Three would be better – especially if you want to take time to smell the roses. I like to do the Niagara-on-the-Lake region first, heading down York Road to Queenston, and then up the beautiful Parkway. A little refreshment on the back patio of the Riverbend Inn, and I’m in the zone.

Don’t spend all your time at wineries. At least take a break for lunch.

When confronted by a tasting bar with dozens of wines, try saying this: “Take me through a day of wine – lunch, aperitif, appetizers, main course, after dinner, nite cap. And how about something novel, an adventure?” This way you’re tasting with context in mind.

Niagara is producing some of the most exciting $20-$30 wines in the world.

Treat yourself. If you’re spending a few days consider staying at Inn on the Twenty in Jordan. Upscale but friendly, relaxed and everything in good taste. Some rooms have a garden, and breakfast in the grand dining room is a fab way to start the day.

On the restaurant scene, Stone Road Grille, located just outside Niagara-on-the-Lake is a rare Ontario edition of the bistro experience. Locally popular, personable owners and staff, bustling, informal atmosphere, generous  food portions, a commitment to local produce and wines, reasonable prices…you must go. (Reservations 905-468-3474)

best new attractions: Southbrook’s stunning modern winery – with a ‘great wall’ and pizza patio. Organized Crime’s sexy tasting room. Olson’s Foods and Bakery shop at Ravine Winery. Chefs Michael and Anna Olson have opened a big food shop/café on a lovely woodsy hillside in the village of St. David’s. It’s part of a complex containing Ravine Winery. Top quality foods and a rustic setting – can’t beat that.

Best winery reception on my last visit was by Lindsay at Thirty Bench. Most intelligent restaurant service was Christina at Hillebrand. Continue reading →

 

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