All posts tagged Megalomaniac

More on Megalomaniac

by Kato on July 21, 2010 in Wine Picks with No comments

MEGJohn Howard was a Niagara pioneer when he opened Vineland winery a couple of decades ago. The stunning location on the mountain in Beamsville is still one of the area’s main attractions. Howard sold out early on and went into semi-retirement, but now he’s back in the business (next door to Vineland) with a new winery called Megalomaniac. Named after himself, of course.

Megalomaniac is a classic cellar door winery, but this is no ordinary cellar. John owns a chateau in Bordeaux and has brought French sensibility and splendor to his Niagara winery. For sure, a must visit. Sue-Ann Staff makes the wines here, and also at her own winery close by.

The first Megalomaniac wine at the LCBO is a white called Homegrown. It has the bowler-hat-guy label of all the other wines, but this time the suit is a Niagara map showing the vineyard location. And just in case you don’t get the message that the wine is homegrown, the bottles neck has a sticker saying ‘100% grown by Grape Growers of Ontario’. The wine is off-dry, low alcohol with the easy drinking character of Riesling. Summer patio sipper.

MEGALOMANIAC 06 ‘Homegrown’, VQA Niagara 183061 $12.95

P.S. One of my favourite local Rosé of the season (so far) is MEGALOMANIAC 08 ‘Pink-Slip’, VQA Niagara. Gorgeous red berry flavours and a little creaminess mixed with refreshment. A hard-to-put-down glass. At the winery only $14.95. An excuse to visit.

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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