Wine of the Week: Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020

I randomly picked up the Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 on a weekend trip to the LCBO. I was looking for a Pinot Noir for my dinner that night and was immediately attracted to this bottle! The Flat Rock Pinot Noir comes from Flat Rock Cellars located on the Twenty Mile Bench in the Niagara Ontario region. The beautiful new labels are inspired by Flat Rock’s 80 acres of unique terroir. The designs are rock formations of limestone samples from their vineyards! The wine itself also speaks to the uniqueness of the Flat Rock soil. The Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 is a beautifully structured, complex and elegant red wine. It’s medium-bodied and on the bold side for a Pinot Noir with flavours of red berries and herbs. I paired this wine with a mushroom lasagna and it was perfection! It will also pair really nicely with rack of lamb, grilled salmon and roasted chicken. Perfect for all the upcoming spring holiday meals! You can find the Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2020 at the LCBO for $22.95, or through the winery’s online shop.

Cheers!

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Wine of the Week: JP Azeitão Syrah Rosé Bacalhoa

The JP Azeitão Syrah Rosé is hands down the BEST budget friendly rosé! I’ve loved this wine for years and am so happy it’s now almost always available at the LCBO. The JP Rosé comes for Portugal and is made with Syrah grapes. It’s a light-bodied dry wine with pretty flavours of red berries. And the best part? It’s amazing value at only $9.45 a bottle! Great taste and value make the JP Rosé perfect for parties and get togethers – it’s always a crowd pleaser! Enjoy the JP Rosé on it’s own (I often do!) or try pairing with foods like spring salads, roasted chicken and seafood linguini. Pick up a few bottle online or at your local LCBO store.

Cheers!

Guide to a Wonderful Winter Weekend in Prince Edward County

Most people travel to Prince Edward County in the summer and fall, but winter in PEC is just as much great. Plus, less crowds! There are so many fun outdoor activities and the vineyards are magical in the winter snow. Cozy barn lounges, fireside sipping and vineyard snowshoeing sound perfect to me! If you’re planning a trip to the County this winter, and I highly recommend that you do, follow my itinerary for a wonderful winter weekend in Prince Edward County.

Friday

Kick off your winter weekend in PEC with Fondue Fridays at The Eddie. The Eddie is a gorgeous hotel and farm located just outside of Bloomfield. Fondue Fridays are hosted at Ruby’s Clubhouse, a cozy stonewalled space in The Eddie’s beautiful Victorian era barn. There are two available seating times to enjoy The Eddie’s authentic swiss cheese fondue provided by The Cheese Boutique in Toronto. Make sure to book your tickets ahead to guarantee your seat. And then I recommend heading back to you accommodation and resting up for the big weekend ahead!

Saturday

Start your day at the hottest new place in the County, The Royal Hotel. Pick-up some breakfast from The Counter Bar – a little birdie (my sister who works there) told me their almond croissant is a must try! Try to get a seat at one of the cozy booths and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

Hopefully you’re fuelled up because snowshoeing at Sugarbush Vineyards is next on the agenda! For $20 rent snowshoes and walk through the beautiful vineyard trail. An outdoor wine tasting is included afterwards, or hot chocolate is available for those not drinking.

Just down the street is the Gillingham Beer Garden, the best winter patio in PEC! They have seasonal beer, local food, fresh shucked oysters and wine from neighbour Domain Darius. And don’t worry about the cold! Gillingham’s has fire tables, lots of heaters, a huge bonfire and cozy blankets.  

End your day at Karlo Estates Winery, in the coziest wine lounge there ever was. The Wine Lounge is located in the historic 1805 Karlo barn and is furnished with velvet couches, cozy rugs and big plush chairs. Enjoy fire-side wine by the glass or a tasting alongside dairy free cheese and plant based charcuterie.

For dinner head to another new spot, Bocado Restaurant in Picton. Bocado serves Spanish inspired food, cocktails and regional wine in their cozy Main Street space. If you’re visiting for the Family Day long weekend, they have a special family pre-set menu available. Reservations or take-away pre-orders are recommended.

Sunday

Begin Sunday as you should, with a big Sunday brunch at Stella’s Eatery in Waupoos. The BEST brunch in the County is served on Sunday’s from 11-3. Their menu is always changing but if you see the Bannock Benedict, trust me and order it! Keep an eye out for the winter weekends which feature special menus to be enjoyed outside by the fire pits.

It wouldn’t be a winter weekend in PEC without a visit to Parsons Brewery for some outdoor skating! Grab your skates and check out the huge new rink that’s open for family skating (no pucks) on the weekends. After a spin around the ice warm up with a drink around the bonfire. The outdoor kitchen is also open on weekends for snacks and lunch (order the Ramen!). You can also pick up a s’more kit to enjoy!

If you’re up for one more stop on your Sunday Funday, head over to the Lakeside Motel. Their popular lakeside patio has been winterized for cold weather fun! The have a big heated enclosure and lots of fire pits for cozy fireside sipping. Order a cocktail and take in the beautiful winter views of Lake Ontario.

Sunday dinner will be enjoyed at the delicious Flame + Smith in Bloomfield. Flame + Smith specialize in wood-fired cooking which is absolutely perfect for a cold winter night! You might even get lucky and be sat right beside the toasty kitchen. The farm-to-table menu is always changing but you really can’t go wrong with anything here. Reservations are recommended but some bar seating is available for walk-ins.

Monday

If you’re staying for a long weekend, I recommend visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park on your last day. You read that right! You’ve likely visited Sandbanks for a beach day in the summer, but it’s also a great place to explore during the winter months. Outlet Beach in the winter can look pretty magical, especially if the waves have just been frozen. And the Dunes Trail is also really fun!

Additional Tips

Some additional tips for a fun winter weekend in Prince Edward County. If you’re staying at an accommodation with a kitchen, I highly recommend picking up some pre-made meals from one of the County’s wonderful boutique grocers: Fawn Over Market, Campbell’s, Agrarian Market, Piccolina Mercato, or Bloomfield Public House Market.

March in PEC is Maple Madness month, so make sure to check out the participating venues.

If you’re looking for more indoor activities, the Regent Theatre just re-opened and is screening different movies each week. The County also has tons of art galleries and studios to visit!

Cheers!

Girl on a Budget: Portuguese Wines Under $15

New year, new budget! The Portugal section of the wine shop is a great place to browse if you’re a girl on a budget but still trying to enjoy great wine! Portuguese wines offer great value and taste for your money. Some of my favourite budget friendly wines come from Portugal, including the Aveleda Vinho Verde and JP Rosé. Plus, the popular Portuguese white wine, Vinho Verde, is low alcohol for those trying to consume less. Here are my eight recommendations for Portuguese wines under $15.

White

1. Aveleda Vinho Verde

2. Casal Garcia Vinho Verde DO

3. Loios White

Rosé

1. JP Azeitão Syrah Rosé Bacalhoa

2. Casal de Ventozela Espadeiro Rosé 2020

Red

1. Julia Florista Red

2. Porta 6 Lisboa VR Red

3. Lab Red Lisboa VR

Cheers!

Wine of the Week: Lily Sparking Rosé by Colio Winery

The Lily Sparking Rosé by Colio Estate Wines has long been one of my favourite Ontario bubblies. Lily is absolutely the perfect wine for holidays, celebrations and special occasions. Even if that special occasion is you, a box of cookies and a rom-com! The Lily Sparking Rosé is a VQA Ontario wine made by Colio Estate Winery located near the sunny shores of Lake Erie. It’s made using the Charmat method from a blend of Riesling and Cabernet Franc grapes. Before even tasting Lily, you can’t help but fall in love with the beautiful bottle – and the wine tastes just as pretty! The Lily Sparking Rosé flavour is best described as taking a bite out of a freshly made strawberry shortcake. But don’t let this pretty palate fool you, the Lily Sparking Rosé is a dry wine that can pair nicely with savoury as well as sweeter dishes. Try pairing Lily with spinach and goat cheese salad, a savoury crepe or big bowl of french fries. I personally love to enjoy this wine with brunches of french toast, pancakes or waffles topped with fresh berries and maple syrup. Or paired with an assortment of my favourite cupcakes! You can find the Lily Sparking Rosé for $17.95 online through the Colio shop and at select LCBO, Metro and Loblaw locations.

Cheers!

Sparkling Rosés For All The Valentine’s Day Celebrations

No matter how you’re spending Valentine’s Day, a bottle of Sparkling Rosé must be popped! Valentine’s has never been a particularly romantic holiday for me, but more about treating myself to the things I love. Which typically means Chinese take-out and pink bubbly! Whether you’ll be enjoying a chill night in like me, hosting a fun Galentine’s party or having a romantic dinner date, a bottle of Sparkling Rosé is the best accompaniment. If you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s a bottle for you! Below are my favourite Sparkling Rosés that I highly recommend enjoying this Valentine’s Day.

Lily Sparkling Rosé by Colio Estate Wines – $17.95

Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne – $93.45

De Chanceny Cremant De Loire Rose Brut – $19.90

Fresh Sparkling Rosé – $16.95

Chandon Brut Sparkling Rosé – $35.95

Henry Of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé – $32.95

La Marca Prosecco Rose DOC – $19.85

Pelee Island Lola Sparkling Blush – $14.95

Bollinger Brut Rosé Champagne – $123.95

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé – $19.95

Freixenet Italian Rose – $19.95

Hinterland Borealis Sparkling Rosé – $24

Bottega Prosecco Rose DOC – $17.65

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut Rosé Champagne 2013 – $102.95

Cheers!

Winter Patios You Need to Check Out In Prince Edward County

As Canadians we know that every season is patio season! And that includes our below 0 degrees celsius snowy winters. But some outdoor spaces are better suited to the cold weather than others. In true County style, I’ve embraced the winter season over the past few years and explored all the outdoor drinking options. Here are my favourite winter patios in Prince Edward County.

Gillingham Brewing Company

The Gillingham Beer Garden is absolute winter patio perfection! Gillingham’s beer garden offers seasonal beer, local food, fresh shucked oysters and wine from neighbour Domain Darius. All this deliciousness is enjoyed in a really fun atmosphere with good tunes and all the cool locals. And don’t worry about the cold! Gillingham’s has fire tables, lots of heaters, a huge bonfire and cozy blankets. If your dog can handle the cold, they are also very pup friendly. The Beer Garden is open Friday to Sunday 12-5pm.

Sugarbush Vineyards

Just up the road from Gillingham’s is Sugarbush Vineyards. Rent or bring your own snowshoes for a beautiful walk through their winter trail. And then reward yourself with an outdoor wine tasting! Their ‘Almost Red’ wine is a must try. Try to snag a seat around the fireball! Snowshoe rental and wine or hot chocolate is $20. Sugarbush is open for snowshoeing and wine tasting on Saturdays and Sundays from 11-4pm.

Parsons Brewing Company

If you like to mix in winter activities with your patio drinks, than Parsons in your place! This winter Parsons has a new covered ice rink that’s very well maintained. There’s a weekly rink schedule available on their website, but weekends are for family skating with no pucks. After a spin around the ice warm up by the bonfire with a nice beer. The outdoor kitchen is also open with delicious snacks, warm drinks and s’more kits.

Three Dog Winery

Three Dog Winery has it all! Snowshoeing, bon fire, local food pop-ups, heated pergolas and great wine. Plus the winter views here are absolutely beautiful! For the month of February, the County Canteen is doing a pop-up kitchen – if you see beef bourguignon yorkshire pudding bowls on the menu, trust me an order it. And next month Three Dog Winery will be celebrating Maple Madness with maple themed waffles and food every weekend.

Karlo Estates Winery

If you’re a little weary of bearing the cold for a winter patio, Karlo Estates Winery is where you need to go. Karlo has a beautiful covered patio and offers fire-side wine by the glass or tastings. Wine bar snacks, including dairy free cheese and plant based charcuterie, are available to enjoy alongside your wine. But if winter patios are still not your vibe, you can head down to the coziest wine lounge you’ve ever been too! Make sure to make reservations ahead.

Cheers!

Wine of the Week: Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé 

While the fall season is my favourite, I’m not giving up on summer just yet! I think that summer 2021 deserves one last celebration. And there is no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of pink bubbly! I tried the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé last month and it is the perfect wine to cheers farewell to summer. It’s bursting with big bubbles filled with juicy flavours of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. This wine is made using the charmed method from 100% VQA Ontario grapes from the beautiful lakefront Konzelmann vineyards. The Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé is the prettiest pink salmon colour and, trust me, is super easy drinking! Enjoy outside in the sun with friends alongside your favourite summer appetizers. You can find the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé through the Konzelmann online store on sale right now for only $17.95. If you happen to order a few bottles, this wine can also be enjoyed well into autumn. But for now, lets pop a bottle of the Konzelmann Sparkling Rosé and toast to the summer season!

Konzelmann Sparkling Rose Wine VQA Ontario Niagara Review

Cheers!~GDW

Guide to a Romantic Summer Weekend in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is such a magical place. It’s the perfect destination for a couples getaway. You get the peace and quiet of the country combined with all the culture and activities the County has to offer. No matter what you do it will be a great weekend with your significant other. But there are some particular places that will add that touch of romance to your trip. Find these special spots in my guide to a romantic summer weekend in Prince Edward County.

Friday

Start your romantic weekend sipping wine in the vineyard at Broken Stone Winery for their Cinq à Sept. From 5-7pm every Friday evening, Broken Stone’s Cinq à Sept offers a featured wine (or wine of your choice) by the glass with a local hors d’oeuvres pairing and live music. You can reserve your spot ahead here.

After a very enjoyable happy hour, it’s time for a beautiful sunset dinner. Head up to The Miller House restaurant at Lake on the Mountain Resort. The Miller House has one of the County’s most picturesque views. And it’s especially gorgeous at sunset! They don’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait. Once seated, order some tapas, sip a glass of local wine (or beer from their brewery!) and soak in that gorgeous view. Your getaway is off the a great start!

Saturday

Saturday morning you’re off to Bloomfield for a lovely traditional breakfast at The Saylor House Cafe. The Saylor House Cafe has the cutest patio where you can cozy up at a small table and enjoy your breakfast together under the trees with the pretty morning sounds of the birds. The cafe uses all local ingredients and makes the most delicious scratch-made baked goods! After breakfast take a stroll through the shops on Bloomfield, and maybe pick up something to remember your trip. There are a few antique shops close by.

Your daytime activities are going to start with a honey wine tasting on the mead terrace at Millefleurs. Millefleurs is a lavender farm and meadery just outside of Wellington on the shores of Lake Ontario. You can stroll through their lavender fields and then enjoy a honey wine tasting on the beautiful mead terrace. Celtic tradition has it that mead brings success, happiness and fertility to a marriage!

For lunch, enjoy THE BEST pizza in the County at TerraCello Winery. Tony, owner and head winemaker, makes his wood oven Neapolitan style pizzas using all fine imported Italian ingredients. Enjoy your pizza with a glass of TerraCella’s handcrafted natural wine on the outdoor patio nestled between the vines. The food, the wine and the atmosphere will seriously make you feel like you’ve been transported to Italy!

End your day with a wine tasting and stroll through the sculpture garden at Huff Estates Winery. They’re currently offering a flight of three wines for tasting on their patio overlooking the vineyards. I love the Huff Merlot, and of course their Rosés. After your tasting, visit the Huff Estates Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden. Meander through the paths of the 4-acre garden and take in all of the impressive installations. The Oeno Sculpture Garden is one of those special County experiences.

Make a reservation ahead for dinner at East & Main Bistro in Wellington. Try to get a spot on the patio – it’s so cozy and intimate. Perfect for a romantic Saturday night dinner! East & Main serves fine dining and luxury comfort food favourites using local ingredients. The menu is seasonal and always changing, but the dishes are consistently delicious. They also have a very extensive wine list with lots of local PEC options.

If you’re up for it, and I highly encourage it, spend your evening at the drive-in theatre. The Mustang Drive-In is so much fun! Cozy up in your car and enjoy a double feature under the County stars. And the snack bar is open for all your favourite classic movie snacks. The Mustang is only open until September 5, so get there while you can!

Sunday

The last day of your romantic weekend is going to be a memorable one! First, pick-up a picnic lunch for two from the Agrarian Market in Picton. You can reserve ahead by emailing or calling. Then head up to Waupoos for brunch at the new Stella’s Eatery location. The menu is seasonal and filled with locally sourced and foraged ingredients. You may want to pick up a bottle of wine for your next adventure. After brunch, you’re off for a romantic sailing cruise with County Sailing Adventures! The private cruise departs from Waupoos Marina and sails the crystal clear waters of South Bay. You can anchor at Love’s Cove for swim and to enjoy your picnic lunch. Book ahead – there is still some availability for this summer. It’s the perfect experience to end your romantic summer weekend in Prince Edward County!

Cheers!~GDW

Weekend Itinerary for the Best Girl’s Summer Getaway in Prince Edward County

I used to make a trip to Prince Edward County every summer with my girlfriends and it was so much fun! Now, I love hosting my friends for girl’s weekends at our lake house in the County. We always make time for wineries, restaurants, the beach and a little shopping! There’s so much to do in the County, so it can sometimes be difficult to create a weekend itinerary. It was tough, but I’ve narrowed down what I think are the best spots for you to enjoy with your girlfriends this summer! Read on for my weekend itinerary for the best girl’s summer getaway in Prince Edward County.

Friday

On your way into the County, your first stop has to be The County Emporium! They carry everything to make your girls weekend the best. Pick-up matching rompers, local goodies and a few bottles of wine. Maybe even stay for one of their delicious wine slushes to get your weekend started!

If you have time before your accommodation check-in, head down the road to Redtail Vineyards for your first wine tasting of the weekend. Redtail has some of my favourite wines in the County! Definitely make sure to try their Rosé, Field Hand Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. They also make some really fun Piquette’s that are perfect to pick-up for the weekend.

I realize it’s difficult to get accommodation anywhere in the County this summer, but if you can book a room at The June Motel I think it’s the absolute best place to stay for a girls getaway! Friday night dinner will be at the popular Drake Devonshire in Wellington. It’s one of the only places to stay open kind of late in the County, so also stay for some drinks! You can now make reservations for indoor dining, or take your chances for patio seating. Either way it’s a fun vibe, great food and yummy drinks!

Saturday

Spend your Saturday morning in Picton. There are lots of great spots to get good coffee. You can choose from Beacon Bike & Brew, The Bean Counter, Miss Lily’s Cafe, or the Agrarian Market. If you go to the Agrarian Market, make sure to pick up one (or two!) of the almond croissants – they are the best! Enjoy your coffee and treat while browsing the stores on Picton Main Street. Some of my favourites include Books & Company, The Ye11ow Studio, PEC T-Shirt Company, Gilbert & Lighthall, Kelly’s, and City Revival.

Then it’s off for an afternoon of wine tasting! Start at Closson Chase for a wine tasting in the beautiful garden. Make sure to get a group pic with the fun purple barn! Enjoy a delicious lunch at their new restaurant Au Verre by The Marans (on of my favourite restaurants in the County!). Their menu has lots of vegetarian options and many Closson Chase wines to choose from. Just down the road, you’re onto the Grange of Prince Edward Winery next. They are not doing tastings this summer, but you can get a glass of Grange wine or a cocktail from the Old Salt Cocktails pop-up. Enjoy your drink overlooking the beautiful vineyards and property. A very instagrammable location for those wine country pics! Your last stop of the day will be at Hinterland Winery. Toast to your day with a flight or glass of sparkling wine!

Saturday night dinner is at The Lakeside Motel. And with the views and vibe you’re definitely going to want to stay for drinks! The Lakeside Motel is in Wellington and has a gorgeous patio with the best views of Lake Ontario. As the sun sets, the string lights come on and the DJ starts her set. A great place to spend a Saturday night in the County!

Sunday

Start off your leisure Sunday at Cape Vineyards with a picnic brunch. Their Sunday brunch picnic special comes with two sandwiches and a salad. Best part is the bottle of Gypsy Lola Sparkling Red or Cressy Sparkling Cider that’s included! Make sure not to miss their cute animals at the winery farm.

Spend the rest of your Sunday at the beautiful The Beach Club at Wander Resort. The Beach Club is located just outside of Wellington on a pristine 2 acre waterfront white sand beach. Purchase your lounge package ahead of time which includes access to daybeds, loungers and umbrellas. You’ll also have access to towel service, onsite snack purchase and kayak/paddle board rentals. And there is live music daily from 4-7pm. The beach is unlicensed but you can BYOB – the perfect opportunity to taste some of that wine you’ve purchased. I cannot think of a better way to end your Girl’s Summer Getaway Weekend in Prince Edward County!

Cheers!~GDW