Niagara was so much fun!

We had so much fun! What a day and night! Niagara was awesome as I knew it would be. We started our day out in Niagara on the Lake and visited some wineries we hadn't been to in awhile as some new ones. It was a gorgeous day and everyone was so nice to talk to.

We hit Pillitteri, an old favourite for us that did not let us down with new wines. We moved onto a new winery to us, Vignoble Rancourt, which was recommended to us by a dear friend. We had a lovely chat with Lorraine Rancourt, the owner of the vineyard. She told us of the story about losing her husband who had the passion for this winery and it was heartfelt and beautiful. As were the wines we tasted.

We headed out to a favourite of ours Stratus. I tried the red icewine which was described as a glass of strawberry rhubarb pie and it was bang on! Yummy! I would love to have a party in that place, its so cool in there. Then we went over to Konzelmann Estate which we had never been to and it was a beautiful facility. We enjoyed some Rieslings that were very tasty and crisp. Then we were off to meet friends at Malivoire and had the pleasure to enjoy some pulled pork at their cook off with wine pairings to match.

Our time was tight but we moved on to our scheduled tour at Taste of Tawse, our second year attending and we were not disappointed. Delicious wines and tasty food. Walking in the vineyard and through the winery is always a big hit but the barrel room is I think my most favourite part. I would love one in my house too!After wrapping up at Tawse we still had time for a couple more wineries before dinner. So off we went to Flatrock where I picked up one of my favourite white wines Twisted. A good staple to have in the fridge especially for the summer! We finished our tastings at Cave Springs and enjoyed seeing a couple of young brides and their wedding parties taking their pictures outside. What a beautiful day!

We left for our dinner reservations at The Kitchen House at Penisula Ridge Winery. We sat outside on the patio and had an enjoyable meal. There were 6 of us for dinner and we were served well and efficiently (although I wanted my bread plate for a bit longer). I had the Sauteed Black Tiger Shrimp on grilled Niagara Asparagus with Pingue prosciutto, quail's egg and Banyuls vinaigrette. Which then was followed by the Potato crusted Halibut on Niagara beet "carpaccio" with truffle-honey woodland mushroom and dried apricot saute. Riesling butter sauceAnd I did sneak in dessert which I will try to replicate (give me some time) a gooey Smores tart with ice cream. I know I can make that for at home entertaining and people would love it! So homey and comforting.

Our drive home was relaxing and we talked about the wines we bought and the fun we had. We'll have to take a break now as our wine stock is full again. We'll enjoy the summer with the wines and see where we'll be taken in the fall to experience other great wineries of the region. Oh I can't wait...