Vineland Winery

The second half of a 1999 motorcycle trip from Massachusetts to Michigan involved the return through Ontario, Canada. As I have been a fan of ice wines for many years, I naturally planned this to include some winery visits. The day was gorgeous as we rode out of Detroit. Canada was very flat, with many cornfields and easy roads. We continued onwards, watching the red-winged blackbirds, converting K to M in our heads as we approached Niagara. Finally, around 4pm, we came into the region of Niagara, and pulled off at Exit 57 for Vineland Winery.

The terrain around St Catharines was covered with grapevines and orchards. This was very pretty, and I found it quite interesting to see how various vineyards had different techniques for pruning their vines. Soon we went up the dirt road that ended at the very lovely Vineland restaurant and winery. In we went.

The tasting area was very nicely done in heavy woods; a group of 3 people were currently tasting their normal selection of wines. I went over and asked to try the late harvest riesling and ice wine, both for a fee. First, the 1997 Select Late Harvest Riesling VQA. This is a very smooth dessert wine, with fruity flavors - apricot, pear, and even a honey tone to it. Very nice.

Next, the one I'd actually came for, the 1997 Vineland Vidal Icewine VQA. Vineland's ice wine is a deep amber color, with a very sweet, apricot, honey flavor to it. Great as a dessert all by itself! I sipped this one slowly, listening to the hostess chat with the three other tasters at the table. She got somehow to the topic of Meritage.

Amusingly, they make a Meritage here and they pronounce it "Meritaaahge". I asked her about that, and she said they knew it was supposed to rhyme with "heritage" but that "because of their French roots" they chose to mispronounce it.

Well worth a visit!

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All content on the WineIntro website is personally written by author and wine enthusiast Lisa Shea. WineIntro explores the delicious variety and beautiful history which makes up our world of wine! Lisa loves supporting local wineries and encouraging people to drink whatever they like. We all have different taste buds, and that makes our world wonderful. Always drink responsibly.