Karlo Estates’ water station at the corner of Greer and Benway Road marks the last leg of the run, just west of the winery proper, which is located at 561 Danforth Road.
Richard Karlo, Master Winemaker and wine judge, made his first commercial vintage in 2008 with a record 13 different varietals. After opening the doors May 2010 and selling out of every vintage since, Karlo Estates now produces 3200 cases a year.
In an area known for Burgundian varietals, Richard focuses on Bordeaux. Making the first County port, named among the top ten cutting edge wines in the world; Quintus, the first County five varietal Bordeaux blend, the first single varietal Petit Verdot called The 5th Element and possibly the first White Port in Canada.
One of these wines, the 2011 Frontenac Gris Rosé, considered one of the most unique rosés in the County, will be featured at our lunch after the run. “A rosé for those who don’t like rosé”, it starts off sweet, finishes dry and has complexity and intense in between. It is very fruit forward with strawberry on the nose, pomegranate, cinnamon and candy floss on the palate and finishes dry with a key lime note.
Frontenac Gris is great paired with smoked salmon, slow cooked pork dishes, duck, Thanksgiving turkey or spicy Asian food. It is also a great reception wine with a little sweetness and a clean finish. When the wine debut in early April, Tony Aspler was impressed giving the wine “High Scores”.
Enjoy the rosé after the run and be sure to visit the winery with your passport. Tastings with food pairings are hosted in the comfortable and historic 1845 post and beam barn with a rustic sun deck off the back. In addition, the renovated hayloft hosts an art gallery and studio for resident artist Sherry Martin.