Browsing Tag

patio

Meet our Wineries: Norman Hardie Vineyard

Norm and Rebecca

Guest blog by Hannah Stein

Set amongst the vines, Norman Hardie Vineyard is situated in idyllic Prince Edward County, Ontario. Winemaker and owner, Norman Hardie first opened his doors to the public in 2005 and his wines can now be found across Ontario, in many Canadian Provinces, and in numerous international markets. On a clay limestone hill in Prince Edward County, Norman’s passion for fine wine is put to the ultimate test.

We spoke to Norman Hardie, winemaker and owner of Norman Hardie Vineyard, about the highlights of his winery…

What sets your winery apart from others?

What sets my winery apart is our commitment to quality; crafting exceptional wine from the unique terroirs of Ontario is the cornerstone of our operations, and continues to be our guiding principle. However, our pursuit of excellence doesn’t end in the cellar; every year our team welcomes visitors from near and far to enjoy wood-fired pizzas with a glass of wine on our patio. It is truly a County experience that’s not to be missed!

Which of your wines is your personal favourite and why?

My current favourite wine is our 2013 Unfiltered Chardonnay. The chardonnay has an exhilarating acidity, a rich mouthfeel and exceptional length. It’s also a perfect pairing with a tarte flambe pizza on the patio.

What should people most look forward to when visiting your winery during this year’s Terroir Run?

Again, this year the Terroir Run participants will be ending their run at Norman Hardie Vineyard. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the enthusiastic runners with a glass of wine on the patio overlooking the vines. It is always a fantastic lunch, filled with delicious treats from local producers, the best from neighbouring wineries and, of course, artisanal pizzas from our own wood oven.

May 20, 2016 by terroirrun

Meet our wineries: Broken Stone Winery

Guest blog by Hannah Stein

Broken Stone Winery is the dream of an urban family who wanted to live on a vineyard in Prince Edward County. In 2009, the Kuepfer Family purchased 34 acres of hayfields and forest, with no building and only an acre of year-old Pinot Noir vines. For the first few years, they camped on the land, hiding farm equipment in the forest and travelling from the city to farm the land on weekends. Over time, they were able to squeeze enough out of their family budget to build a road and a building, plant another 6 acres of vines, and buy a new tractor. Now, in their sixth vintage, the winery continues to grow a little more every year, as family gets closer to their dream.

We spoke to Tim Kuepfer, winemaker & co-owner of Broken Stone Winery, about all that his family winery has to offer…

What sets your winery apart from others?

Our winery is set far back from the road, amongst the vines. When people visit, we think it’s important for them to have a tasting experience as close to the vineyard as possible. Our tasting room opens onto the vineyard, and when you’re able to gaze upon the vines, while you contemplate the wine, the wine always tastes it’s absolute best.

Which of your wines is your personal favourite and why?

As they say, “they are all our children” — we aren’t supposed to have favourites and they are all good! Everyone has dramatically different taste buds and prefers different wines, so which wines we prefer is, in fact, irrelevant. The best way to choose a wine that fits you is to come to our tasting room and try them.

What should people most look forward to when visiting your winery during this year’s Terroir Run?

Delicious wine — that’s what it’s all about. We’ll also be offering charcuterie board tasting platters on our outdoor patio, so you can have a light lunch and experience how our wine pairs with various flavours.

May 18, 2016 by terroirrun

Meet the Wineries of Terroir Run – Karlo Estates

Photo Credit princeedwardcountywine.ca

Guest post by Hannah Stein

Karlo Estates is an artisanal winery, which integrates the best of old world and new world winemaking. Wild fermentations, minimal filtration, and reserved use of oak, help them to create clean, fruit driven and well balanced wines, with great complexity. With a wide range of offerings, their many interesting single varietals and eclectic blends showcase the winery’s signature style. A casual comfortable approach and a warm inviting atmosphere combine, to complete the experience of all guests.

We spoke to Sherry Karlo, vinter & owner of Karlo Estates, about all her winery has to offer…

What sets your winery apart from others?
Our winery’s family is a close-knit team, that works to provide our guests the ultimate County wine experience. Not only do we present the wines, telling our visitors how they were made and what to look for in the taste profile, but we also serve them with small food pairings, to best showcase our many food-friendly wines. With the legendary winemaker, Derek Barnett, on our team, our wines have become a favourite of visitors, locals, and critics alike. Karlo Estates is one of Trip Advisor’s top destinations; the first to be named twice on the Top Ten Cutting Edge Wines in the World list; and we’re also the world’s first vegan certified winery.

With one of the prettiest estates in the County, at Karlo Estates, guests can stroll through the vineyards with a glass of our signature Dry Stone Bridge down at our picnic area; book private group tastings in our loft gallery; and enjoy tasting plates on our covered patio. We offer County hospitality in an 1805 barn, welcoming guests to sample a large portfolio of unique premium wines, along with spectacular food pairings.

Which of your wines is your personal favourite and why?
My favourite wine changes, depending on the time of year, what I’m eating, and who I’m with. My current favourite, however, is our newest release, the Triumvirate. The name is a historical reference to the virtue of three leaders bringing strength and balance to rule in Rome. In our Triumvirate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, join forces in a balanced and charismatic wine. I love this wine because it’s simply spectacular. It’s full bodied, smooth, well-balanced, and has a rich mouth feel; everything I want in a big Bordeaux style red.

What should people most look forward to when visiting your winery during this year’s Terroir Run?
Karlo Estates is the perfect place to end your Terroir Run weekend. We offer wine by the glass, with tasting plates, on our covered back patio. With a state of the art sound system, guests can enjoy music with a nostalgic classic rock feel from some of our favourite childhood memories. Come relive your youth, while enjoying fine wine and relaxing in an authentic County setting — You’ve earned it!

April 13, 2016 by terroirrun

The County Cider Company & Estate Winery

Terroir Run: Meet the Wineries by Hannah Stein

The County Cider Company & Estate Winery is a family-operated estate winery, specializing in mouth-watering hard ciders. Carefully crafted from the best apples, grown on their family farm and nearby orchards, the ciders are made with 100% pure apple juice. Located on the picturesque island of Prince Edward County, in Southeastern Ontario, their tasting room and retail store welcome visitors from May to November. Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of the establishment’s dramatic view from its patio, perched high above Lake Ontario — the perfect place to enjoy a glass of cider, or wine, with lunch al fresco.

Photo courtesy of the County Cider Co

We spoke to Grant Howes, owner and cider-maker of County Cider Company & Estate Winery, about all they have to offer…

What sets your winery apart from others?

We were the first winery in Prince Edward County, but our biggest difference is that we’ve always specialized in hard apple cider. Our farm has been growing apples for over 150 years, and we also now have one of the largest plantings of tradition european cider apples in North America. Our ciders are Prince Edward County based, while carrying a history of traditions from as far as England and Normandy. Our family of ciders ranges from traditional English-style ciders to flavoured ciders such as, pear and blood-orange; all sweeter ciders that tend to be more attractive to our younger customers. Our main focus is, however, and will continue to be, traditional ciders, made from our own apples.

Which of your ciders is your personal favourite and why?

They’re all my favourites! Right now, I would say that our Tortured Path, which we’ll be releasing this late spring, is my favourite, because it’s a culmination of over 20 years of experimentation with growing different apple varieties from from traditional cider growing areas such as, Somerset and Normandy. We’ve proven that, not only can grow these apples incredibly well, but also, we can make ciders that are exceptionally flavourful and consistently receive positive consumer responses.

What should people most look forward to, when visiting your winery during this year’s Terroir Run?

It’s a very laid-back place; we have an outdoor restaurant and offer over six different types of ciders on tap as well as beer and wine. We’re always promoting local wineries as well, probably many of which will also be a part of Terroir Run. Overall, it’s just a nice place to kick back — and we’re dog friendly!

April 4, 2016 by terroirrun