Wine-lovers in Ontario, did you know we have our own ‘Napa Valley’? Niagra on the Lake is packed with so many vineyards to discover that you can easily spend a week touring this spot and not see them all. Just like every bottle of merlot, each location is unique and fun to discover. But one must-stop is Status Vineyards on Niagara on the Lake.
Compared to all the other wineries in the area, this spot feels very modern. Here they focus on creating new world wines using old school European assemblage techniques.
They grow ten types of red grapes, and six wines, many of these varietals being uncommon in the area. What that means for you, is here you’ll be able to try wines you can sip at the neighbouring locations.
Inside it is a small area, which is the wine boutique and tasting bar. Tastings are $15 for four types of wine (it is free if you purchase three bottles).
For my visit, I opted for the 2017 Stratus Semilion – the white wine tastes of honey, mango and is one I would particularly love to sip in the summertime on the patio.
For red wines, I went for the Stratus Cabernet France and Tempranillo. The first reminded me of wines in Bordeaux with the flavours of cassis and dark berries. While the latter one was more robust, tasting of vanilla, tobacco and jammy.
Finally, I ended with the Icewine Red. Red icewines are something entirely new for me, but I loved it. It wasn’t nearly as sweet as I remember ice wines being, and this one tasted like cherries.
The two standouts for me were the first and last, but it is the Stratus Semillon that I would want to stock my wine cellar with (if I had one).
Before you depart, make sure to purchase one of their chocolate bars as it is unlike anything you’ve tried. They partnered with SOMA, who is known for its extraordinary chocolate in Toronto. So you can get a delicious dark chocolate bar with wine-infused, it is a tasty treat, or it would make a great gift too. While you are there, make sure to stop by other nearby wineries like Cave Spring Cellars and Trius Winery.
Want to try their wines, even if you can’t make it for a tour you can order a bottle online right from their website.