NewsTop Stories

Eight Niagara wineries join for The Pinot Affair, a weekend of love for the heartbreak grape

temp

NOTE: The Pinot Affair features eight Niagara wineries with eight different events that all crushing on one deliciously seductive grape over two days on Oct. 15-16. Here is what you need to know:

Are you ready for a torrid love affair?

Pinot AffairTo most people, it seems crazy, but Pinot Noir lovers understand. Theirs is a passionate affair that seems to defy reason.

The quickened pulse, shortness of breath, flirty glances, secret smiles … What is it about this wine that is so seductive, that conjures up such desire? The delicate flavours, or the fresh berry aromas? Maybe it’s the tantalizing spices or luscious mouth feel. It doesn’t really matter to the Pinot lovers. Once bitten, they never forget.

Are you ready for a love affair with Niagara’s most sultry and sexy wine? Visit Niagara October 15th & 16th for intimate tastings, lusty food & wine pairings and more. Learn first-hand from those who make the wine why they only have eyes for Pinot Noir …

Sign up for your exclusive touring pass and immerse yourself in an affair of the heart.

The Events:

image-1

Coyote’s Run: A Terroir Affair

Visit Coyote’s Run for an exploration of terroir — what it is and why the wines from our estate are so special. Learn from our winemaking team how soil, viticultural practices, and barrel selection translate into our signature styles of Pinot Noir.
• Reservations not required
• Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm

image-2

Hidden Bench: Möst on the Bench

Enjoy partially fermented Pinot Noir served traditionally in pitchers with charcuterie, bratwurst and sausage plates. Picnic tables will be set up throughout the winery grounds from 12 noon – 6pm.
• Reservations not required
• Saturday and Sunday 12 noon – 6pm

image-3

Inniskillin: Pinot Time Travel

Come for a tasting of our Montague Vineyard Pinot Noirs! Travel back in time by discovering the difference between our 2003 and 2009 vintages as you enjoy homemade pork rillette prepared by our Estate Chef David Penny!
• Reservations not required
• Saturday and Sunday 11AM – 5PM

image-4

Lailey: Hands on Affair

Walk the vineyard to discuss the challenges that are associated with growing and ripening, then tour through the winery where all will get an opportunity to punch down, taste and just get their hands dirty. Followed by a vertical tasting from the vintage of the century — 2009!! 5 Pinot Noirs from specific sites with a simple food pairing of local charcuterie.
• Reservations not required
• Saturday and Sunday 11AM – 5PM

image-5

Le Clos Jordanne Wine & Culinary Affair @ Jackson Triggs

Join us at Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate winery where you will enjoy an interactive backstage pass into the vineyards and winemaking facility. This tour will highlight the unique story behind Le Clos Jordanne, the mystery behind its Terroir, and the magic behind the winemaking. Each vineyard is unique and we want you to experience the difference for yourself, by featuring 4 distinct Pinot Noirs that will be enjoyed with a selection of canapés and Canadian artisan cheeses.
• Length of Experience 60 minutes. Reservations required as space is limited to 12 guests.
• Please contact our Hospitality Administrator at 905-468-4637 Ext. 5606.
• Saturday and Sunday 11am, 1pm & 3pm

image-6

Malivoire: A Winemaking Affair

Taste Malivoire’s 2010 Pinot Noirs from the barrel with winemaker Shiraz Mottiar. Discuss the difference between stainless steel and barrel fermentation on Pinot Noir from several of Malivoire’s vineyard sites. Engage in a fun and informative blending session led by Mottiar where groups will make their own 2010 Pinot Noir.
• Reservations required
• Saturday 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
• Sunday 11am, 1pm and 3pm

image-7

Rosewood: An Affair to Remember

Engage all your senses and learn more about the nuances of Pinot Noir. Our winemaker and sommelier raided the cellar to present a terrific vertical expertly paired with local artisanal foods. Taste our award-winning 2007 Pinot Noir through to the current vintage including limited edition Pinot Noir Reserves that are 100% natural fermentation with ambient wild yeasts! Learn about clone selection, the influence of terroir, barrel coopers, the difference between commercial yeast and wild yeast vinification.
• Reservations required
• Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm
• Sunday 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm

image-8

Tawse: A Time for Pinot

A pinot tasting every hour, on the hour. Taste the 2010 Pinot Noir directly from the barrel, followed by a tasting of our 2009 Pinot Noirs, canapés prepared by August Restaurant. Experience the difference between vintages and learn how the growing season affects the wine.
• Reservations required
• Saturday and Sunday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm.

Love Bites

“I love Pinot Noir because it’s typical cherry, plum and earthy characteristics are created by the terroir so beautifully here in Niagara. It responds so well to meticulous viticulture and winemaking skills giving the wine its unique personality.”

– Bruce Nicholson, Winemaker Inniskillin Wines

“Pinot Noir is like the child that requires, even demands, extraordinary care and attention from its guardians, but rewards such efforts with an inspiring and delicious elegance. I love the challenge, knowing what the prize can be.”

– David Sheppard, Winemaker, Coyote’s Run Estate Winery

“Fresh, Flirty & Fun….That’s Pinot.”

– Eugene Roman, Rosewood Winery

“J’aime le Pinot Noir car il est subtile, féminin et toujours fin. Sa fine peau et sa sensibilité naturelle fait qu’il révèle formidablement bien la typicité du vignoble dont il provient. Ce cépage a le don de pouvoir exprimer à travers ses arômes et sa structure les caractéristiques du climat, du sol et de l’environnement naturel de la parcelle de vigne.”

– Sebastien Jacquey, Winemaker/ Oenologue, Le Clos Jordanne

“Pinot…..Romance in a bottle.”

– Renata Roman, Queen Bee, Rosewood Winery

“Why do I like Pinot Noir!…the most amazing grape — truly the most sensitive grape. I love pinot for its versatility at the table,it can be paired with so many dishes. I love Pinot for its delicate, pretty, sexy flavours and texture. I love it for its ability to mature into something that perhaps is more exotic, more funky, more…..Pinot!”

– Derek Barnett, Lailey Vineyards

“Flavor, balance, complexity…no other grape gives us wine with such a delicate profile. Pinot Noir is graceful on its own, and flexible with food. As a Sommelier, Pinot is my go-to wine for any situation.”

– Dieter Unruh, Sommelier & Hospitality Manager, Tawse Winery

“I aim for making Pinot Noir that sits somewhere between the old world and new world style while always reflecting the characteristic of the terroir or “somewhereness” — essential to the variety. Truly exceptional wines are born of their origins, not made — this statement could not be more appropriate than when applied to Niagara Pinot Noir.”

– Shiraz Mottiar, Malivoire Winery

“It is said that Pinot Noir is like a demanding mistress who only rewards the vigneron who treats her with gentleness, generosity and above all respect in the vineyard and the winery”. Santé.

– Harald Thiel, Vigneron / Proprietor Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery