By Monica Kosior
The vines are blooming the clusters are forming in Niagara wine country, it is finally here… Summer! We all look forward to the long days of sunshine and sipping.With this season’s events we are celebrating the latest refreshing releases while enjoying live music, great food and the company of our friends.
Niagara is ready to honour this year’s favourite season with memories that cannot be missed. Check out my guide below for what to do this time of the year, cheers to you and Summer 2018!
Niagara events
International Cool Climate Chardonnay
63 winemakers, 10 countries, 165 magnificent wines. i4C is a celebration (firstly) of Chardonnay and (secondly) of all cool climate wines. From flights of wines served up in the Niagara District Airport to the Cool Chardonnay World Tour Tasting and Dinner, to the Moveable Feast Brunch, there is an event for each Chard lover.
More information available here
Dates: July 20 to July 22, varying times
Location: Participating locations here
Cost: Varying costs, all tickets available online here
Twenty Valley Events
Yoga in the Vineyard
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the lawn practicing your best version of Moksha yoga. Your ticket includes one hour of yoga, followed by a glass of Westcott wine. Please bring your own mat, limited available for rental. This is a rain or shine event!
More information available here
Date: Thursdays 7 pm to 8 pm, June to September
Location: Westcott Vineyards
Cost: $25 + HST per person, purchase online here
Foreign Affair 10th Anniversary
The Appassimento Pioneer of Niagara, join the celebration with Foreign Affair Winery for their anniversary of 10 successful years. Tours will be conducted throughout the day explaining the story of this wineries humble beginnings. Tide & Vine will be serving up an array of delicious summer goodies on the pop up patio.
More information available here
Date: June 30 and July 1 at 11 am to 5 p.m.
Location: Foreign Affair Winery
Cost: Pre purchase wine and food tickets online here
Stargazing — Canada Day Repeat
One of my favourite hidden gems in Beamsville is hosting another Canada Day long weekend gazing up at the stars. Cover charge includes first glass of wine and take home commemorative govino glass. And if its a clear night both Jupiter and Saturn will be visible! Cheers to a celebration of 151 Canada eh!
More information available here http://foreignaffairwinery.com/news/events/
Dates: June 29, 30 and July 1 from 7 pm to 11 pm
Location: Calamus Estate Winery
Cost: $15 per person, please call 905-562-9303 to reserve your spot
Joy and Bubbles
Come celebrate Canada Day alongside Featherstones winemaker David Johnson (P.S. it’s his birthday too!). The only time both premium sparkling wines will be open for tastings, Cuvée Joy 2012 and Cuvée Joy Rosé 2014. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza while you’re visiting on the veranda, menu available here
More information available here
Dates: June 30 and July 1 at 11 am to 5 pm
Location: Featherstone Estate Winery
Cost: Free admission, wine and food available for purchase on site
Henry of Pelham’s 30th Anniversary
How else would you celebrate your 30th Anniversary, other than with great wine, great food and live music? This Canada Day, join the Speck family in celebration of their big milestone. Live music by LMT Music Connection, HoP wine and the best BBQ will all be served up on the estate. Families all invited, children tickets available.
More information available here
Date: July 1 from 3 pm to 7 pm
Location: Henry of Pelham
Cost: $30 per adult, $15 per child, tickets available for purchase online here
Muddy Paws Festival
What has four paws and can hold a glass of wine? You and your dog! Come join both Vineland Estate and Featherstone Estate Winery on a beautiful July weekend hiking the 20 minute Bruce Trail between properties. Well behaved leashed dogs are invited along to support the Bello Project . Food tokens and additional wine by the glass will be available for purchase at both properties.
More information available here
Date: July 7-8 from 12 pm to 5 pm
Location: Featherstone Estate Winery
Cost: $20 + HST, purchase online here
Niagara-On-The-Lake Events
Lobster and Rosé Canada Day
Red and White outfits are getting remixed this Canada Day. Stratus hosts this year’s celebrations with “Smoked and Cracked” serving up the freshest lobsters with Stratus’ limited edition Cabernet Franc Rosé. Wear pink, wear white, wear whatever won’t show your butter or wine stains.
More information available here
Date: July 1, 2018 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Location: Stratus Vineyards
Cost: $150 per person, reservations required 905.468.1806
Wine & Whisky Dinner
Just imagine, three perfectly crafted courses served amongst the barrels. Join the team at Wayne Gretzky’s to choose the best cocktail or wine paired with each course. Guests will vote after each course to crown the evenings winner, wine or whiskey which will it be?
More information available here
Date: July 27 at 6:30pm
Location: Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery & Distillery
Cost: $140 (+HST +gratuities) per person, purchase online here
Food Trucks & Popups
Kicking off this Saturday starts the summer of outdoor food and fun. Southbrook is hosting various food trucks every weekend, wine by the glass will be available for purchase. Come for the food and wine, stay for the goats and farm.
More information available here
Date: Every Saturday until September from 11:30 am to 5 pm
Location: Southbrook Vineyards
Cost: Free admission, food and wine available for purchase
Make And Takes
Monday’s don’t have to suck if you’re drinking wine and having fun with your friends. Small Talk Vineyards has teamed up with We Felt That for a night of wine, cider and aromatherapy bracelets. Make your own bracelet, included in your ticket price, and take home with you to enjoy with your favourite essential oils.
More information available here
Date: July 23 at 6:30 pm
Location: Small Talk Vineyards
Cost: $26.50 per person, purchase tickets online here
Food Truck Thursdays
Every Thursday from June until September, the new Lundy Manor Wine Cellars will be hosting local favourite food trucks to serve up some summer dishes. Enjoy a glass while you sit back and relax while someone else gets to do the cooking! Check on Lundy Manor’s social media to see which food trucks will be participating.
More information available here
Date: Every Thursday until September 12 pm to 6 pm
Location: Lundy Manor Wine Cellars
Cost: Free admission, wine and food available for purchase
Journey of Flavours
A little bit of Italy in the heart of Niagara. Two Sisters hosts the afternoon event filled with flavours, sounds and sips all taking you to coastal Italia. Salute! More details to follow.
More information available here
Date: August 5
Location: Two Sisters Vineyard
Cost: TBD, reservations required 905.468.0592.
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