I’ve blogged a few times about my visits to Niagara to sample some of Ontario’s best wines. Niagara is a great day trip or weekend getaway for those in Southwestern Ontario and I always feel lucky to have such a great area so closeby. I was recently invited by the LCBO to come out to Niagara with the challenge of finding my favourite local wine as part of their goLocal campaign. Sign me up!
For my out-of-Province readers and international readers, the LCBO is the Liquor Control Board of Ontario which is a provincial government enterprise. Basically if you want to buy alcohol in Ontario you for the most part have to get it at the LCBO (aka the government) or something like a Beer Store, Wine Rack or direct from a vineyard. Trust me when I say I miss the days of grabbing a beer from the bodega in NYC or picking up wine or other alcohol from the supermarket in other states.
This was not my usual jaunt out to Niagara. This jaunt started with a private VIA Rail train to get us out of the city. Who knew that you could commandeer a VIA Rail train for your own usage? I suppose that’s what happens when you’re the LCBO. It was pretty sweet and we were even treated to meal service. During our ride we were given cards that separated us into groups that would be whisked away for two different wine experiences.
Our first stop was over to Coyote’s Run to sample some “Crisp & Zesty” wines. The wines featured included selections from Coyote’s Run, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery and Vincor. We tried Pinots (gris, blanc, and noir), a few Sauvignon Blancs and a Chardonnay. My favourites from this tasting were the Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95, Vintages #79228) and the Jackson Triggs 2010 Black Series Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95, 58438).
Then we were whisked off to a surprise lunch. We pulled up to Creekside Estate Winery where we were greeted to the sight of food trucks! The very popular El Gastronomo Vagabundo and Gorilla Cheese trucks were on hand to help soak up the alcohol feed us. I hadn’t had the opportunity to give these trucks a try so I was beyond excited.
From El Gastronomo I had the fish taco with local corn salsa, Bajan hot sauce and sour cream. HOLY MOLY. This was really great. I’m a fan of fish tacos (as evidenced here) so I love to give them a try when available. I also had the steamed buns which are inspired by the ones served at Momofuku. The buns feature pork belly, chili jam, cucumber and coriander. These were just okay. I remember when I had the ones from Momofuku I was filled with so much joy, I just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies from these ones. They weren’t bad but they kind of fell short of my memory of the Momofuku version.
From Gorilla Cheese I had “The Lumberjack” which consisted of aged cheddar and bacon. Grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when they feature bacon are one of my favourite foods and this was a good sandwich! The folks at Creekside were also pouring a variety of wines and I was able to reconnect with the lovely Laura’s Red. After lunch we were divided into two new groups and whisked off to our final destination.
I had the chance to visit a winery whose wines I enjoy but haven’t visited before, Malivoire. Here we tried wines from Malivoire, Strewn Winery and Cave Springs. My favourites were the Strewn Two Vines Riesling Gewurztraminer Semi Dry ($11.95, 467662) which also happens to be a great value. I was also a fan of Malivoire 2009 Chardonay ($19.95, Vintages 573147).
Thanks to the LCBO and to Suresh and Trina for such a fabulous day in wine country!
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Wait, where was I when this was happening???? 😉 This looks like the ULTIMATE way to enjoy wine country – I love travelling by train, it’s my favourite means of transport! And food trucks? What could be more perfect accompaniment to local wine?
This looks like such a good day. Those food trucks look excellent.
I have to tell you a few years ago I when I vacationed in Toronto I was so surprised that LCBO liquor stores were government run. I would hate to lose my beer runs to my bodega all the same..LOL
I so miss bodega beer runs