Supporting Your Local Winemaker

Posted by Mary Luz Mejia Jan 27, 2009

It's that time of year when every magazine, blog and food site publishes the Top 2009 Trends as they foresee them. Bon Appetit published their top 50 "Ways to Eat Green" (or green eating trends) in their February '09 issue and in it, "Support Your Local Winemaker" was a noteworthy sidebar. They suggest, "With wineries in every state of the union, a local winemaker is never far away. You're already familiar with the major growing regions of Washington, California, and Oregeon but some of the wines produced in other parts of the country are worth checking out."

I couldn't agree more. And if you're in Canada, that list can extend to the Niagara Region in Ontario, along with the province's Prince Edward Country, the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, and the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia to name but a few. This past weekend, I had the good fortune of partaking in one full, wine-filled day in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake for the region's Niagara Icewine Festival. It's always amazing to me just how many small producers there are who are making hand-crafed wines with integrity, the old school way.

Along the way, I got to sample icewines from large and smaller producers and enjoy a five course Winemaker's Dinner where I discovered a few new hits in the wine list including the 2007 Viognier from Fielding Estate Winery and Palatine Hills 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine. If you haven't tried them- do. You will not be disappointed. For me and my cherished dinner companion, it was like unearthing a gem when you least expect it! So do your part and support your local winemaker- they'll thank you and so will the local economy! And that's good news for everyone! (finally!).