The Event: Media Preview of Dig Our Roots, from Niagara-on-the-Lake “where it all began” March 5/18

The Date and Time: Monday March 5 2018 2PM to 4PM, and 5PM to 7PM

The Event: Media Preview of Dig Our Roots, from Niagara-on-the-Lake "where it all began"

The Venue: Thoroughbred Food & Drink, 304 Richmond St. W,

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available at the winery in most cases, others at the LCBO.

The Quote/Background: This was an intimate, invite-only Dig Our Roots Media Launch with

limited capacity of about 8, moderated by Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner who emphasized the nature of cool climate wines. Flights of Niagara-on-the-Lake Appellation wines were presented by the winemakers or wineries. It was in two sessions, afternoon and early evening. But I was at the Brunello tasting and missed the first session of different wines and speakers. This was an Inaugural Celebration of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Appellation, held over April 6-8, 2018 weekend. An opportunity for wine lovers to explore the NOTL appellation through a terroir showcase, history and culture, while immersing themselves in unique winery experiences, unearthing what makes this place and wines special. The 22 wineries will be leading seminars, planting seedlings, sampling wines blind, and eating four course meals. Ticket prices and guest capacity for each experience will vary. The best place to go for details is www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/event/digourroots Sub-appellations to be covered include Four Mile Creek, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara River, and St. David's Bench.

 

The Wines: I tried most of the wines, but some of them did not jibe with the list I was given, especially the ones from the 2PM session. Participating wineries in my session included (with presenter): Between the Lines (Greg Wertsch), Hare Wine Co. (Andrea Kaiser), Lakeview Wine Co (Thomas Green), Reif Estate (Roberto DiDomenico), Riverview Cellars (Alyssa Bator), and Stratus. Each commented on the particular wine, with Bruce's take augmenting the panel's. Earlier, there were Chateau des Charmes, Coyote's Run, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Pillitteri, Pondview, Strewn and Trius.  I tasted a few of their wines too, later at the buffet.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Trius Wild Fermented Chardonnay 2015

-Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2014

-Hare Noble Cabernet Franc Appassimento 2013

-Reif Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon 2001  [my fave]

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Between the Lines Lemberger Reserve 2015

-Lakeview Cellars Viognier 2016

-Riverview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Unoaked 2016

-Stratus Tannat 2013

 

The Food: a huge buffet spread of food which included various pizzas and flatbreads with (individually) smoked salmon, hen of woods mushroom bechamel pizza, rapini and sausage pizza, sausage platter, quinoa and beets salad, cheese platter, and more – I had to leave before they stopped putting out the food!

The Downside: I had been nicely satiated at the Brunello tasting, so this was an add-on that I could enjoy.

The Upside: great food accompaniment to a wide range of wines, including a rare 2001.

The Contact Person: evermeer@jankelley.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com