We're on the road again, this time with our first visit to the Niagara on the Lake region to explore the wines at Palatine Hills with winemaker Vadim Chlekhov. Vadim's passion and appreciation for wine began at an early age. He tasted wine with is grandfather and then drew pictures of what he tasted. He's now an incredible wine maker who believes the winemaker is essentially a steward that guides the grapes through the fermentation process. In this episode, we focus on the entry level wines that are affordable, very flavourful and award winners. It's part of the process of demystifying wines, and you'll be amazed when you come visit and taste them.

Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded September 10, 2025

Show notes: www.palatinehillsestatewinery.com

Wines sampled: Happy Camper Cider, 2023 Ramblers The Chiller (unoaked Chardonnay), 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Oh Goody! Rose (Merlot/Riesling blend), 2023 Ramblers Schmoozer (Cabernet/Merlot blend)

We return to the Niagara Bench area for our next episode with a visit to 13th Street Winery. We took a little trip down Gamay Lane with President Doug Whitty and Executive Director of Program Development Corinne Witusik. It's our first episode where the focus was on wines from one grape varietal and it was a really fun and informative exploration into Gamay. A visit to 13th Street is an experience what combines wine with art, food, music and more. You'll hear about the history of the winery, their award winning Burger Blend wines, get some great tips on food and wine pairings, and even hear our latest t-shirt slogan – Make Wine, Not War! Plus there's even a little somethin' somethin' for the fashionistas to enjoy.

Produced by: Lukas Sluzar, recorded September 10, 2025

Show notes: www.13thstreetwinery.com

Wines sampled: 2023 Gamay Blanc de Noir, 2024 Gamay Vingras, 2023 Gamay Whitty Vineyard, 2024 Gamay, 2024 Gamay Sandstone

Our third and final stop in Norfolk County brought us to Inasphere Winery. Sales manager Kathie Gilchrist shared the origins of the winery name – the land is part of the Long Point Biosphere, so the winery is technically IN A SPHERE. How's that for clever!? Kathie shared the history of the winery, which began as a vegetable farm back in 1963. The land is reclaimed marshland with a dike built around it to allow for farming. Cabbage is grown on 50 to 65 acres of the farm, and grapes were first planted in 2008. Riesling is their claim to fame, and they've also got some fabulous reds. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy a watermelon mimosa in the summer, and apple cider mimosas in the fall. Plus you can also pick up some fresh produce (don't forget the cabbage!)

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025

Show notes: www.inaspherewines.ca

Wines sampled: 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Rose, 2022 Riesling, 2021 Spheres, 2022 Cabernet Blend, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon