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

On the second stop of our visit to Norfolk County wineries, we visited Burning Kiln and chatted with Marketing Coordinator Jaime Drayer. Jamie detailed the winery's beginnings as a tobacco farm. She explained the reason why the wines are named for tobacco based items, and it was a very cool history lesson and glimpse into the winery's past. In addition to fabulous wines, Burning Kiln also has a restaurant on site, and hosts a concert series in the summer. It's a beautiful setting rich in history with fabulous views and amazing wines. I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode and will be planning a visit soon.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025

Show notes: www.burningkilnwinery.ca

Wines sampled: 2024 Broken Needle Rose, 2023 Quitting Time Pinot Grigio, 2024 Horse & Boat Riesling, 2019 Kiln Hanger Cabernet Franc, 2023 After Party Syrah, 2022 Boss Cabernet Sauvignon

In July 2025, Lukas and Andrea made a trip to Norfolk County to visit three wineries on the shores of Lake Erie. The first stop was Front Road Cellars, a family run winery that is also a blueberry farm. Owner Amanda Vranckx shares the story of the evolution of the winery and shares some amazing wines with us. Amanda also talked about their partnership with Guelph university in planting hybrid varietals of grapes that will withstand colder temperatures. Of course, we also tasted some blueberry wine – which seems like a necessity when you have a winery AND a blueberry farm. The landscape at this winery is stunning and it's definitely a family friendly spot with great food and beautiful wines.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded July 16, 2025

Show notes: www.blueberryhill.ca

Wines sampled: Clink Clink (sparkling wine), 2024 Bright Side, 2023 Chardonnay, Blueberry Hill, 2023 Norfolk Pinot Noir, Kindred Red (Marquet/Cabernet Franc blend)

Owners and brothers Geoff and Anthony Hall named their winery in honor of their children – one brother has sons, the other has daughters so the name is pretty obvious! Along with their adviser Angelo and brother-in-law Dan Sherrington, we sat down for a chat about wine and the challenges of starting a brand new winery in an area far from the lake, higher in altitude and with a different soil composition than the Bench. During the tasting, we discussed the idea of doing pizza and wine pairings (YUM!) and found out more about the coffee they have on site as well. You'll love exploring their wines, walking the trails and enjoying the beautiful scenery when you visit.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025

Show notes: www.sonsanddaughterswinery.com

Wines sampled: 2022 Sparkling Riesling, 2022 Riesling, 2021 Rose, 2023 Delta White (40% skin fermented Riesling), 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Baco Noir

Yvonne Irvine is the assistant winemaker at Creekside and is also the winemaker and owner of her own virtual winery Maenad. Yvonne shares some insights in the positives and negatives of being a virtual winemaker – one positive being she has full control over every aspect of the wines and can be very creative. Her creativity shines in the very unique and innovative wines we tasted like Piquettes and Pet-Nats, as well as more traditional varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. It's our first episode with a virtual winemaker and after listening, I'm sure you'll be ready to arrange a visit and buy these amazing wines.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025

Show notes: www.maenadwines.com

Wines sampled: 2021 Piquette, Vidal Petnat fermented with peaches and sumac, Vidal Petnat fermented with Concord grapes and tarragon, 2021 Chardonnay Grimsby Hillside, 2021 Skin Fermented Chardonnay, 2024 Vignoier Grimsby Hill, 2023 Cabernet Franc Grimsby Hillside

Owners Bob and Marzia Murdoch really did a complete 180 in life when they quit their corporate jobs and bought a winery in Jordan. (hence the winery name – 180 Estate Winery.) The winery, formerly known as Di Profio was purchased by the Murdochs in 2021 and they set out to achieve their goal of getting people to come to the winery to enjoy themselves and relax. Since Marzia is Italian, they like to explore the Italian style of wine making like Appassimento and Ripasso, and we talk a bit about the process of making wine in that style. Per usual, we also discuss food pairings and taste some excellent wines. It's a short but sweet chat with two wonderful people!

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded June 4, 2025

Show notes: www.180wines.ca

Wines sampled: 2023 Sparkling Rose, 2024 Pinot Grigio, Living the Dream (blend), 2021 Gamay Noir Reserve, 2022 Bourbon Gamay, 2021 Ripasso, 2020 Meritage