Put your wine glass away because in this episode, we won't be drinking wine, but we will be chatting Marilyn Bellows, owner of ebikethebench wine tours about the various ways to enjoy your day in wine country without having to drive your car. Marilyn and her team are based out of Vineland Estate Winery and offer a variety of different tours to suit your needs. You can take guided tours (with lunch included) to wineries or enjoy tours that include hiking, kayaking and much more. It's a great way experience the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, get some exercise and explore wineries. I've taken a tour and I can tell you from my own experience, it's a lot of fun and you will definitely work off those wine calories!

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded February 11, 2026

Show notes: www.ebikethebench.com

Wines sampled: none this time!!

In this episode, we make a return trip to Niagara Custom Crush Studios to visit with Tim Reed Manessy, the owner/marketing manager of Therianthropy Inc. Therianthropy means shape shifting, grapes + wild yeast = wine! They believe in low intervention when making wines, which means organically farmed site specific grapes, wild fermentations, no filtering and no flavour or colouring manipulation. They produce some very interesting and enjoyable wines, and the labels, designed by a Parisian artist, are truly works of art. You will definitely want to try these fantastic wines after listening to this episode!
Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded February 11, 2026
Show notes: www.theriantropy.wine
Wines sampled: 2021 Georgian Bay Riesling, 2024 Odix Musque Merlot, 2025 Passe Tout Grains Nouveau, 2021 Avabelle Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 The Negotiant Cabernet Franc

Peninsula Ridge opened their doors in August of 2000, making it one of the older wineries in the Niagara Bench area. Owner Norm Beal and head winemaker Sean Palmer shared some interesting facts about the history of the winery, which was originally settled in. The winery is also on the migration route for birds of prey. From April until the end of June, you can sit on the patio and watch the birds glide on the convection currents all around the vineyards. And of course, you will also enjoy some absolutely stellar wines at great prices. This winery definitely over delivers on quality and you will have a great time here.

Produced by Lukas Sluzar, recorded February 11, 2026

Show notes: www.peninsularidge.com

Wines sampled: Tiny Bubbles Sparkling, 2024 Cabernet Rose (Beal Vineyard), 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 Reserve Fume Blanc, 2019 McNally Vineyard Proprietors Reserve Pinot Noir, 2020 Arcanum (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah blend)