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'Wine down' in Ontario's wine country

Contributed by: News Canada

Even though the lush green vineyards of summer are gone, all the fun and excitement of wine country remains.

(NC) Even though the lush green vineyards of summer are gone, all the fun and excitement of wine country remains. Surrounded by snow-draped vineyards, inside waiting for you are the cozy tasting boutiques plus a hot lineup of winter culinary treats and events.

Now that the busy summer season is at an end and the crowds are gone, it is the perfect opportunity to unwind. This is the ideal time to show off your favourite winery to a friend, maybe meet a winemaker, find an extraordinary wine that's only available at the cellar door, or spend time getting to know the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake neighbourhood.

Along with so many distinctive wineries comes a long list of experiences to choose from, and many knowledgeable wine experts to get to know. The story told by brothers Greg and Yannick Wertsch, founders of Between the Lines Winery, will no doubt convince you that their unique and flagship varietal Lemberger is a perfect fit to our Ontario wine climate, while just down the road, Coyote's Run Winery veteran winemaker David Sheppard's passion and vision for classic varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is infectious and inspiring.

A stop at Ravine Vineyard should reveal owner Paul Harbor's commitment to local fare, a vision shared by celebrity chef Jason Parson at Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, and so many members of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake 'family'. The tale of this dedication and promise by Ontario winemakers to produce great wines from the surrounding lands is brought to life during visits to Château des Charmes with Madame Bosc, matriarch of the Bosc family, or perhaps at Reif Estate Winery where you may meet Klaus W. Reif and his Irish wolfhound, Bacchus.

For those who are looking to brush up on wine tasting tips, planning a girl's night out, or scheduling a romantic weekend for two, Niagara's wine country is a welcome getaway for just a day, for or an overnight stay, or for as much time as you need.