Vineland Estates

A favourite on the Twenty Valley to-do list, Vineland Estates never disappoints when it comes to passport pairing season. This year the winery decided to feature their Sparkling Brut with a twist! Inside the glass was a Wild Hibiscus Flower in Syrup (something so divine, that I had to bring home a jar to share with friends and family over the holidays). The flower opened up in the glass and turned a simple glass of wine into a showpiece. The flavour of the flower added a sweet touch to the dry sparkling wine, making it a complete win all around! This was paired with a goat cheese mixed with blueberries in peach liqueur. Needless to say, this was a delicious stop on our journey! If you think that there couldn’t possibly be more… you’d be wrong. They were showing off the versatility of their pairing and wines, and we were (literally) eating it up! Next they poured us each a taste of the 2007 Vidal Late Harvest, another excellent pairing with the goat cheese mixture! This is a must-see if you’re planning a day in the Twenty Valley.

Sue-Ann Staff Winery

This winery is all kinds of exceptional. The space is a farmhouse built in the 1800’s, and the house is home to the winemaker and winery namesake, Sue-Ann Staff. On the roster for our day of tasting was the 2011 Loved by Lu Riesling. This semi-dry Riesling was round and full on the palate with zippy acidity and an exciting splash of tree fruit. Yum! To pair was a grilled cheese sandwich – but not just any grilled cheese sandwich! This was an innovative blend of melted cheese and roasted red peppers between sinfully buttered bread that had been grilled and topped with a zesty peach chutney. Absolutely perfect!

Tickets for the Wrapped Up in the Valley event can be purchased through the Twenty Valley Tourism Association www.20valley.ca.

Passports are $40 each and give you a tasting experience at each of the Twenty Valley Wineries, a box of Provisions shortbread and the opportunity to participate in a workshop at The Watering Can in Vineland! If you are the Designated Driver, you pay $30 for your passport and enjoy mocktails by Cherry Lane at each location.

Click here if you missed Part 1!