I was driving down a country road when I spotted a stylish modern building. More to the point, it was a large, long purple-blue wall running into the centre of a field. Was it a space station, an art gallery or what? Then I followed the driveway into a nicely landscaped parking lot. Water was running next to the wall. I took the foot bridge and approached what looked like an entrance –- all glass, of course.
Wow! Who would have thought? I was in a winery. At least I thought I was, because there were wooden barrels, hundreds of bottles and vineyards off in the distance. It was a lot like one of those snazzy duty free shops that has you drooling over each item. Then I noticed people
on a patio having pizza...which seemed to be coming from a tiny hole in the coloured wall. A pizza oven in a wall – very cool! I ordered a pizza and a glass of Syrah – both were excellent. I was in heaven.
So where is this wonderful place? No, not in Italy – it’s the new Niagara-on-the-Lake location of Southbrook Winery (formerly in Richmond Hill). The jazzy, James Bond design is by Jack Diamond (Toronto's Opera House), and winemaking is by one of Canada’s best, Ann Sperling.
The vineyards are organic and biodynamic and it would appear that all the other green considerations known to man have been adopted in the project.
And they serve pizza! Get the message? Wine is for fun. It’s no longer about dark rooms, old men and gothic wine-speak. Visit Southbrook and get with it. Or at least try my red selection available at the LCBO. It’s a rustic drink for everyday times and foods. As suggested on the
label, “good with friends”.
Up the road from Southbrook you’ll find other wonderful modern statements at Stratus and Jackson-Triggs wineries. Even Inniskillin has revamped their barn and laid out a piazza. Niagara wine has entered the modern era. Quality wines in beautiful settings – and better care of the land. Take a trip to Niagara and check them out.
Southbrook 06 Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah, Niagara 45609 $14.95
P.S. For more news on what’s happening in Niagara, sign up for my free e-letter at www.billysbestbottles.com. It will be sent by mid-August.
Last Saturday (August 2nd) at LCBO Vintages: South African reds are the stars of this release. Nederburg is a great example of what a large scale winery can do when they try. I highly recommend these two super-rich, flavourful, and great value, reds.
NEDERBURG 06 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Manor House', South Africa (68767 $16.95)
A big, broad-shouldered, manly Cab. Lots of gusto, too. Great a few of these for winter nights, this year or the next. Great value.
NEDERBURG 06 Shiraz 'Manor House', South Africa (68775 $16.95)
A wonderful rich, earthy, spicy Shiraz. An amazing show for the price. Needs hearty food.
