It appears the weather "gods" have come through again, said Kimberly Hundertmark, the festival's executive director. "Although the spring was long and wet, the summer provided the vineyards with the sunlight and temperatures to produce another great vintage."
From now through Sept. 25, check out activities at St. Catharine's Montebello Park and explore Niagara's Wine Route for wine and food tastings at more than 35 wineries.
MONTEBELLO PAR K
There are more than 100 events including live entertainment, the Grande Parade (Sept. 24) with an "outstanding procession of marching bands, drum corps, community groups, majorettes, floats and amazing performances," and the Grapeland Kids Zone.
VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines can be savoured by the sample, glass or bottle while local chefs cook up regional bites costing one or two tokens ($3.25 each). Free entertainment features Canadian talent and local favourites.
The Grapeland Kids Zone has paddle boats, Disney cars, "mountain" climbing, mini-golf, jousting, a toddler area and a new "tween" area. A pay once price pass is available.
WINE ROUTE
Weekend winery experiences run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A $30 Niagara Wine Festival Discovery Pass is good for six events to toast the fall harvest.
Activities include: Sauvignon Blanc Sensation at Chateau des Charmes, Trius Burger Bar at Hillebrand Winery, and Parsons' Chardonnay Roasted Chicken at Peller Estates, all in Niagara-on-the-Lake; Smoked Duck and Pinot at Coyote's Run in St. David's; and Big Brawny Reds and Barrel Cellar Food at Creekside Estate in Jordan.
Score with Estate Series Portfolio Tastings at the Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery and Sparkling Wines at Vineland Estates, both in Vineland, and Do You Fondue at Magnotta Winery in Beamsville. There's Poutine on the Patio at Pillitteri Estates Winery; Claw, Cob, Chard at Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate Winery; and Fine Wine Meets Street Food at Inniskillin Wines, all in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Contact niagarawinefestival.com and 905-688-0212.
NOTABLE NOSHES
-- Good sipping and tasting are on the menu at the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival this weekend.
Montreal chef Chuck Hughes, of the Food Network, starts the soiree with at a cocktail party Sept. 23 at the Stone Maiden Inn.
There will be a Southern-style "Ribs in the (Market) Square" barbecue with London's Boss Hogs and a BBQ, Blue and Brews party, both on Sept. 24.
Connie DeSousa, a Top Chef Canada TV finalist, hosts breakfast at the Stratford Country Club while the Savour Stratford Tasting "ultimate garden party" with food, wine and beer tastings are both on Sept. 25. Contact savourstratford.com or 1-800-561-7926.
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
