David Hulley
On Wine

New venues and vintages

Everything old is new again. Inniskillin, the granddaddy of the Ontario cottage wine industry has significantly improved its hospitality at the winery and they are extending an invitation to the world. Did I say “world”? Inniskillin is truly a global brand and an Ontario success story in which we should take pride. In addition they are thrilled to welcome back the many old and yet-to-be Ontario friends that have helped bring them to this place of prominence. Pardon the pun, but Inniskillin is clearly proud of its roots and it is now set to display them in style.

If you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting Inniskillin Winery, you will not be disappointed with your next visit, as the best of the past has been preserved. Now you may be a little disoriented at first as a new visitor parking lot amongst the vines has been created in front of the winery as opposed to the historical back. Following you will notice a new central piazza. This stunning space unites all of the most important public places including the historic wine shop barn, founder’s hall, barrel cellar, crush pad and vineyards.

The most dramatic improvement is the upgraded wine shop that is still housed in the historic barn. Keeping the integrity of the venerable building they have added a modern entrance that is a little reminiscent of the new ROM entrance. Inside the transformation is remarkable. The space has been completely modernized for the convenience and comfort of the customer. Strategically located and specialized tasting bars allow visitors to focus on their sampling or do a survey of the latest releases. The barn loft floor has also been removed to create an airy openness and grand floor to ceiling views. If you’ve tread that loft floor at a special function in the past you’re now part of a group that can say that you’ve dined, danced and drank in a space that can be seen, but is no more.

As part of the Inniskillin unveiling, their sister company Jackson Triggs wanted to showcase “new” as well. At their winery location on Highway 55 they presented an eight wine, 2007-barrel sample preview along with a gourmet lunch. The food was great but the wines were stunning. Keith Bown, Vice President Winemaking for Vincor, the parent company for Inniskillin and Jackson Triggs, is a respected veteran of international winemaking and he stated, “the wines I have tasted from our properties for the 2007 vintage in Niagara are some of the very best I’ve enjoyedanywhere…bar none.” Bown’s excitement is not unfounded as each of the 2007 samples that we tasted was balanced, concentrated and incredibly long in flavour. Keep an eye out for the Ontario 2007s when they are released.

The original cottage winery has been reborn and the winery “babies” of 2007 are about to be released. Can you think of a better time to hop in the car for the short trip to Niagara?