Monday, July 27, 2009

wine route


On Saturday, my husband and I went for a drive in Niagara wine country , which is only about a half-hour from where we live.   This area has really come into its own in recent years, and now produces award-winning wines, known around the world.

 

The day was a rather soggy one, with intermittent rain showers (as per the weather we have been having of late).  We still enjoyed driving through the vineyards with their waving, symmetrical rows of grapes, so beautifully tended.

There were so many wineries, we didn't know which one to pick for a tasting, but we happened upon this lovely barn, which turned out to be part of the Hidden Bench winery in Beamsville.  I would love a barn like this.  So would my horses.



The moment we stepped out of the car, the heavens smiled, the sun came out,  and we were able to enjoy the winery's vineyards, and product (of course).



I love the simple architecture of the wineries, many of which are based on barns, with natural rough-hewn timber, and stone.

It was absolutely quiet there.  I'm sure that makes for superior grapes.  I know I do a lot better in a quiet environment.  You could almost hear them growing.



We brought some of the wine home to enjoy, but while it tasted quite lovely (and miles above the usual plonk I serve), it wasn't quite the same as sampling it at the winery, steps away from its terroir.


There, on the hidden bench of the Niagara escarpment, it tasted grand.  

5 comments:

Maria said...

beautiful day, beautiful post & ditto on the barn

Mary Olson said...

Funny how that works, the way the wine tastes so much better surrounding by winery ambience. Looks like a great way to spend the day.

LadyFi said...

Lovely post. And what a wonderful-looking barn.

Cheers!

Pony Girl said...

What a fun day! I've noticed that wineries always have the coolest buildings, too! I wish I could drink wine. I have to be really careful because it gives me headaches (migraines.) I love it, though!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Beautiful well kept winery..I love the vines:)