As the map shows, the Niagara Peninsula is bounded by Lake Ontario to the North, the Niagara River to the East, and Lake Erie to the South.  It's roughly 50 km West to East and 27 km North to South.  This amazing region boasts two Great Lakes, the Niagara Escarpment (a 300 ft. to 500 ft. high cliff that runs the length of the peninsula), the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, orchards and wineries.

  The larger wineries like Jackson-Triggs, Peller Estates, and Chateau Des Charmes are certainly impressive.  This tour covers three of the smaller ones, each with truly superb wines and character.

Lailey Vineyard, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario

  Start your day at Lailey Vineyard. Co-proprietors David & Donna Lailey, daughter Tonya and her husband, and Derek and Judith Barnett are each involved in their own area of expertise.  Derek is the winemaker.  The winery's first vintage was 2000.  In 2002 the winery store opened and the world began to discover the fruit of the Lailey's and Derek's passion!  Derek makes wines of finesse and sophistication.

Lailey Vineyard's New Wine Cellar

Some vines in the 23 acre vineyard are 35 years old.  I asked Derek about his winemaking style.  He aims to produce wines that show the terroir of Niagara, wines that are food-friendly, and that are not too expensive.   The Lailey Vineyard team works to educate about the vineyard, grape varietals, grape growing and the winemaking process. They want people to feel comfortable with wine, not intimidated. Their principal varietals are chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet franc. They've been successful in building a clientele that buy wine by the case (mostly visitors to the winery and licensed Ontario restaurants).   This winery's goal is to get better, not bigger.  They are clearly building a winery that produces the highest quality Ontario wines possible.

Flat Rock Cellars, Jordan, Ontario

  At Flat Rock, "it's about the experience" says Ed Madronich Jr.  "It's about fun, being welcoming, unpretentious and approachable.  Our goal is to make the absolutely best possible wines," he continued.

That's why we like Niagara wine country.  These people are passionate, hard-working and fun. They aim to produce the best wines in the world. And they are closer all the time.

Flat Rock makes wine only from their own grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling and gewürztraminer. They feel that these varietals are the ones that grow best in Niagara.  "Making wine from these grapes allows you to make better winemaking decisions; there's no compromise for the varietal," says Ed. They farm and harvest a low yield (about 1 to 1.5 tons per acre).  They match root development with the fruit, gently handle the fruit, hand pick and hand sort. All of these add to the quality of the finished product.

  The winery is situated on 98 acres (80 acres planted to vine). They use small, open top fermentation tanks which allows hand-plunging.  The winery utilizes a five level gravity-fed process. Be sure to take the winery tour - it's well worth it.  Marleze Beyers, formerly of Flagstone winery in South Africa, is the head winemaker.  Using global best practices, they are able to produce quality wines within an environmentally friendly facility. Geothermal, bio-filtration, etc. The winery owners and staff constantly ask themselves, "what's the best way to do this" before they begin to implement a process or technique.  Be sure to spend some quality time here, relax and enjoy the setting.

You may wish to utilize the winery facilities for a special event.  You'll find a very attractive meeting area upstairs from the shop. My recollection is that it will accommodate 20 to 30 people depending on seating arrangements.

De Sousa Wines, Beamsville, Ontario

The De Sousa family's background is steeped in winemaking tradition from Portugal. The family, which by then had lived for years in Toronto, opened the Niagara winery in 1990.  It is situated on 98 acres. 88 acres are planted to vine.  This winery is a pleasant place to visit. It is small and welcoming. It's spectacular location at the top of the Niagara Escarpment and wonderful blend of European and Niagara ambience make it the perfect winery experience. The ample outdoor amenities: the patio and the picnic tables in the orchard provide for a relaxing escape from the rest of the world. Consider this winery a super outdoor location for a large or small event as well.  The weather will be best from mid May to late September.

John De Sousa (Jr.) presides over the vineyard operations, the overall business and he makes their famous Port.  Since 2001, winemaker Andre Lipinski has worked his mastery in making all other wines (table wines, reserves, and icewine).  He is one of the most talented winemakers we have ever come across. His wines are amazing - each wine a masterpiece.

The Dois Amigos Foch Baco red wine blend (click here to see new label, coming October 2006)  is available in LCBO stores across Ontario.  Note: there will also be a special Vintages promotion of four new De Sousa premium wines beginning the second week of October 2006.  Their Riesling 2005, Merlot Reserve 2003, Chardonnay Reserve 2004, and Cabernet Franc 2004 will be in selected Vintages locations across Ontario.  Additional wines are available only from the wine shop or directly from this website (see bottom of page).

As assistant winemaker at Vineland Estates winery, Andre's 1998 Reserve Chardonnay won the coveted Vinitaly Gold Medal. This recognition from one of the top international competitions attest to his skill and talent. When he decided to forge out on his own, he chose De Sousa Wines as his winery home. Andre gently coaxes the flavours and character from the grapes as he vinifies the wine. You can certainly learn how to be a winemaker but some people are born with an inner ability and understanding. This is Andre. But he adds to this foundation by constantly learning and observing the best of his peers. He recently returned from another trip to France. While there, he met with Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alcase wine producers to share knowledge and continue the growth process of master winemaker.

Be sure to sample any of the following wines at De Sousa: Riesling Semi-Dry 2004 or 2005 (crisp, fresh and balance between the acidity and residual sweetness). Any of the Chardonnays (balance and finesse). Marechal Foch or Baco Noir (easy drinking and affordable reds). Any of the reserve reds. You will be amazed at the Bordeaux-like quality of the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage. The Pinot Noir is also superb. The icewines and the Port. To complete wine list and order page (General Public) To trade wine list and order page (Licensed restaurants & distributors) If you have time, ask the staff if you can take a stroll through the vineyard. The Bruce Trail atop the Escarpment is just steps away, so if you're in the zone for a hiking experience, you can embark from the winery.  Cheers!   - Publisher, WineAndLeisure.com