The Niagara Region is known for its world-renowned wineries and the diverse range of grape varieties that are grown here. From classic European varieties to newer hybrids, the Niagara Peninsula offers a wide variety of wines to suit every taste. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most common grape varieties that are grown in Niagara and what makes them special.
Chardonnay: This classic white grape variety is one of the most widely planted in Niagara. Chardonnay grapes are known for producing wines that are crisp and refreshing with flavors of apple, citrus and mineral. The cool climate of the Niagara Region is particularly well-suited to growing Chardonnay, producing wines that are well-balanced with good acidity and a long finish. Fun fact: Chardonnay grapes are also known as the "queen of white grapes", due to its versatility and popularity among wineries all over the world.
Riesling: Another white grape variety that is commonly grown in Niagara is Riesling. Riesling grapes are known for producing wines that are floral and fruity with a characteristic minerality. The Niagara Region's cool climate allows Riesling grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Fun fact: Riesling grapes are known for being very expressive of the terroir where they are grown, meaning that the wine will have a distinct taste depending on the soil and climatic conditions of the region....
Beer is as old as our oldest civilizations. The oldest beer dates back to the ancient Sumerians and old cultures such as the Vikings, Egyptians and the Chinese had a type of beer.
Lets get into "Who had the first Beers"?
Tim talks about how glass wine bottles came to be the norm. It's a combination of the amount of air in a glass blowers lungs European Regulations and the industrial revolution.
There's tons to explore in 750ml Glass bottles!
We don’t want to brag, but, when we plan your brewery tour, we don’t just pick any ol’ spot. Our local guides/beer gurus are always on the move, checking out new venues and beers and constantly relying on their extensive beer training and education to evolve our list of partners based on who they feel are making the best beers in Canada.
Well, last week, the inaugural Canada Beer Cup wrapped up and to no surprise, many of the national medal-winners are venues that we are great friends with and that we visit often.
Check them out…………………
Of the many perks when working for a libation tour company, one of my favorites is getting to try the newest beers in town. Having so many local partners that we work with, there is never a shortage of tasty and creative beers to sample. Even better is when two great breweries (Eighty-Eight and Born) get together to make a rare style of beer.
Everyone has heard of India Pale Ale, but have you heard of India Pale Lager?
When we see our friends and partners win Gold, Silver or Bronze at the Alberta Provincial Beer awards, it means we pretty much know our beers really well. Safe to say that we already knew they were winners because we visit over half of the Breweries on this list during our Calgary and Edmonton Brewery Tours!
Warning, reading this might make you thirsty.
Wine Tasting in Vancouver. Yeah that's right. We have your best venues all set and ready to roll.
You can stay in Vancouver or venture out for a bit of a day trip (On a tour or in a Uber).
Check out Garden of Granite, La Fabrique St-George or Country Vines!.. The list goes on.
5 of the best wineries you'll want to visit on your next wine tour to the Fraser Valley. Pack a lunch and lets head out to our favourite 5 and we have even included a few of our other favourites in the area to keep your entire Langley Wine tasting party happy.
Pointers to get ready for your next wine tasting event.
Here are 5 tips to help make sure your party goes off without a hitch.
Hey Calgary! There is a tasty new product released just in time for summer which appears to have finally arrived !
Founded in 2018 by business partners Faye Warrington and Marty Lastiwka Skunkworks began distilling their moonshine in 2019 with sugar beets from just down the street in Taber, Alberta. Moonshine, which is responsible for the creation of Nascar, is called Moonshine because it used to be made illegally at night and the moon would shine on the liquid, however, Skunkworks is 100% legal and their new canned Moonshine Mule is 100% delicious. It is a powerfully-gingery-spicy mule by design and the dominant tasting note would be the spice from the kilograms of fresh ginger infused in their own ginger simple syrup, along with an undertone of caramel …and of course lime.
Although the Moonshine Mule is not currently found on store shelves, it will be soon. In the meantime, you can always request a Canadian Craft Distillery tour to stop by and visit Faye and Marty at their distillery (SW Calgary near the Barley Belt), which houses a tasting room, and a jam/rehearsal/recording space for musicians.
