When thinking about wine country in Niagara, most minds immediately drift to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Yet, 40 minutes closer to Toronto sits the Beamsville Bench. Some of Ontario's best vineyards are making a splash here.
Just two kilometres from Lake Ontario, the bench is blessed with four seasons of ideal moderated climate. In the spring and fall, the proximity to the water and the protection of the Niagara Escarpment allow for an extended growing season. This gives the grapes a little more time to mature. European varietals like Gamay and Chardonnay do very well in this sub-appellation. There is focused acidity and high minerality in the wines born out of the stoney clay soil.
Thirty Bench
Thirty Bench offers award-winning wines and stunning views. This vineyard is no new kid on the block; they have been farming their land and heritage vines for over 40 years. Their "Small Lot" wines are often recognized among the top awards lists. They have several versions of Riesling, which are clear and bright with fruit undertones. Most come in just over 10% ABV and are off-dry, making these wines approachable and easy to pair with a variety of foods.
Rosewood Wines
This relatively new winery is making waves with their innovative, juicy and crushable wines. With names like Blau and Gewcci, Rosewood is bringing whimsy and fun to a product that is often seen as stuffy and inaccessible. Blau is 100% Blaufränkisch, a grape that traces its origins to Austria. It comes in under 10% ABV and is extremely drinkable. Gewcci is a bone-dry white Gewürztraminer that is wild fermented in neutral French oak, giving it a wonderful buttery finish. Rosewood is also a meadery, with the bees contributing to both their alcohol and honey products.
Cave Spring Vineyard
Cave Spring has multiple vineyards across the Niagara Peninsula, but their Beamsville Estate is a gem. The sleek glass tasting room with an upstairs loft means you can gaze out at the vines, no matter the weather. The estate Cabernet Franc has wonderful depth with flavours of black raspberry and cassis and undertones of white pepper, black cherry, clove and chocolate. It also pairs fantastically with their charcuterie plate that features a rotating selection of local and international meats and cheeses.
Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Hidden Bench's wines can be found in many of Toronto's top cafes and bottle shops for a reason. Driving into the winery, you can't help but ogle at the group of wooden structures that house their tasting room and winemaking operations. This certified organic estate winery is crafting some of the best terroir-driven bottles in the region. They do several versions of vibrant Riesling and golden Chardonnay, along with a focused series of Pinot Noirs that show notes of ripe black and red cherries, red currant and violet florals.
Kew Vineyards
The converted brick farmhouse tasting room at Kew Vineyards is the epitome of country chic. Sip on their uber-popular rosé sparkling wine or venture off the board and try the barrel-aged Gamay Noir. Gamay Noir originated in France but is perfectly suited to the climate and soil of the Beamsville Bench. Think ripe raspberry and darker plum with a fuller body than expected.
GO transit stops at Ontario Street and the QEW at the south end of Beamsville. If you are feeling adventurous, bring your bicycle or simply catch a ride share or taxi from the bus stop to your destination. Beamsville is about an hour drive from downtown Toronto without traffic.
