Around the Corner

The faux tree is back in the box, the new years glitz and failed resolutions are behind us (Don’t worry, we’re all in it together)! The Niagara Icewine Festival shone a brief golden ray of fun, but now what? Valentine’s Day is comin’ in hot to get us through what’s left of the bleak, grey Niagara winter!

Whether you’re looking to pull out all the stops and impress someone new, or chill out with your significant other, forget diamonds! Niagara wineries have got you covered! (For a much friendlier price tag!)

No matter what your style, we’ve got a wine to put you in the mood!

The Classic

For the foodies among us, nothing beats a classic romantic dinner for two in any one of Niagara’s amazing restaurants.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize why this is a Valentine’s Day tradition. Maybe you’re starting with something like oysters or calamari, think about asking your server to pour a Pinot Gris that packs a punch. A heftier white that balances lemon zest with a hint of crisp apple, it stands up to rich appetizers, no problem.

Pick up this one for $17.00

Beef tenderloin for the main course? You wont go wrong with Cabernet Franc. Quickly becoming a signature varietal in the Beamsville Bench and a favorite at the tasting bar, Cab Franc’s rustic notes of bell pepper, blackberry and vanilla is a sure bet.

For the Adventurous

Want to do something a little different? Maybe you’re your own Valentine this year and you deserve the best! Horseplay Niagara offers the chance to experience the local scenery on horseback all year round. Fresh air and new experiences are a proven aphrodesiac, after all. Check them out here.

Or, take in the beauty of local escarpment trails and learn a bit about biodiversity with Biophilic World Hiking Tours. Led by Owen Bjorgan, a charismatic outdoors enthusiast, you can make your way through some of the Beamsville Bench wineries, while being guided through the flora and fauna that makes us such a unique region. Check them out here.

Afterwards, pop in to one of shops along the Niagara wine route, and sample from the tasting bar before grabbing some snacks and dining in the snow.

The savory, salty and sweet components call out for something big. This fortified wine evokes strawberries and chocolate has a slightly higher alcohol content with keep the chill at bay. Pick up this one here.

Laid Back Lovers

Sweats, messy bun, cozy fireplace, the sweet sound of delivery at the door? I’m not blushing, you’re blushing.

So… what to pair? Depends on your toppings:
Syrah with meat lovers; The lower acidity wont compete with the tartness and sweetness of the tomato sauce. The tannins will gently cleanse the palette of the fats from pepperoni, sausage and bacon. Here’s our fave.

Loading your pie up with veggies? A VQA certified Sauvignon Blanc echoes the herbaceous and earthy vibes.

There’s a myriad of ways to celebrate love this month.