Whether you’re enjoying a city view from the privacy of your balcony or relaxing at your favourite restaurant with family and friends, nothing pairs better with a delicious evening meal than good company and fine wine. Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s wine country is Stonechurch Vineyards, home to some of Canada’s finest vintages.

The colourful story of Stonechurch Vineyards begins and revolves around the theme of change and evolution. The beautiful grounds themselves, spanning 70 acres, have been farmed for almost 60 years. Originally, the rich soil was home to such crops as asparagus and cucumbers, but in 1989 Stonechurch founders Lambert and Grace Hunse converted it into a vineyard. This successful family business has since been passed to their sons Rick, after their retirement, and now to Hank. 

Today, the talented Ray Cornell has stepped up as lead winemaker at Stonechurch. His selection of red, white and specialty ice wines ensure a delightful accompaniment to any meal. In addition, the vineyard boasts new equipment to heighten the quality of their superior product. The vineyard’s label has become so acclaimed, in fact, that Stonechurch now also produces fine wines for other wineries. 

Just as seasonal fruits and vegetables are best paired with certain herbs and flavours, there are wines that complement every dish. Stonechurch caters to every palate by ensuring that happy customers will have the perfect sip to follow each bite. Their Sauvignon Blanc, ideal when sipped alongside fresh, summer fare, marries “the best of Old World and New World styles.” A dry rosé wine that carries aromas of ripe melon goes well with light salads and salmon. Rosé wine is the answer for white wine lovers who aren’t keen on the richer, deeper reds. For the red wine connoisseur, Stonechurch offers their 2006 Merlot Reserve, which is suitable for grilled meats and may just be the best choice for an upscale barbeque. 

Wine novices need not be deterred by Stonechurch’s impressive selection. Any one of an assortment of Reislings is a surefire way to impress dinner guests with a foolproof pairing. With hints of tropical fruit flavours, and some with aromas of apricots and peaches, Reislings can be served with lighter food like salads with balsamic vinegar, as well as heavier pastas and sauces. 

For a decadent sip, Stonechurch offers their 2004 Vidal Icewine, a winner of five awards. Treat yourself to the lingering flavours of butterscotch, pineapple, dried apricots and peaches. Best served with berries or crème brulée, this is certainly a wine of indulgence.

If you still cannot decide which wine is best, a structured wine tasting at the vineyard itself may just be your ticket to help you to choose your new favourite wine. While you’re there, take a moment to admire the stunning scenery, then stop by the tasting bar and sample the end product of the lovely grapes you were just surrounded by. Once you’ve decided on a favourite, pick up a bottle — or two — as a delicious, memorable souvenir. 

Stonechurch offers more than just a superior bottle of wine, however. The vineyard also provides visitors with a glimpse at their wine cellars, as well as guided wagon tours around the property. Guests are also invited to take romantic, self-guided wanders through the rows of grapevines. 

Located right by Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stonechurch makes for the perfect place to take some time off, even for a day, and unwind amidst some green scenery — a sure contrast from the cityscapes most people encounter on a day-to-day basis. If you like what you see, you should stay a while. There are more than 170 accommodations to make it feel like a home away from home. While you’re in the area, you can also take in the other sights offered by the area surrounding Niagara-on-the-Lake. •

Stay updated on the latest offerings at Stonechurch Vineyards by becoming a member of their wine club. Join by going to stonechurch.com and follow the links. You can also become a fan of them on Facebook.