Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Huron Shores

As the Canadian wine Industry grows Canada's winemakers, Growers and owners are exploring new regions. The Great Lakes region of Ontario has always been an ideal place to grow the vines. The new Heron Shores region extends from the south end of Lake Huron north along its eastern side.

The Great Lakes were formed by Glaciers many thousands of years ago. The soils in the Great Lakes basin vary from sand to clay to rock, with a high concentration of limestone from an ancient seabed that was exposed over a long period of glacial activity. Limestone is the same basic soil type also shared by Burgundy and other regions of northern France. Some of the vineyards lie flat on former seabed areas, while others are perched on hills and benches that formed the ancient shoreline. The topography is ideal for water drainage (too much moisture can dilute flavours), and provides nutrients and minerality to the grapes.

 The Great lakes moderate cold winter temperatures and cool the vineyards during Ontario’s hot summers. The Great Lakes have shaped Ontario’s wine regions and play a major role in moderating the extremes of the region’s continental climate. During the winter the lakes do not freeze, their warmer water helping protect their shoreline vineyards against vine-destroying deep freezes. During the summer their cooler waters moderate heat extremes; 30ºC temperatures are not uncommn.

Huron County took the initiative to conduct a complete climatic & soil study on the development of a viticulture industry within the boundaries of Huron County (specifically Huron Ridge). The study looked at the geological formation of soils along the Huron Ridge. It was mainly glacial sediment, similar to the soil conditions found in grape growing regions such as Bourgogne, Alsace, & Loire Valley in France. Additionally, it was concluded in the report that Huron County met an adequate number of growing degree days to successfully grow quality wine grapes.

 

2nd Streetlight Estate Winery 36594 Huron Road Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0

Sahadev and Shannon Banerjee from Manitoba had a dream to open a winery. When opportunity present itself they moved from Winnipeg, to London in June of 2008 for complete medical residency at Western University.  Falling in love with the Huron County they searched and found property to start their winery. After three years of trying to find the right property, the perfect location presented itself: 45 acres with 3 buildings that could work as a home, storage and retail. The property was in desperate need of being cleared, as it had been left fallow for the past 30 years. Weeds, Sumac and large trees had taken over. After spending the first two summers fighting back nature, it was ready for planting. In 2016, 5 different variety of vines: Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Vidal, Chardonnay and Riesling were planted. In 2017 they started construction of the winery.

Alton Farms Estate Winery 5547 Aberarder Line Plympton-Wyoming ON, N0N 1J5

Marc and Anne Alton moved to Aberarder Line in Plympton-Wyoming with a goal of creating a vineyard and winery where we can make delicious wines and create a new wine region for Ontario. This region sits just below the south end of Lake Huron north of Lake Erie North Shore. Planting began in the spring of 2006 with fifteen different varieties. These include: Cabernet Sauvignon  and Chardonnay, as well as hybrid cold temperature varieties such as Frontenac  and Marechal Foch. They now have 6 acres of grape production; selling wines to the local market. They spent the first 7 years testing numerous grapes varieties to determine which would grow well, which would survive in this area using sustainable production methods, and then which of these grapes could be made into quality wines.  They also developed their own grape called Aberarder Signature wine: Aberarder White, produced from the Aberarder grape. Alton Farms Estate Winery believes in making a social impact with their business, and collects funds, helps to raise funds, and supports multiple local charities each year.” Plus we have 7 acres of grapes now, with our production focused on vinifera varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and our own hybrid Aberarder White. Winemaker: Marc and Anne Alton Philosophy. Alton Estate Winery will make small batch, high quality wine for the local Lambton County market using sustainable agricultural methods of grape production. Quality wine is made in the vineyard. Therefore our vineyard is to produce quality grapes that can be controlled in all aspects (spray residue, spray type, taste, Brix and acid levels).

Corner Field Wine co 74444 Bluewater Highway Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0

A family owned winery Adam Durand his wife Carrie and three children. The vineyards was planted in 2015 with the winery opening in 2019, The winery sits on the corner of a farm that's been part of the Bayfield area for over 175 years, and part of the Durand Family for nearly 40 years. With fertile, well-worked soil and a unique environment in which to grow, their winery focuses on traditional winemaking with a family-first approach.  The Huron County terroir is famous for it's rolling hills and valleys, and natural bodies of water, that create promote a bevy of wildlife, excellent drainage, natural irrigation and defense against damaging winds and harsh, winter conditions. Bayfield is located on the south east side of Lake Huron.

Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. P.O. Box 460 70665 B Line Grand Bend, ON NOM 1T0
Located in Huron County, Ontario’s newest wine region,the 31,000-sq.-ft. facility will house state-of-the-art winemaking technology, exceptional vineyards, patio, VIP reception area and a full-service meeting/banquet space. It’s scheduled to open June 2016. They have 20 acres. The winery is owned by The Rasenberg family, Sue Ann and John, and partners. Winery Consultant is Murray Watson Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc. could not have been conceived of or built, in any place but Huron County.  John Rasenberg combined his passion for farming, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the dark, rich, loamy soil of his beloved Huron County to build an agri-tourism destination winery that would engage and delight visitors from around the world. It was Sue Ann’s passion for wine and John’s love of Huron County and farming that propelled the birth of Dark Horse Estate Winery. Best Red Wine of the Year 2012 ACWC Red Meritage 2016

Maelstrom Winery 78925 Sanctuary Line , RR4, Clinton ON N0K 1W0 CA

Located on the north eastern shore of Lake Huron, Huron County, west of Toronto. A Maelstrom is a powerful tidal current or whirlpool. In literature, a Maelstrom is almost always used metaphorically to depict adversity and the hidden opportunities presented by that hardship. Maelstrom Winery took root in 2009, when the Landsborough family planted a test plot of vines to see if they would survive Huron County’s cold climate. To their delight, the vines not only survived – they thrived! So in 2010, they planted 2 more acres of vines. The Landsborough family roots are well established in Huron County, tracing back to the Scottish delegation which originally settled in the Eastern part of the County back in 1834. Catherine’s family was also drawn by the agricultural richness of the region and it would be her family farm that would become home to Maelström Winer The Landsborough clan leads the way as the first winery in Huron County. Winemaker: Philosophy: It's our mission to showcase what Huron County has to offer, and we do this by making unique and flavourful wines produced from Huron County grapes. Our artisanal and "hands-off" approach allows the richness of the terroir to come through in the wine.

Schatz Winery 72981 Bluewater Highway Zurich ON N0M 2T0

Innkeeper Frank Ihrig along with family members has turned to wine growing. The inn (Hessenland) with the new vineyard is located on the shores of Lake Huron between Grand Bend and Bayfield. Since the inaugural vine planting in 2015, Chef and Owner-Innkeeper turned viticulturist Frank, has lead a team of family, friends and community volunteers in tending to a family of grapes inclusive of Marquette, Petite Pearl, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Frontenac Gris, Siegerrebe (Victory Vine), Frontenac Blanc and La Crescent.

Shale Ridge Estates 9090 Widder Road, Thedford, ON, Canada

The 13-acre farm, winery and cidery, established in 2019 is located close to the south end of Lake Huron in the village of Thedford. Alicia and Garren Hardman are third generation farmers. Alicia discovered cider at a Fruit and vegetable convention that she was attending with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan back in 2013. That is when she fell in love with the concept of fermented farm fresh apples and grapes in a glass. She has always been a firm believer in drinking something good for you that tastes just as good too! Adding other fruits to the ciders has become her own way of expressing her love for creating new and beautiful things. Canada Cidery of the Year 2021"

Twin Pines Orchards, Cider House and Estate Winery  8169 Kennedy Line Thedford , Ontario

Twin Pines is a 50 acre property located in Lambton Shores, Bosanquet Township in the County of Lambton. It is set on the sandy loam beach ridge (known as Fox Soil) between the shores of the old Lake Burwell and a limestone dolomite ridge. The land is rich with naturally occurring aquafirs and is perfect for growing fruit.  Joe Vansteenkiste and his wife Alma came across the property in 1966. Even though the Vansteenkiste family has enjoyed over 47 wonderful years building the orchards and enhancing this beautiful property, it has only been 10 years since they have had the proud designation of "Estate Winery" A unique concept was born as both Mark and Mike Vansteenkiste, with the guidance of their father Joe, made plans to press and ferment specifically chosen varieties of hand-picked apples.  At Twin Pines, you will find various hard ciders, Hammerbent Original, Hammerbent Red, Scrumpy, and Perry as well as Crack Willow (dry white wine), Ice Cider and Cyser. Twin Pines is committed to taking care of the land that provides us with the food we eat. We realize that this pursuit is not just about growing good things to eat - it's about how to grow food in a better way; that is better for our health and for our earth. Twin Pines has reserved a portion of the farm that is completely grown without pesticides. Included in this pesticide-free area are vine crops such as pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, nectarines, peaches and assorted varieties of apples. The remainder of the orchard is designated as an IPM orchard (Integrated Pest Management). Mark and Mike have been trained and certified to scout for both good and bad insects in the orchards and gardens, and as a result they can determine when they must use sprays to protect the apples, but more importantly, they are able to determine when spraying is not necessary. We are proud to work hard at maintaining this approach and philosophy of farming. Winemaker: Mark and Mike Vansteenkiste

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