Transfer to the charming bucolic town of Jordan by private vehicle. The distance is just over 100 km and takes approximately an hour and a half.
Upon arrival, check in to the Inn on the Twenty, housed in a former sugar warehouse. Afterwards, take a stroll along Jordan’s tree-lined Main Street, where you will discover a range of antique, craft and gift shops, the Jordan Historical Museum’s authentically restored pioneer settlement and an impressive array of 19th Century period homes.
This evening, walk across the street to Cave Spring Cellars, one of Niagara’s most mature vinifera vineyards (and the oldest functioning wine cellar in all of Ontario) for an unforgettable, private wine tasting experience. There are various options to choose from;
Strictly Riesling (45 minutes)
An introduction to how the winery's signature grape is grown - Riesling. Following a guided tour of the cellars, follow the path of the Riesling grape from its inception in the vineyards of the Niagara Escarpment to the finished wine in the bottle. Included will be a tasting of three Rieslings.
Looking Down a Barrel (45 minutes)
One of the great mysteries of the oenological universe is the effect of barrel aging on wine. Learn how Chardonnay and Cave Spring reds can be transformed by the use of oak.
Wine and Cheese Match-up (45 minutes)
Wine and cheese; sounds simple; but done just right, the match can be one of the most sublime and complex imaginable. Taste three cheeses - selected by Inn On the Twenty chef, Kevin Maniaci - with three Cave Spring wines and learn why some pairings harmonize, while others clash.
Cave Spring Uncorked (45 minutes)
An introduction to the basics of grape growing and wine making in the Niagara Peninsula, focusing on the unique climatic conditions of the Niagara Escarpment, and their imprint on our wines. Following a guided tour of the cellars, relax and enjoy a tasting of three Cave Spring wines.
Enjoy a gourmet, 3-course dinner this evening at On The Twenty, the restaurant which pioneered the concept of a regionally- focused and locally-sourced cuisine in Niagara. An example of the kind of cuisine is the signature Shorthills trout in Riesling-rhubarb butter, or partridge in hazelnut-chardonnay sauce.
Accommodation: Inn on the Twenty The Inn at the Twenty is part of Leonard Pennachetti’s Cave Spring Cellars winery in the village of Jordan, a 30-minute drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake. The twenty-nine luxurious suites have elegant 1920s mahogany headboards, whirlpool baths, and fireplaces. The Vintage House offers an historic alternative and houses a suite with fireplace and bath as well as two more modest rooms with tub/shower combinations and a shared den space. In the adjoining garden, a gazebo under a spreading sycamore tree makes a pleasant spot to unwind.