What a magnificent Harvest 2021 has been in the County. All our grapes are picked except for Cabernet Franc. A huge thank you to the 150-odd volunteer crew who came out on Thanksgiving Sunday to help pick Chardonnay. It’s now the annual race against time to lay down over 300,000 canes so we can bury them with soil to protect from harsh winter temperatures. Without our very talented vineyard crew from Thailand this simply would not be possible. Since 2004 we have helped raise over a half a million dollars for numerous charities. This year in addition to donating to numerous charities, we have also chosen to help raise funds for cancer through an online silent auction. 100% of the funds will go to the Terry Fox Foundation in honour of John Bil. John was not only Canada’s seafood authority, but an integral part of our culture here at the winery. Our new oyster bar is named after him, and annually in his honour we make an amazing seafood-based wine called the John Bil Cuvée.
We are offering a private vineyard tour and tasting experience for 8 people, with a multi-course meal cooked and hosted by Norm himself. The vineyard tour with Norm will provide a guided explanation of the County’s wine growing history and potential and will include barrel tasting in the cellars of the winery. Norm will also pair current and older vintages from his private library with each course. To vicariously enjoy this experience, click here to watch a short video. Click here and BID HIGH to experience it in person.
The last pizzas of the season will be cooked on Sunday, November 7th. I cannot thank Erica and the whole hospitality team enough for their hard-work and unwavering dedication to customer service. On November 8th we will move to our winter food program, which can be enjoyed outdoors next to roaring fires as well as indoors at our live-edge bar seating between the tanks. Our simple and delicious winter food program includes freshly baked piping-hot individual lasagnas (meat, vegetarian and vegan available), cold-smoked trout made right here on the John Bil smoker, warm toasted sourdough bread from Dave Mattachioni, and delicious freshly shucked PEI oysters. All our wines will also be available by the glass, keeping with our theme that local food tastes better while drinking local wines. Our tasting bar and winter food program will be available daily until 6pm.
We are approaching the holiday season which often includes both personal and corporate giving. We’d love to help you with this difficult and onerous task. No one has ever been upset receiving the gift of wine. If you can’t make it to the County, we’re happy to deliver from our cellar to your front door via our online shop. We ship across Canada including Quebec, with mixed bottle cases welcome. Free shipping on any Ontario orders $90 or more, and free shipping for the rest of Canada on orders $200 or more. Cheers, Norm and the Norman Hardie Winery Team