25 Years in the County + Annual Volunteer Harvest
Here’s what an unplanted FIELD OF DREAMS looked like 25 years ago. Today, it’s 6 acres of 24-year-old Pinot Noir vines surrounded by another 35 acres of vines planted across our three properties. 25 years later who would believe these vineyards would grow wines that are now served in over 50 Michelin Star restaurants across Europe, Japan and the U.K. It has been an incredible journey and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Terroir and vineyard sites are similar to restaurant locations. The location’s potential is only as good as the people who manage it. While I had the vision, a huge part of our success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of my incredible employees who make it happen on a high level consistently. In subsequent emails I will be writing/filming a small, reflective bio on a cross section of key employees (builders, vineyard crew, winemakers, accountants, chefs, and many more) who had an instrumental part in making Norman Hardie Winery what it is today.
We have just released our first single-vineyard designated wines. While many wineries release single-vineyard bottlings from young vines, we have waited until the vines are at least 15 years old with mature root structures that honestly reflect the character of the soil and terroir. These special small-lot bottlings have been selling out quickly to *Michelin Star* restaurants across Europe, and are available right now for delivery to your door across Canada, via our online store. Canada’s top two wine critics, David Lawrason and John Szabo MS, have both tasted and well-reviewed these wines. Click here to read John Szabo MS’s reviews, and here to read David Lawrason’s
I'm a firm believer that ‘EATING LOCAL TASTES BETTER WHILE DRINKING LOCAL’. Order our wines online here for delivery right to your front door across Canada, or in the Vintages section at your local LCBO. Our Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays make the perfect pairings with Thanksgiving dinner.
On Sunday, October 18th we will be hosting our popular annual volunteer harvest event. Email Joey (joey@normanhardie.com) to secure your spots and to be signed up for further updates. See full details below!
Cheers from Prince Edward County ‘the greatest New World wine region in the world’,
Norm
VOLUNTEER COMMUNAL HARVEST – Sunday, October 18th
On Sunday, October 18th we will be hosting our annual volunteer harvest day. This is a family affair, and as always, children are very welcome; however, we advise against bringing dogs, as you will have a large vet bill 24 hours after your dog has consumed a few ounces of grapes!
We kindly suggest you to please bring your own picnic chairs/blankets to enjoy your well-deserved post-harvest lunch comfortably. We recommend layering and dressing appropriately for cool, crisp weather, with shoes suitable for outdoor, slightly muddy work. For those participating in grape picking, please come prepared with sunglasses/protective eyewear, comfortable farm shoes, a water bottle, and your energy & enthusiasm.
Harvesting will start at 10:30am, and we will serve the meal in the early afternoon. There will be meal options for vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians to enjoy. For others, we will still be roasting a 120 lb pig as is our tradition.
To confirm your spot in the communal harvest pick, please email Joey (joey@normanhardie.com) with your name, and the number of people who will be in your group. Please check your email prior to arriving. If it rains, we will need to cancel the harvest.
