During these times of lockdowns, social distancing and staying six feet away from other people we are in search of ways to socialize while remaining safe and responsible. A great way to accomplish this is to spend time at a beautiful Niagara winery like Calamus Estate Winery.
My afternoon lazing in the vineyard, sipping Calamus wine between bites of their yummy charcuterie while catching up with a good friend was an unhurried, peaceful experience. And one that was much needed to satiate both palate and spirit.
The Estate Winery
Set in the beautiful town of Jordan, Ontario in the Niagara appellation, Calamus Estate Winery offers 32 acres of vineyards split between Beamsville and the estate property in Jordan. The lushness of the winery property is amplified by its location right next to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
There are plenty of walking trails and you can walk around the vineyard with freedom, basking in the beauty of nature. There is a special energy on this part of the Niagara Escarpment that invites you to lounge and relax. And that also comes from the owner who treats guests like family coming for a visit. We felt very welcome and spent several hours lounging and exploring the area.
The property is expansive with plenty of seating areas around the vineyard lawns, on the multi-level deck overlooking the property, and among the huge wooden tables set under the protection of the historic circa 1800 barn, which is a beautiful sight to see. A perfect place for vineyard weddings, giving the bride assurance of a beautiful event whether rain or shine.
The Wines
Calamus produces Reds, Whites, Rose’s and even a bubbly. Grapes are grown in the sub-appellation of Lincoln Lakeshore which gives these grapes a unique micro-climate and soil composition. This sub-appellation once being a lakebed eons ago, means the grapes that grow in this terroir offer unique flavour profiles which you will find at Calamus.
I am a full-bodied red fan, so I will tell you about the Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. Both satisfy immensely.
The Calamus Estate Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, medium dry red with beautiful aromas of dark berries and pepper. As the label states, the tannins are well integrated and have a soft spice flavour profile with vanilla on the finish.
It was an easy drinker and paired well with the charcuterie box of cheeses and meats on mini toasted baguette slices. A lazy afternoon with this easy drinking wine in the Calamus vineyard is an experience not to be missed.
The 2017 Calamus Estate Winery Cabernet Franc was enjoyed at home days later and is a rich deep ruby red reminiscent of my grandmother’s garnet earrings. The wine is beautifully polished and glistens in the glass. It is a medium-bodied dry red with aromas of ripe blackberry and oak. This Cabernet Franc offers an extra dark chocolatey flavour profile that adds complexity with a hint of limestone and cherry pie. The tannins are perfect on the palate offering a long, smooth finish. Definitely one of my favourite Niagara Cabernet Francs. Writing this is making my mouth water for more.
The Details
| Address: 3100 Glen Road, Jordan Ontario (see map below) | |
| Established: 1999 | |
| Owners: Peter and Rosalee Van-Helsdingen | |
| Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Gewurtraminer, Chardonnay, Reisling | |
| Estate: 32 acres in the sub-appellation of Lincoln Lakeshore | |
| Winemaker: Kevin Panagapka | |
| Price Point: $17 to $50 |
If you’re wondering what that dome is, it’s actually an observatory. I know right, at a winery? Wow! And Calamus offers nights of stargazing that include dinner and telescopes in the vineyard. Find the link for that below.
Imagine a fun celebration build around astronomy as the theme.
You can rent bicycles, roll through into the winery and spend the day with friends sipping wine, eating pizza, and enjoying the beauty of this special place in Niagara.
And you can go at night for stargazing and dinner to enjoy Calamus Estate Winery in a completely different light (literally), wining and dining with the stars.
Either way, you’ll be thrilled you did. Connect with me on Instagram and let me know when you go. I’d love to hear all about your experience at Calamus Estate Winery.
The Calamus Website: https://www.calamuswines.com/
Shop their Wines: https://www.calamuswines.com/store/browse/reds
For their Stargazing Events: https://www.calamuswines.com/events/
Life with Alegria 