Page 68 - ESCARPMENT MAGAZINE | Winter 2013

68 Escarpment Magazine Winter 2013
Vine
FROZEN
onthe
ESCARPMENT EPICURE | frozen on the vine
When driving south on Grey Road 2 from Thornbury to Victoria Corners, one might notice the fields upon fields of grapes,
frozen on their vines. At first glance they may appear to be abandoned: forgotten fruit, somehow missed during the tradi-
tional wine harvest. In actuality, Georgian Hills Vineyards hasn’t neglected this crop: it holds a purpose specific to fruit
hearty enough to withstand a harsh Ontario winter. Winter wines! These frozen grapes from the initial small planting of
twelve acres can be left to harvest in late winter when the temperature is -8°C or colder.
Our winters are perfect for making sweet winter wines in the traditional ice wine method, and Georgian Hills Vineyards
"Frozen on the Vine" winter wines excel in our region due to the almost guaranteed freezing temperatures. In addition
Georgian Hills Vineyards also has two medal winning iced fruit wines naturally frozen, made from apple and pear, called
“Frozen to the Core”.
Vidal (grape) Frozen on the Vine - has flavours of honey, apricot, peach and pear balanced beautifully with fresh acidity
leading to a long, sweet and delicious finish. Ida Red (apple) Frozen to the Core — this delicious, sweet amber nectar has
intense apple flavours with warm hints of spice and honey — perfect with aged cheddar and apple pie! Bartlett (pear)
Frozen to the Core — this delicious, sweet elegant nectar packs luscious pear flavours with subtle hints of almond and marzi-
pan. Pair it beautifully with blue cheese or strawberries and white chocolate!
The Georgian Hills Vineyards tasting room and retail store are open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday from
noon until 5 p.m. Outdoor winter lovers are welcome to snowshoe around the vineyard trails and to stay to enjoy a wine
tasting by the fireside. What a delightful outing on a bright and frosty Escarpment afternoon! |E|
STORY | CARA WILLIAMS
PHOTOS | CLAY DOLAN