Sanson Estate Winery
Amherstberg, Ont., 519-726-9609; sansonestatewinery.com
Dennis Sanson's dream of a winery started in the middle of a nightmare. Sanson was nearly killed in a head-on crash 15 years ago. During his long, slow and painful recovery, the trained chef was determined to return to a normal life and began to visualize a future in food, wine and nature. Nearly 10 years after planting his first grapes, Sanson and his family run a new winery with growing production from seven acres of estate-grown hybrids, as well as from locally purchased vinifera grapes. They also operate a small hospitality centre for weddings and corporate events, and a market garden and vegetable stand. Sanson's 2002 Cabernet Franc and 2004 Chardonnay are quite good, but his 2003 Baco Noir Reserve scored a gold medal at the 2005 All Canadian Wine Championships, and his 2002 Bird Dog Red won the gold at the 2006 event.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard
Summerland, B.C., 250-494-8815; dirtylaundry.ca
The former Scherzinger Vineyard already had a reputation for having some of the oldest and tastiest European grapes in the valley. New owners Ron and Cher Watkins discovered an even older reputation dating back to the days of railroad building and the gold rush, when a Chinese immigrant fled the railways in 1890 and set up the first laundry. Soon after, the first and only bordello and gambling hall opened upstairs. Hence, the new name Dirty Laundry. The Watkinses are slowly improving and expanding the portfolio of the seven-acre vineyard, which also features a winery and retail shop. Current releases include three stunning Gewürztraminers -- Threadbare, Woo Woo and Madam's -- as well as a Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, all from $16, and a Pinot Noir priced at $24.
Read more in Food & Entertaining and Wine & Spirits
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