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Article by Tas Fraser (@girlwithaciderreview)
As the weather starts to get hot all of us in Ontario are wondering…what are we able to do!? Restrictions are slowly lifting, but looks like it will be a slow go. In the meantime while we are waiting, I wanted to share a fun event available for those located in Ontario that are lovers of both cider & wine! In one of my previous articles I was able to introduce you to Chill Street Craft Beverage Co. from Elmsdale, NS. They are the masters of wine-cider blends and are continuously coming up with new and creative flavours. They recently started releasing products from their new “craft cocktail” line, the first being the Blue Lagoon which is a combination of lemonade, blue curacao and vodka. The rest of the wild flavours are available for purchase on their website. That is what is new with Chill Street regarding products…but they’re also making their way into the Ontario market which is definitely something to celebrate!
This summer their Afternoon Delight (Peach Riesling Wine-Cider Blend) will be making its debut at the LCBO. This flavour is one of their most popular (who doesn’t like a good peach!) but it also has roots right here in Ontario. What do I mean you ask? The wine they blend in with their cider is actually sourced from King’s Court Estate Winery, in St. Catherines, ON and is part of the Niagara region.
Kings Court Estate: At the Royal Table
King’s Court Estate Winery is a family owned and operated winery that cultivates 60 acres of grapes! They make numerous varieties including: Riesling (the wine of the hour), Baco Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and their infamous ice wines! The winery itself has been producing award winning VQA Ontario wines since 1988. Below is the family legend behind the winery, whose roots stem from Germany:
“According to family legend, Kaiser Wilhelm, a German king, visited the town of Heddesheim in the year 1723. During his visit he demanded his dues be paid by local peasants; in other words, he required they give up a portion of their food and wine harvest to him. Jakob Zimmermann, our great-great-great-grandfather and a local vintner, served the king his wine. Indeed, the king was so impressed by the quality and flavour of the wine! As a result, he immediately ordered a barrel of wine to be sent to his residence. After that tasting the king appointed Jakob and his vineyard as the official winery for the monarchy. Thus, the vineyard’s name became “Königswingert.” This translates to “King’s Vineyard.” – King’s Court Estate Winery
(Peach) Riesling Recap
Just as a refresher, I wanted to remind everyone about Afternoon Delight and some of the tasting notes…and of course to get you excited for its launch here in Ontario! It was the first wine-cider blend I have tried (and the most recommended). It comes in at 7.2% ABV and is on the sweeter side. I’d classify it as a semi-sweet though because it’s not so sweet it hurts your teeth or tastes like you ate a whole bag of fuzzy peaches (oh wait, it’s just me that does that?) The wine taste is evident but it is the perfect blend so as to not overpower the cider. It is not heavily carbonated either, which makes it a refreshing easy drink. The peach flavour is the star of this drink though, and I’m not complaining!
Virtual Tasting: Cider Meets Wine
Speaking of getting excited for the launch….there is something fun out there to look forward to! On June 26th, 2021 from 2-3pm I will be hosting a virtual tasting event in partnership with Roland Zimmermann (Winemaker + Manager, King’s Court Estate Winery) and Barry Macleod (CEO Of Chill Street Craft Beverage Co), ahead of the release of Afternoon Delight into the LCBO. To join this launch party you are able to purchase a tasting kit + ticket from the King’s Court Estate website.
What’s in the Kit?
- Two cans of the Afternoon Delight
- Two cans of King’s Court Estate Winery’s Shining Knights – White Knight
- Clear and bright with aromatics of peach, pear and floral notes
- Two cans of King’s Court Estate Winery’s Shining Knights – Black Knight wines in cans
- Aromas and taste of plum, blackberry and eucalyptus
- Plus, a certificate for two free wine tastings here at KCEW!
- For free shipping use code: GWACIDERREVIEWCO, kit is $39.95 and will be available up until June 22nd.
- Kit can be purchased here: https://kingscourtestatewinery.ca/store/red-wine/chill-out-with-chill-street-ontario/
I hope to see everyone there for this incredible launch of such a unique all Canadian product. Kits are available for a limited time so get yours now (and don’t forget the free shipping code of course). I’ll be your host for the hour, so grab your kit, chill it and get ready to chill out with us! More details can be found on my Instagram.
