Massive wine festival coming to Ontario features new wine coach

An official wine guide is planting roots in Ontario’s celebrated wine country.

According to event officials, those heading to the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in St. Catharines, running from Sept. 26 to 28, will be the first to try a new service that specifically guides visitors through the best selection of Canadian wines.

The ‘Great Canadian Wine Coach’ will be available during the festival’s duration, and will be on site to help all guests — especially those accustomed to U.S. vintages — gain a better understanding of the selections made in the heart of the Niagara peninsula.

Attendees will be guided to bold new favourites from the over 100 Niagara wines available for tasting in Montebello Park during the festival’s run time.

“It’s going to be a glasses-up kind of weekend, and for anyone who is still feeling unsure about what to pour in theirs, our Great Canadian Wine Coach is ready and waiting to serve up some spot-on Niagara wine suggestions,” said Niagara Grape & Wine Festival Executive Director, Dorian Anderson, in an official statement.

Running parallel to the solo suggestions by the wine coach are also specialized wine pairings that highlight the food at the event.

Selections include smoked shrimp tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, and burrata with grilled Niagara plums and Prosciutto.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is without a doubt the best place on the planet to celebrate the amazing grapes and incredible wines that are grown and made right here in Canada, added Anderson.