www.winecountryontario.ca	The Chris Robinson Travel Show Saturday June 18, 2011 10:00 am – 11:00 am EST
	The 2011 Year-Round Travel Guide

Experience enchanting Wine Country Ontario

Unearthing Ontario’s local wine story has never been so exciting, thanks to Wine Country Ontario’s breathtaking scenery, regional cuisine and great tasting local wines.

Chris will be discovering for himself as he broadcasts live from Fielding Estate Winery - named among Canada’s Top 10 Wineries at the 2009 Canadian Wine Awards. Fielding Vineyard is located on Beamsville Bench - a narrow strip of land located along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. Cooler and prolonged growing seasons are well-suited to making wines with good acid backbone, intensely concentrated flavours in the berries and unmistakable minerality on the finish.

You too can experience Fielding hospitality when you visit. You can join a tour and they are always ready to pour samples for you at the tasting bar, or you can enjoy your favourites by the glass.

With warm hospitality, wineries welcome consumers to visit and become part of the community, meet the winemakers and grape growers, take in the landscape, the cuisine – the whole unique experience that makes Ontario wines so special. Ontario’s unique combination of climate, location and soil means outstanding Ontario wines that are produced in four primary wine country destinations:

Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley
First-time visitors are often astonished by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, a massive ridge carved out by ancient glaciers. This magnificent feature is responsible for Niagara Falls—and for the distinctive, fossil-rich limestone soils and microclimate that create the classic mineral profile of the region’s wines.

The Escarpment—a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the backbone of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath—supports a vital ecosystem, with hundreds of species of animals and plants, including 37 types of wild orchids. Whether you’re looking to catch a glimpse of nature’s treasures or pick up a one-of-a-kind antique in one of the area’s many charming shops, the Niagara Escarpment and surrounding area offers plenty to see and do. The Niagara Escarpment is just over 60 minutes by car from Toronto.

Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake – are 25 wineries nestled below the Escarpment amidst a landscape of vineyards and orchards that stretches to the picturesque Niagara River Parkway (the drive that Winston Churchill called one of the prettiest in Canada) and the shores of Lake Ontario.

Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island
Stretching along the warm, shallow waters of Lake Erie, this area boasts a long growing season, with summer heat and moderating lake breezes providing excellent ripening conditions for producing full-bodied wines.

Local attractions include gardens, bike trails, produce stands, B&Bs and festivals, including the Shores of Erie International Wine Festival (Sept 8-11, 2011). Pelee Island is Canada’s most southerly point, with the longest wine-growing season in the country. Famous for its magnificent migrations of birds and monarch butterflies, discover majestic Carolinian forests and glorious stretches of sand dunes and beach. And observe a wonderful array of Great Lakes wildlife in well-conserved wetlands and protected marshes. Lake Erie North Shore is 4 hours by car from Toronto.

Prince Edward County
Ontario’s newest wine appellation, “The County” is quickly becoming one of the province’s must-visit destinations. The area boasts mineral-driven wines, small-batch beers and crisp ciders, artisanal cheeses, Italian-style ice creams, mouth-watering meals and gourmet hot dogs—all inspired by a dedication to local ingredients. It’s also home to some of North America’s largest freshwater beaches. Prince Edward County offers relaxing getaways that are a short drive from Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and Montreal. Prince Edward County is approximately 2.5 hours by car from Toronto; 3 hours from Ottawa.

With over 120 wineries in Ontario to choose from, there’s so much to see and do. Explore charming towns and historic villages with quaint boutiques, shops and galleries. Surrounded by charming vineyards and beautiful architecture, revel in one-of-a-kind festivals and special wine country events.

And it’s all right in our own backyard – so close to home. Come for an afternoon – or a few days. Visit any time of year and start planning your next trip by visiting www.winesofontario.org

Wine Country Ontario Trip Showcase

Niagara’s wine region – stay at the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa, take a Niagara Helicopter’s Wine Tour and experience VIP tastings and culinary experiences at both Peller Estates and Ravine Estate wineries.

Prince Edward Country’s wine region – stay at Huff Estates Winery, dine at East & Main and enjoy a private VIP Tasting at Closson Chase Winery.

For your chance to win a trip on the Travel Show, phone into the show at 416-872-1010, 1-877-518-5151 or *TALK on your cell, or send your question any time this week by entering the contest here online by clicking on the Yellow "Enter Contest" button.