Provence, Napa Valley, Niagara...Norfolk County!?
Some regions instill an immediate connection to fine wines through the ages and the Canadian wine scene is is still relatively young comparatively. The latest to boast ideal conditions and unique terroir can be found off the north shores of Lake Erie.
Norfolk County, spanning from Hagersville to Tillsonburg, is an area gaining momentum in the wine world. When winemaker Mat Vaughn set out to find the ideal setting for a new winery in 2012, he and his wife and business partner Melissa were drawn to the sub-appellation of Norfolk. With it's proximity to Lake Erie, the cool lake winds and mild winters as well as a unique soil profile checked all the boxes.
Hounds of Erie Winery is nestled in the beautiful rural town of Clear Creek, 2.5 km from the lake's north shore. A wine hobby evolved into passion, and Mat devotes his time to merging old-world winemaking techniques with innovative modern science and viticulture. Read more about their winery here.
They plant a selection of unique grapes and have successfully created their own varietals, including 'Petite Louis'.
A first of it's kind in Canada, this grape excels in the sandy loam soils, and produces a soft, delicate white wine with floral aromas with notes of honey, pear and gooseberry. The off-dry, slightly sweet finish exhibits remanence of grapefruit and orange peel.
Inspired by four-legged friends, Hounds of Erie is a dog-friendly winery. Their bottle art showcases all kinds of cute dog portraits as well!
Find Hounds of Erie wines on the shelves at Dundurn Market, and if you're in Norfolk this summer, be sure to pop in and visit Hounds of Erie Winery!
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