MEET THE MAKER
WINE DINNER WITH REIF ESTATE WINERY
Experience an unforgettable evening on Kingston’s waterfront as our Head Chef Brent McAllister, Sous Chef Rahul Bhatt, Eric Pearson, Winemaker at Reif Estate Winery, and Deena Michelle, Sales Director at Wine Lovers Agency Inc., guide you through a vibrant four-course dinner. Each course is thoughtfully paired with selections from Reif Estate’s exceptional wine portfolio, creating a harmonious journey of food and wine led by experts in their craft.
PRICE: $125 per person + 18% gratuity (added to ticket price) and tax (added at checkout)
DATE: November 29, 2024 at 6PM
WHERE: Dockview Room at AquaTerra
Please note an automatic gratuity of 18% has been added to the ticket price ($125) before checkout.
THE MENU
1st Course
Crab on Toast
Hong Kong-style fried French toast, lump crab, apple, chervil, mint, tobiko
Empress Sparkling Chardonnay
An off-dry white sparkling wine with fresh, simple, fruity flavours of green apple and lemon.
2nd Course
Chicken Yakatori
Charcoal-grilled thighs, house-fermented kimchi, yuzu tamari glaze
Riesling Reserve
A crisp, well-balanced wine with pleasing notes of citrus fruits and hints of petrol and honey on the nose. Elegant flavours of pear on the palate with a lovely lingering finish.
3rd Course
Venison Duo
Leek ash-crusted venison, three pepper espagnole, blistered tomato, doppio ravioli, mascarpone & ricotta, spruce tip venison sausage
Black Oak
Aromas of cherry and blackberry with a hint of black pepper on the nose and palate.
4th Course
Pear Stracciatella
Vidal-poached pear, toasted pistachio, fermented honey, stracciatella, K.O.O.C apricot white balsamic
Vidal
The aromas of grapefruit, peach, apricot are prominent on the nose. Flavours of honey and peach with a crisp acidity to give the wine perfect balance.
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Established in 1982 by the Reif Family, Reif Estate Winery is one of the founding wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The winery is situated within the Niagara River sub-appellation, encompassing 125 acres of vineyards that were first planted in 1977. This region's unique climate provides ideal conditions for sun-loving grape varieties to thrive, thanks to a long growing season supported by the moderating influence of the river, which helps prevent early spring and late fall frosts.
Reif Estate Winery is recognized for producing rich, full-bodied wines, benefiting from its location in Ontario’s warmest sub-appellation. The estate is also home to some of the oldest vinifera plantings in Canada, which offer significant advantages for growers in cooler climates like Ontario. These mature vines ripen earlier, resulting in wines that authentically reflect the vineyard’s unique terroir. When tasting Reif’s wines, one can truly appreciate the essence of the land and the care that goes into each bottle.
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Eric Pearson was born and raised in the Niagara Region, where he lovingly recalls growing up surrounded by vineyards. He developed his passion for winemaking before he was even 5 years old while making wine alongside his Nonno.
This early exposure to the craft of winemaking led him to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at Brock University, focusing his studies on Oenology and Viticulture. Since graduating, he has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most renowned winemakers in the Niagara region having been a Winemaker at Vignoble Rancourt Winery, Konzelmann Estate Winery, and now Reif Estate Winery.
Now, Mr. Pearson is the head winemaker at Reif Estate Winery, where he brings a unique perspective into every facet of the winemaking process.
“Winemaking is part science, art, and passion,” he says. “I embrace it with commitment, dedication, enjoyment, and enthusiasm.”
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Deena Michelle is the Sales Director for Wine Lovers, a Toronto-based wine agency (import/distribution). She spends most of her time selling wine and Italian-made Italesse glassware to restaurants, hotels, clubs and private clients throughout Southern Ontario. She is also the owner of Rose Colored Glasses, a Wine Event and Education Company based in Toronto. Deena is a Certified Sommelier (CAPS, Court of Master Sommeliers) and Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA). She travels abroad as often as possible to meet the wonderful people producing the wines which are her privelege to represent.
FAQ’s
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Please refer to menu above for details.
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Please note that this event is hosted in our Dockview Room overlooking the harbour. You will be seated around a shared table with 17 other guests for the evening.
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To keep the integrity of the menu and pairings there are no substitutions. Please make us aware of any allergens when you purchase your tickets.