My date for the Niagara Falls experience was incorrect (the ‘oops’ of trying to do a major catch-up, after the fact) . . . we actually were there on Monday, August 13.
Then, on Tuesday, August 14, we drove to a quaint little town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Like most of the other beautiful little townships we’ve enjoyed along the way, Niagara-on-the-Lake has its own unique distinguishing marks. One of those would be its wineries . . . some 26-30, according to the map we had. In fact, the Niagara Region, of which Niagara-on-the-Lake is a part, produces 80% of Canada’s wine. We visited a couple of them, the first one being Chateau des Charmes . . .
This photo outside of Chateau des Charmes includes our dear friend, Don Archer, who still wore the boot that protected the toe he broke twice since leaving Georgia on their journey on July 27 . . .
Next, we visited The Ice House Winery, one of the homes of the much-touted icewine that is made in this area of the country.
Icewine is an ultra-rich, super sweet dessert wine made from the intense liquid of naturally frozen grapes. In short, icewine is wine that is made from grapes that have been allowed to literally freeze on the vine, significantly concentrating the grapes’ sugars and intensifying the flavor profile. These frozen grapes are then pressed, squeezing out the drops of juice before running through the fermentation process. The tradition of making icewine is well-rooted in Austria and Germany (locally known as “eiswein”); however, Canada has got the current claim to icewine-making fame, with the majority of the market’s icewine offerings coming from British Columbia. Legend has it that icewine was discovered by a German winemaker who was away from his vineyard during harvest (never a good idea) . . . and when he returned, all of his grapes had been frozen on the vine. Undeterred, he carried out the unorthodox harvest as usual and proceeded to press his frozen grapes for fermentation. The result, the first eiswein, which has become more popularly known as icewine. This is Jennifer and me with the young lady who introduced us to icewine, and to their very unique icewine “slushies” . . . m-m-m-m-m-m good!! And, she was apparently a wonderful salesperson . . . she sold each of us $150 worth of icewine!!
And this is John and me hugging and loving on the white polar bear statue in front of The Ice House Winery . . . supposed to be good luck . . .
Niagara-on-the-Lake also has its claim-to-fame in the area of history. During the War of 1812, the Niagara River was a vital water transportation route between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The “Front”, as it was known, was the scene of many battles, including the ferocious Battle of Fort George between the British stationed there and the American forces based across the river. The fort sustained heavy damage from cannon fire and, virtually destroyed, was captured by the Americans. However, it was retaken that same year by the British. After the war, it was abandoned and fell into ruins until the 1930s, when restoration of the earthworks and buildings began. Fort George was designated as a national historic site in 1921.
While we were at Fort George, there was a musket demonstration by these young re-enactment solders, which was very interesting . . .
Good pic from John to get these soldiers right at the moment they fired the muskets . . .
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that Niagara-on-the-Lake has some of its own unique distinguishing marks, and some others of those are the following:
- First Capital of Ontario
- First Anti-Slavery Legislation was passed
- First Library in Ontario
- First newspaper in the Province
- Oldest Golf Course in North America (Don, Jennifer and John actually had a tee time set, but got rained out. We ate a delightful lunch at the clubhouse, however, which we enjoyed thoroughly.)
This visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake wound up our amazing stay in Canada. It not only provided some of the most breathtaking experiences, but it afforded John and me some very special and treasured time with our fantastic friends, Jennifer Jones and Don Archer. It has been years and years since we’ve been able to be with them, and we’re so grateful for both of them being in our lives . . . and for the time to catch up on our talking, hugging, laughing, sightseeing, and loving with them for these 4 precious days. We love you, Jennifer and Don!!!
Until the next post . . . be good to others, and to yourself as well . . .
Love to all,
Frances
Petersons on the Road 