As we start to feel the sun shine once again on our faces, and attempt to go out of doors without our toques, The Local reflects with Konzelmann Estates Winery events manager Vanessa Duncan on life in a winery in a tourist town during long winter months.
Baby showers, Valentines Day events including a campaign of love, painting tote bags, canvas, and charcuterie boards, as well as marriage proposals are some of the activities that have kept Duncan busy all winter long.
So far this year a whopping nine couples have become engaged at Konzelmann’s.
“It's wonderful, because then they come back for a wine tasting, and they'll come on their anniversary because we have a special place in their heart,” said Duncan.
“Someone will contact us and say ‘I want to propose to my girlfriend,’” explained Duncan, who then works with the customer to prepare the space.
“They'll come for a private wine tasting, and then he'll pop the question on the last stop of the tour of the Barrel Room cellar.”
Duncan has also partnered with local artists to provide paint and sip experiences, and even as retail business slows down, the art classes fill up quickly.
They have partnered as well with Theatre Bacchus, a local theatre company in Lincoln, and offered Improv by the Glass. “It was such a great success. They offered improv workshops for those who are interested in acting, and throughout each improv session, of course, wine was sampled.”
The winery pauses winery tours during the cold months, but still offers many tasting experiences, such as “a junk food pairing, a chocolate pairing, and a sip and chips pairing,” said Duncan.
“And then we also have our Dome experience, which seems to be booked up.” The luxury-style dome is on a raised platform and offers stunning views over the vineyard and Lake Ontario.
There is much to do not only at Konzelmann, but at other Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries as we work through the last of the winter months.
Both Konzelmann and The Hare Wine Co. are offering a Theatre Bacchus production called Love Letters, which centres on two characters, Melissa and Andrew, childhood friends born of wealth and position, whose lifelong correspondence create heartfelt moments.
Colaneri Winery offers a seminar comparing five pairs of wine with distinct themes and characteristics. Reif Estate Winery is planning another Mother’s Day Market, after its hugely successful holiday market this past winter.
And soon enough, it will be summer and Jackson-Triggs Winery’s summer concert series will begin.
Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries offer something for everyone, year round.