TAWSE GOES TOPS
Wine Access Magazine recently voted Tawse “˜Best Winery in Canada’. This award usually goes to some winery from BC so it’s nice to see some recognition for Niagara. And for a winery that has not put a foot wrong in the past five vintages. Owner Moray Tawse has a passion for French wines and I’d imagine that most of his sales go to people who love Burgundy and Bordeaux. And who see the value in Tawse wines. Yes, a $50 Pinot or Merlot can be a value when compared to the top French wines.
Besides Pinot and Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay and Riesling are also stars at Tawse. Sure the $30″“$50 price tags are not for everyone, nor everyday, but it’s wineries like Tawse that give the whole industry credibility. Niagara can produce world-class wines, but at a cost ““ just like the top stuff from elsewhere.
Tawse produces a second line of $20 wines called Sketches and the Chard, Riesling and Rosé which are excellent. The vineyards are biodynamic and Moray says he’s noticed better-than-average crops in difficult years.
As with most Niagara high-end wineries, Tawse is not on the LCBO shelves, but there is some availability through the Vintages section at the larger LCBOs, and via wineonline.ca….and of course, from the winery. Should you visit, you’ll find a beautiful mini Chateau, complete with a pond and hushed reverence. Very French. Don’t take your hockey buddies.
Congrats to winemaker Paul Pender and manager Brad Gowland.
Hi Billy, thanks for the kind words. Our excitement has already moved on to the 09 vintage and I think will turn out to be out best all around vintage to date. Pinots, Chards and cab Francs are our best ever with beautiful mid palat finesse and rich fruit. Drop by next time your are in the area. cheers,