Trius Winery at Hillebrand

This month’s featured winery restaurant is Trius Winery Restaurant in Virgil, part of the Niagara-On-The-Lake area. This is another feather in the Andrew Peller Limited cap, yet it looks and feels different than the Peller Estate winery. While the latter is set in a more classic French chateau, the Trius design is more rustic; almost like a tiny village.

The restaurant is truly elegant but not ostentatious, with a nice patio overlooking the vineyards. The covered path next to the establishment is used for parties to serve drinks and small plates.

The food is excellent as it is beautifully plated. Charcuterie and cheese platters can easily make up a relaxed lunch paired with excellent wines produced right there. My favourite is the Trius Cabernet Franc, one of the best values around. One word on Cabernet Franc in Ontario: lighter than cabernet sauvignon it is used in Bordeaux blends although predominant in St. Emilion and the Loire’s Chinon as a single grape. In Ontario, it seems to have found a great temperature to flourish and produce great wines. The taste varies from winery to winery making it always a pleasure to drink with or without food.

The menu at Trius reflects the talented kitchen team and their leader Frank Dodd. The service is professional, friendly, and in a word: impeccable!

TRY IT YOURSELF!

Trius Winery at Hillebrand
1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
(800) 582-8412
www.triuswines.com