Wine Wednesday: Five MORE worth the drive

I have to say, I was a little disappointed to read Joanne Chiarello's Five Worth the Drive for Wine Tasting in a recent issue of the Ottawa Citizen. While her choices sound marvy -- the puddle of drool on my chin can attest to that -- "wine tasting" for me brings to mind guided or independent quaffing at a winery (or its satellite facilities).

The drive needn't be so far when we have so many hidden gems right here in the Valley. Domaine Perrault, which I visited this summer, produces sophisticated, elegant wines from blends of hardy hybrids and Niagara fruit. Located in Navan, it's merely a short jaunt outside of city limits to get to Perrault's stunning, picturesque estate. I have every intention of making another trip to stock up on their high-quality shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and as-yet-to-be-released red blend before winter.

Jabulani Vineyards, a newcomer to the Ottawa wine scene, received positive reviews from Nita (Imbibery) and Holly (Wine Out Loud) earlier this year. At Domaine du Cervin, just outside of Chesterville, venison and antler velvet share shelf space with the red, white, rosé and sweet wines the winemakers produce.

Out in Oxford Mills, Blue Gypsy just opened their doors this October. Offering sulphite- and pesticide-free fruit wines, the winery hopes to evolve into a completely off-grid operation to reduce their carbon footprint. Blue Gypsy will be on hand at Savvy Company's Sip, Swirl, Savour and Selebrate (November 10) to share samples.

On the Gatineau side of the river, Clos Baillie does rustic, soul-satisfying reds and offers visitors a warm spot by the hearth to sample their cider. It's the perfect place for a Winterlude wine tasting.
If the folks at the Citizen are interested, I would be more than happy to write a follow-up article with reviews for each of these places.