Tag Archives: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

HOPS AND GRAPES IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO

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Oast House Brewery

Hops and grapes in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Beer lovers rejoice! Niagara-on-the-Lake’s first craft brewery is about to open.

Brewery partners Mike Berlis, Cian MacNeill and Kevin Somerville—all from Niagara region—expect to open the doors of Niagara Oast House Brewers within the next few weeks. “Our approach complements the area’s wine and gourmet tradition while adding a whole new dimension,” says MacNeill, the brewery’s marketing manager. “Craft beer consumers have a lot in common with fine wine consumers, so Oast House is using the winery model by offering tours, tastings, and special events—including brewmaster’s dinners.”

 

MacNeill tells me the brewery has enlisted local farmers to grow its hops. “Like the terroir wines whose tastes vary with different soils, we plant hops in three different locations—on the bench, in the interior and by the lake,” he says. Brewmaster Kevin Somerville brings credentials from North American and European schools, and has worked at the Niagara College Brewing Program. You can follow Oast House Brewers on Facebook and Twitter.

For your Accommodation needs call 1-866-226-4730.

Queenston Heights – War of 1812 -October 13, 14, 2012

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http://www.mississauga.com/what%27s%20on/article/1517042–author-tells-tales-of-war-of-1812

Need a Cottage Rental for the Weekend?  Call  1-866-226-4730

Drummond Hill Cemetery Tours

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Drummond Hill Cemetery Tours

The City of Niagara Falls Museums will again be offering our popular walking tours of Drummond Hill Cemetery during weekends in the month of October. These tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover another side of Niagara Falls’ history.

These night-time tours take visitors through one of the most historic cemeteries in Canada. The guides will lead performances that provide a glimpse into the lives of some of the famous and not so famous people from the history of Niagara Falls. The tours include music, theatrical scenes, costumed performers and vignettes of people who are buried in the cemetery.

Assistant Curator of the Niagara Falls Museums, Sara Byers says, “This theatrical experience is a good introduction to the worlds of community and professional theatre as well as the field of living history.”

The museum makes every attempt to provide appropriate period costumes but assistance from the volunteers is always appreciated. Tours run October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm. The tours depart from the cemetery gates located on Buchner Place off of Drummond Road.

 

The tour cost is $12.00 per person. Tickets are available by reservation only, by visiting the Niagara Falls History Museum at 5810 Ferry Street or by calling 905-358-5082. Space is limited, and tickets will not be sold at the door.

Photos from previous years’ events and of this year’s cast are available to media upon request.

A Walk Through History is a project of the Niagara Cultural Capital Of Canada 2012 program and funding support from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Region of Niagara is gratefully acknowledged.

Friends of Strewen Winery

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Strewn banner
Dear Friends of Strewn,

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year for sharing good food, good company and great wine. And in wine country, it’s harvest! We hope to see some of you if a trip to Niagara is on your agenda. If you are staying at home during vintage, we hope you’re enjoying Strewn wines on your table. In fact, in this newsletter we have included a recipe for you and yours compliments of the Wine Country Cooking School.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!
YOU ASKED US? About the 2012 Growing Season …

“I have never seen a year like this where we came out of the start so quickly and did not slow down a single step, even at sites with record low rainfall and extreme heat in the season.” – Brock University Cool Climate Oenology department associate.

2012 was a unique growing season that progressed quickly from bud-break on and grapes missed the frost damage many other tree fruit experienced this year. Generally bloom dates across Ontario were 10 to 14 days ahead based on a 10-year normal. Of course, the weather is crucial in the weeks leading up to harvest and has a significant impact.

The 2012 harvest now is in full swing. Nearly all of the white grapes-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, 

Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Blanc–have been harvested and fermentations are well underway.
The first red grapes, Merlot, have started to come in and will be soon followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Weather conditions have generally been favourable with mostly dry weather; the few rainstorms have caused no serious problems. The early spring and hot dry summer set the scene for an outstanding vintage; we are expecting spectacular wines.

Battle of Queenston Heights War of 1812

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About 1,000 historical re-enactors and volunteers are expected to take part in a recreation of the Battle of Queenston Heights on Oct. 13. It’s one of the major events here in Niagara this year marking the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Bullet News photo by John Robbins.

JOHN ROBBINS/Bullet News

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE – As many as 1,000 volunteers and costumed reenactors are expected to take part in a recreation of one of Canada’s most defining moments – the Battle of Queenston Heights.

The battle reenactment is just one of many events planned for the weekend of Oct. 12-14, as Niagara’s War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations continue.

“The weekend of events planned for Oct. 12-14 will allow us to celebrate a lasting peace between two great countries,” Janice Thomson, chairwoman of the Niagara Parks Commission, said during a press conference, Tuesday afternoon near Brock’s Monument.

“It will also provide us with the opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by all of the soldiers, and native warriors of both nations who fought here and all along these lands now protected by the Niagara Parks Commission.”

Here’s a full look at the weekend’s events:

OCTOBER 12

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Educational Day Events
The Friends of Fort George will be hosting a special educational day commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights, at Queenston Heights Park. Guided tours of the battlefield will be offered by costumed interpreters on a pre-booked basis only. There will also be historical demonstrations and period merchants on the heights for school groups to visit. School groups have pre-booked and NPC organizers say they are close to capacity. To book a school group call                         905-468-6621            .

2 p.m. – Twinning Ceremony
The Queenston Residents’ Association will be hosting a twinning ceremony at St. Saviour Major General Sir Isaac Brock Memorial Church in Queenston at 2 p.m. There will be a dedication of a monument celebrating the historical, social and cultural relationship between St. Peter Port, Guernsey (the birthplace of Brock) and Queenston (the place where he fell in battle. A number of Guernsey officials will be speaking at this commemorative event.

Other events on Oct. 12
Throughout the day on Friday, reenactors will be arriving at Fort George and in Lewiston, NY., to set up their encampments. On Friday evening, their will be a bombardment from the shores of the Niagara River in Lewiston, followed by fireworks. The fireworks and the bombardment will be visible from the shore of the Niagara River in Queenston.

OCTOBER 13

9 a.m. – Niagara Parks shuttle buses will start picking up the public at the Butterfly Conservatory, Queenston Heights, Laura Secord Homestead, McFarland House and Fort George.

9:30 a.m. – Reenactors will leave Fort George to make their historic march to Queenston Heights.

10 a.m. – Brock Dead House Dedication. The Queenston Residents Association will be hosting a dedication ceremony at the “Brock Dead House,” located at 20 Queenston St., in the Village of Queenston. This ceremony will mark the site where Brock’s body was taken after he was mortally wounded in battle. Guy St. Denis, the researcher who confirmed the site, will be making a brief presentation of his work.

10:30 a.m. – A commemorative walking tour with Dr. Wesley Turner, author of the book Astonishing General: The Life and Legacy of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, begins. Tickets for this limited space event cost $20 and must be purchased in advance through the Friends of Fort George.

11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend a plaque dedication at Brock’s Monument at 11 a.m. on Oct. 13, where the Historic Sites and Monuments Board will be designating Major General Sir Isaac Brock as a Person of National Significance. Also beginning at 11 a.m., join the Friends of Fort George staff as they take you on a tour of the Queenston Heights battle site. Tours, which cost $5, start at Brock’s Monument. Ian Bell and a group of well-known folk musicians will play early 19th century music at the band shell. Tours and music continue through 3 p.m.

3 p.m. – The re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights

4:30 p.m. – Commemorative Ceremony at Brock’s Monument

5:30 p.m. – A recreation of the procession carrying Brock’s body from the heights in a horse-drawn wagon will take place.

6 p.m. – Guided Tour of the battlefield/More musical entertainment

7:15 p.m. – Fireworks at Queenston Heights

Queenston Heights Park closes following the fireworks display

OCTOBER 14

Recreation of Brock’s Funeral Procession. Niagara-on-the-Lake. At noon, reenactors will form up at Fort George and begin their march down Byron Street to Victoria Street and then along Queen Street. The procession will stop at the Old Court House for a commemoration ceremony. The caskets of Brock and his aide-de-camp Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell will then be placed on horse-drawn wagons and led to St. Mark’s Church and Fort George.

WAR OF 1812 COMES TO WOODLAND

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WAR OF 1812 COMES TO WOODLAND

 

 BRANTFORD, ON –– The Woodland Cultural Centre, in conjunction with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, is elated and honoured to announce the arrival and exhibition of the 200 year old wool cloth British flag believed to be given to Tecumseh during the War of 1812. This artifact will be featured in the upcoming exhibition entitled War Clubs & Wampum Belts: Haudenosaunee Experiences of the War of 1812, and will run from October 29 – December 24, 2012, with an opening reception taking place October 29 at 7:00pm.

Tecumseh, of Shawnee decent, was a distinguished warrior and orator who founded an alliance with Sir General Isaac Brock. Initially, Tecumseh fought to protect First Nations’ territory, and with the assistance of his respected friend and British ally Brock, Tecumseh led a war against the Americans on the Detroit frontier. With their ability to mobilize a large band of Native nations to fight against the Americans, they quickly became a feared enemy.

 

Shortly after the siege of Detroit, Brock bestowed Tecumseh with the title of Brigadier General and bestowed him with a wool British flag. Due to the fragile state of the flag, this will be the first exhibition of this important cultural and historical artifact. Through a partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the flag will be on loan through the duration of the exhibit.

 

Curated by Rick Hill, a Tuscarora of the Six Nations of the Grand River, this exhibit seeks to draw attention to the relatively unknown and significant contributions Native warriors played in the War of 1812. These contributions caused great strife within the Six Nations Confederacy, and caused the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Council to became separated by the actions of our allies. The war not only brought death, but also caused families to bring up arms against one another, which went against the governing principles of the Great Law of Peace.

 

The Woodland Cultural Centre will be hosting a special opening for the exhibit, Monday October 29 at 7:00pm. There will be a brief introduction by the Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, and special introduction by Rick Hill, curator of the exhibit and Coordinator of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre. Woodland is pleased to be able to showcase and utilize his expertise in bringing this exhibit to life. In addition to the exhibit, the Woodland Cultural Centre will be developing and providing educational kits as a teacher resource to incorporate the War of 1812 into their classrooms.

 

Established in 1972, the Woodland Cultural Centre has been an integral cultural and educational centre within the Brantford and Six Nations communities. Its goal is to protect, promote, interpret, and present the history, language, intellect and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe and Onkwehon:we people. Providing several permanent and short-term exhibits, the Woodland Cultural Centre also focuses on language and cultural preservation that includes several special events such as arts and crafts workshops, Snowsnake tournaments, and much more! For more information, please visit www.woodland-centre.on.ca.

For more information please contact:

Paula Whitlow

Museum Director

519-759-2650       ext. 244

pwhitlow@woodland-centre.on.ca

Monthly Wine Country Giveaways!!

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Monthly Giveaways

Monthly Wine Country Giveaways!!

http://wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/

Stonechurch Winery – Music in the Vineyard

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Harvest is any day now and the vineyards are buzzing with activity. It really is the perfect time of year to visit for a vineyard tour. Wagons depart regularly every weekend and on weekdays by reservation only and are only $6 per person!
Call or e-mail to book yours today.
Our “Music in the Vineyard” continues throughout September. Come out and enjoy the crisp autumn sun, wines by the glass and your favourite tunes.
And also, don’t forget about our Stargazing Night on Saturday September 29.
This month is sure to not disappoint!
October should be equally as exciting with new releases, another travel talk and an afternoon of Wine & Words with local author AJ Aalto. Stay tuned!
Thank you always for your continued support.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Cheers!
Hank Hunse
Proprietor

FREE CONCERT IN NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

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Music Niagara is pleased to announce the celebrated US Navy Band will perform a free
concert next WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Simcoe Park, in the centre of
the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The US Navy Band is on tour in connection with 1812 events and Music Niagara managed
to persuade them to cross over to our side for a concert. The band will present a
varied program of ceremonial music and contemporary/pop selections.

Please show your support for Music Niagara.

STREWN WINERY

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STREWN WINERY
UPCOMING EVENTS: 

 

SWEET & SAVOURY – MAKE THE MATCH!  ~ Daily in July

At our Terroir Bar the 2006 Riesling Late Harvest, which is showing all the classic flavours that develop with time in the bottle, is paired with some local classics: Upper Canada Aged Niagara Gold artisan cheese, Caramelized Onion Compote and Niagara Spiced-Peach Salsa for you to mix, match and enjoy. $10

 

COOL OFF WITH AN ICEWINE SHAKE! ~ Daily in July & August
At our Main Tasting Bar enjoy the frothy and flavourful creamy Strewn Icewine Shake (for adults only!). 10:30 am until pm. $5

 

DON’T MISS OUR HANDS-ON GREEN HARVEST EXPERIENCE

&  Picnic-style Lunch (optional) – Sunday, August 12

Join Strewn winemakers Joe Will and Marc Bradshaw for our Green Harvest event! The session begins with a private wine tasting and harvesting instructions. Then you’ll head out to the vineyard to thin grape clusters off the vine to allow the remaining grapes to concentrate more of the sun’s energy to ensure the best fruit for the best wines.

Following the Green Harvest, you will crush grapes to create a tart, fresh green juice called Ver Jus or “Ver juice”; a culinary ingredient produced in many of the world’s wine regions. After the hands-on session you can enjoy an optional casual lunch. Details to follow.

 

2010 FUTURES PICK UP THIS FALL 

 

We know those of you who purchased 2010 red wines on our Futures Program are eager to take them home as we’ve received numerous phone calls. The 2010 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and flagship red Strewn Three will be released mid-September. All future purchasers will receive notification as to when they can pick up these big, bountiful red wines!

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Niagara Fruit Salsa on Old Cheddar and PumpernickelThe colourful fresh fruit salsa from the Wine Country Cooking School is a great topping for old cheddar cheese and bite-size squares of pumpernickel bread. Perfect for nibbling by the pool or on the deck!Fruit salsa:1/4 sweet red pepper, diced1/8 medium red onion, diced2 fresh nectarines or peaches2 fresh plums or apricots

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Old cheddar cheese

Pumpernickel bread

 

To make salsa, combine diced red pepper and onion in a glass bowl. Pit the fruit and cut into small, bite-size chunks (leave skin on). Add to the pepper/onion mix. In small bowl, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice and olive oil. Pour over salsa; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for up to 1 hour.

 

Just before serving, cut squares of old cheddar and pumpernickel. Top with a spoonful of fruit salsa.

Enjoy!

 
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