Tasted TV

Tag: Wine Travel

  • Pelee Island Winery … You Should Go

    Pelee Island Winery … You Should Go

    Looking for a unique mini-vacation with something for everyone? Pelee Island has history, activities, relaxation, food and of course, great wine. 

    Nestled at the southernmost tip of Canada, Pelee Island feels like a world apart and yet it’s just a scenic 90-minute ferry ride across Lake Erie. Once you disembark, the pace slows, shoulders drop, and the island’s relaxed charm seeps in. With Canada’s mildest climate, sitting at the same latitude as many of the world’s great wine regions,  this hidden gem offers a unique getaway perfect for wine lovers, nature seekers, and anyone in need of a low-key escape.

    Watch our video here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGC-VK_9qdU&t=98s

    A Winery Unlike Any Other

    Sprawling across over 700 acres, Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s largest private estate vineyard, harnessing an enviable microclimate that mirrors some of Europe’s best wine regions. Rich limestone soil, gentle lake breezes, and Canada’s longest growing season create an ideal terroir.
    At the quaint pavilion near the dock, visitors can explore the “Vine to Wine” experience: stroll through vines, tour the pavilion filled with antique winemaking tools, and enjoy tastings under the sun. Live music, wood-fired pizza, and artisan charcuterie make this a laid-back highlight.

    Getting Here: The Ferry Experience

    The journey is part of the charm. The ferries—MV Pelee Islander II and MV Pelee Islander—run from Leamington (April–July) and Kingsville (August–early December), accommodating vehicles, bikes, and foot passengers are essential, especially on holiday weekends. Book in advance! And don’t just plan for a crossing, plan for a transformative arrival into “island time.”

    Explore This Natural Wonder

    Beyond the vineyards, Pelee Island offers a rich tapestry of outdoor exploration:

    • Fish Point Nature Reserve – Hike through forest and along sandy dunes, birdwatchers’ paradise and home to Canada’s southernmost shoreline.
    • Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve – A peaceful boardwalk leads to a quaint lighthouse and a stunning spot for sunset gazing.
    • Birding & Wildlife – Located on major migratory flyways, the island is a globally recognized Important Bird Area with thousands of species passing through .

    Where to Stay

    For a stylish and comfortable stay on the mainland, consider cozy overnight stays at either The Grove near Leamington or Kingsville. These family owned boutique properties offer warm hospitality, and a perfect launch point for your island adventure.

    On the island itself, options include The Wandering Dog Inn, Pelee Lake Muse, and Kiki’s Motel, perfect bases for sunsets, starry skies, and laid-back mornings.

    Slow Travel, Big Memories

    Pelee Island offers more than scenery—it offers serenity. With minimal cell coverage and no traffic lights, it’s the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and savor small joys. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Riesling from your deck, cycling past vineyards, or swimming off the ferry dock, this is a place to recharge the spirit; a cottage-country vibe without the crowds.

    Why You Should Visit

    • Unique terroir & award-winning VQA wines crafted sustainably in a pioneering microclimateen.
    • Stunning natural diversity—from beaches and forests to bird sanctuaries and lighthouses.
    • Charming local culture, with friendly hosts, rustic taverns, weekend music, and historic stories dating back centuries.
    • A vehicle-free escape—swap traffic for turtles, wine glasses for waves, and deadlines for downtime.

    So whether you’re planning a wine-paired weekend, a birding adventure, or a digital detox, Pelee Island delivers. Book your ferry, pack your curiosity, and prepare for quiet discoveries in Canada’s most southernly haven.

  • Flying Saucers, Popes, and a Damn Good Bottle of Wine

    Flying Saucers, Popes, and a Damn Good Bottle of Wine

    Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The name alone sounds regal, dripping with history and tradition. It means “New Castle of the Pope,” a nod to the time when the papacy ditched Rome for the South of France. Back in the 14th century, Pope John XXII set up his summer retreat here, expanded the vineyards, and gave the region’s wines his blessing—literally. Fast forward a few hundred years, and this legendary wine country found itself dealing with something a little less divine: UFOs.

    Yep, you read that right.

    In 1954, during peak Cold War paranoia, France was buzzing with sightings of strange lights and “flying cigars” in the sky. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, home to some of the world’s most coveted wines, was not immune to the hysteria. But instead of panicking about little green men, the town council had a different concern—protecting their vineyards. So, in a move that’s equal parts practical and hilarious, they passed an official decree: No flying saucers allowed.

    The law, still technically on the books today, states that UFOs cannot “fly over, land, or take off” within the town. And if an extraterrestrial craft dares to touch down? Immediate confiscation. (Of the ship, not the aliens. Presumably, they’d just get a firm talking-to.)

    Decades later, this odd little slice of history inspired a California winemaker with a taste for Rhône-style wines and a sense of humor. Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, created Le Cigare Volant—French for “The Flying Cigar.” His wine, a bold blend inspired by the famous reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, became a cult favorite. And with a label featuring a UFO hovering over vineyards, it pays homage to the town’s strange but true law.

    So, the next time you pour a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (or Le Cigare Volant), raise a toast to popes, paranoid politicians, and a wine region so fiercely protective of its grapes that it even banned aliens. Because history, like wine, is best enjoyed with a great story.