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Dishing It Up
By Gay Cook
Like a Fine Wine
Enjoy the seasonal fare and award-winning
wines at Carmela Estates Winery
Carmela Estates Winery is the founding winery in the
exciting new wine region in Prince Edward County. It
began for Carmela with the purchase of 17 hectares of
hayfields by Sherry Tompkins and her father Dan McCurdy in
1999.The first grapevines were planted in 2000 and now there
are five excellent wine varieties made and sold — Chardonnay,
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Many of
these wines have already won awards thanks to winemaker
Norman Hardy, who gained his experience making cool-climate
wines from South Africa to New Zealand, Oregano and
Burgundy.
“This is a beautiful business.It’s very natural and people are
so eager and happy to learn about wine and how the grapes are
grown, so we try to give people a total experience,”says Sherry.
On the property is Carmela Hall — a lovely setting for banquets
and weddings — along with a guest villa and a gift shop.
The Vines Restaurant is a winner where guests can enjoy wine
and the cuisine prepared by Chef Josh Labelle and his team.
“My aim is to serve seasonal, fresh food and I especially like
to use wines in every recipe,when possible.I believe wine,food
and conversation is nourishment for the soul,” says Chef Josh.
The recipes he has provided to our readers are two he likes
to serve in the cooler weather.The restaurant is closed during in
the winter from January until March.
Gay Cook is an Ottawa entrepreneur, food writer and author
of Mrs. Cook’s Foods. Watch this space for more of Gay’s
columns, where she will bring us stories and recipes from the
interesting people and places in our communities.
Carmela Estate Winery
1186 Greer Road,Wellington, ON
1 866 578-3445, www.carmelaestates.ca
November/December 2008 • Ottawa 44 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine