The Ontario Wine Society Presents Niagara Chapter's May Tasting Double Horizontal Sauvignon Blanc Tasting At Stonechurch Vineyards, 1242 Irvine Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2005; 6:30pm Reception, 7:00pm Tasting Members: $30     Non-Members: $40

Gooseberries?? Grass?? Cat Pee?!? What better wine for spring than the fresh (and sometimes controversial) flavours of a Sauvignon Blanc; a wine capable of an extraordinary range of styles and best consumed young. Fortunately for Niagara, it is a grape whose best features and crisp acidity really only develop in cool climate growing regions. Join us for this Double Horizontal Tasting of Sauvignon Blancs as we discover the complexities of this noble grape while tasting samples from both the 2003 and 2004 vintages.

Our guest speaker, Linda Bramble, will lead us through this tasting. For those few unfamiliar with her, Bramble's credentials are far too numerous to mention. Among them are that she was a member of the faculty at Brock University's CCOVI for several years teaching general interest courses in Wine Appreciation and Wine Sales & Service. She also teaches the certification course for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. She is Senior Editor of Vines Magazine, and the author of several books on wine and wine touring (including: Touring Niagara Wine Country & Niagara Flavours). In addition, for the Wine Council of Ontario she has designed and developed the certification course Introduction to the Wines of Ontario.

Established in 1990, Stonechurch Vineyards was born out of the belief that good wine and good friends make a perfect pairing. Located in the heart of Niagara's wine region, Stonechurch is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. We will be privileged to have the opportunity to sample their 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (VQA) from South African Winemaker Tarence Van Rooyen. This is the first vintage of this grape varietal ever released by Stonechurch and they are proud to offer it as the flagship wine of the new vintage season.

As usual, there will be finger foods and mingling afterwards.

Directions:
Stonechurch Vineyards www.stonechurch.com (1242 Irvine Rd. R.R.#5, Niagara on the Lake) Take QEW to the Ontario St. exit in St. Catharines - #47 and follow it North. This changes into Lakeshore Rd. and eventually leads you out of the city. Irvine Rd. will be on your right side a few kilometers past the Welland canal) - For a map or local directions, see this Yahoo Map.

For information call the Niagara Wine Line at 905-685-7623 or visit www.ontariowinesociety.com. Seats will not be sold at the door. Members $30, Non-Members $40. Members may bring one guest at member price. Your cheque must be received by Tuesday, May 10, 2005. Please do not mail cash. Cancellations will be accepted up to Tuesday, May 10, 2005. Although we appreciate knowing your intentions, receipt of your cheque is the only way to guarantee a reservation, so please be sure to mail in your registration forms early as reservations are not accepted by phone or email.