An introduction to our wine list
Welcome to Elmhirstās Resort.
The Elmhirstās Resort experience is deeply rooted in family tradition, is down-to-earth, and inspired by its surroundings. Farm-to-table freshness is a key ingredient in our seasonal culinary creations. We raise our own cows, ducks and turkey right on the resort, and our plentiful gardens offer us our very own herbs, honey and vegetables. Partnerships with local farmers and producers complement our extraordinary menu offerings.
This wine list has been carefully chosen through a rigorous curation tasting of over 100 wines with our entire restaurant team. Over 40 wineries across the province of Ontario submitted samples and gave presentations. The team then selected, through blind taste tests, the best of the best that Ontario has to offer. We now proudly present to you our 2024 wine list.
White Wines and RosƩ
Red Wines
Sparkling Wines
White Wines
Riesling
The great white wine grape of Germany, Riesling has become a mainstay in the Ontario wine world for its ability to thrive in the coldwinters. Light bodied and aromatic with a hint of minerality. Riesling can pair well with a wide range of foods, but can really shine when paired with dishes that are spicy or a little salty.
Pinot Grigio
A very popular grape variety producing white wines that are light and fresh with balanced acidity and fruit flavours. Expect notes of green grapes, melon and light perfume. Pinot Grigio pairs well with salads, creamy pasta and fresh fruit.
Chardonnay
A full-bodied white grape variety prized by wine connoisseurs for its rich texture and complex flavour. Commonly aged in oak barrels to impart further richness and depth of flavour. Chardonnay is traditionally paired with poultry dishes, fish or any dish with lots of butter and other rich dairy.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its sharp acidity and grassy notes and is one of the lightest-bodied grape varietals commonly drank around the world. It is commonly paired with salads, lean meats, and soft cheeses, especially goat cheese.
Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer grapes produce a semi-dry white wine similar to Riesling but with more exotic aromatics, a firmer structure, and more floral notes. It has notes of lychee, rose, and pink grapefruit. It pairs well with deep-fried foods, egg-based dishes, and pickled vegetables.
Viognier
A full-bodied white grape varietal known for its fruit-forward flavours and soft floral notes. Notes of apricot, citrus and vanilla. Viognier pairs well with any seafood, or foods with a sweet and spicy glaze of sauce.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a medium-bodied white wine that highlights the subtle differences in the soil, air and water. A dry white wine with notes of apple, quince and chamomile. Makes a great pairing with turkey, hard cheese or anything with a tangy sauce.
RosƩ and Skin Ferment Wine
All RosƩ wines are made by allowing the grapes to ferment with skin contact for a brief period to impart colour and tannins to the wine before removing the skins. These wines vary in style and taste depending on the grape varietals used. They often sit between a red and white wine in texture and flavour, making them some of the most versatile food-pairing wines. They especially shine with spicy and sweet foods like barbequed meats.
Sparkling
Charmat Method “Prosecco Style” Wines
These wines are naturally fermented twice before bottling, and are slightly sweeter other sparkling wines. These wines are fun, versatile and easy to drink.
Traditional Method “Champagne Style” Wines
These wines have their second fermentation in the bottle, creating a crisp, dry, sparkling wine with a firm structure and a lively effervescence. Notes of fresh baked break and tart fruit.
Red Wine
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes are delicate and take finesse to grow, making it an excellent showcase of the skill and style of the winemakers. A light-bodied but earthy red wine known for blackberry, tart cherry and spices flavours. Traditionally paired with duck and other game meats.
Gamay Noir
Originally famous for its use in the French wine region Beaujolais. Gamay Noir has become a beloved part of Ontario winemaking, where the limestone-rich soils temper its natural acidity and create a well-balanced, very light-bodied red wine. Notes of fresh grape, raspberry and violet. A great compliment to duck, turkey, charcuterie or anything with a tomato-based sauce.
Merlot
Easily among the most well-known of all grape varieties. Merlot is typically a rich dark purple with velvety smooth tannins and a semi-sweet, fruit-forward flavour. Known for flavours of plums blackberries and redgrape, merlot tends to be easy drinking and very friendly to the palate. Pairs well with beef, dark chocolate and ripe cheeses.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc responds to the cold Ontario winters better than almost any other red wine grape variety. These wines are known for their rich flavours of tobacco, leather and cassis, making them often some of the least fruit-forward wines. This is often why many red blends contain both Merlot and Cabernet Franc to balance fruitiness and richness. Cabernet Franc is traditionally paired with roast beef, rich vegetable dishes and game birds.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc and is well known for its very full-bodied wines with lots of tannins and very little sugar. Expect notes of blackcurrant, green peppers and cedar. Pairs very well with rich beef dishes and dishes served with savoury sauces and gravies.
Red Blends
All of our red blends represent some of the most full-bodied and richly flavoured wines on our wine list. These wines are typically a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with some other varietals used for accents in some of the wines. Expect deep fruit flavours of plum and black cherry with hints of cocoa and leather. They are traditionally paired with rich beef dishes and ripe cheeses.
Sweet Wines
These wines are all either late harvest or ice wines, meaning that they have been picked after the temperature has dropped below zero and, in the case of ice wines, until the grapes are fully frozen. This creates a sweet, almost syrupy wine with high alcohol content and rich flavours that range from dried fruit to caramel. Served in smaller portions than regular wines, they are typically served with cheeses and desserts and make a lovely end to a formal dinner.
Beer
Draft Beers: ($5 for 1/2 pint) ($9.00 for a full pint)