The Host’s Selection Q1 2026
| Wine | Tasting Highlights | Ideal Pairings | Winery Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosewood Afternoon 2021 White |
Bright citrus notes of lemon zest and grapefruit Delicate floral character with subtle minerality |
Maple-glazed salmon with roasted spring vegetables, Fresh goat cheese with herbs and toasted baguette, Lemon herb chicken or grilled seafood | Boutique Niagara Peninsula estate known for precise, expressive cool-climate whites |
| Lieux Communs, Ours 2022 Red | Juicy red berries, plum, gentle spice, soft tannins | Grilled pork, roasted chicken, mushroom-rich dishes, charcuterie | Small-lot Canadian producer focused on terroir-driven, refined reds |
|
Corral Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Zabala Vineyard |
Bright stone fruit, citrus, and mineral tones with subtle herbal nuances; crisp, expressive, and beautifully balanced |
Fresh oysters, ceviche, citrus-dressed salads, goat cheese, grilled fish or shrimp, spring vegetables, herb-forward dishes |
Corral Wine Company is a family-run winery in Monterey County, producing terroir-driven, expressive wines from estate-grown fruit with a focus on precision and freshness |
| Kathryn Kennedy, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 | Black fruits with woodsy spice and distinct mineral notes on a balanced, supple palate. |
Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter, Prime rib or slow‑roasted beef, Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, Braised short ribs |
Kathryn became known for her Estate Cabernet, packaged in a distinctive silver label that bears her signature. |
Rosewood Afternoon 2021
A Fresh Expression from Niagara Peninsula
Rosewood Winery focuses on cool‑climate whites that are bright, balanced, and food friendly — wines that elevate the table without overpowering it.
Tasting Notes
Citrus blossom and orchard fruit lead the nose, with crisp acidity and subtle mineral notes on the palate. This wine is refreshing, elegant, and exceptionally versatile.
Inspired by classic White Bordeaux, blended 66% Sauvignon Blanc with 34% Sémillon.
Alcohol: 11.2%
Pairings
- Maple-glazed salmon with roasted spring vegetables
- Fresh goat cheese with herbs and toasted baguette
- Lemon herb chicken or grilled seafood
- Spring salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Burrata with tomatoes and basil
Winery Significance
Rosewood Winery & Meadery is Niagara’s original wine and honey estate, a family-run farm rooted in the Beamsville Bench. The winery represents more than 20 years of sustainable farming and winemaking, built on an extraordinary 92-year beekeeping heritage.
Lieux Communs, Ours 2022
Fresh, Playful, and Expressive
For this 2022 vintage, the winemakers embraced spontaneity, blending immediately after fermentation to capture the essence of the fruit and the character of the year. Crafted from hybrid reds pressed directly, along with Vidal and Frontenac Noir via carbonic maceration, this wine expresses freshness, vibrancy, and a natural, unfiltered personality.
Tasting Notes
Bright aromas of red berries, subtle tart cherry, and fresh cranberry are complemented by earthy, mineral undertones. The palate is light-bodied yet layered, showcasing juicy fruit, gentle acidity, and a lively, mouthwatering finish. With no added sulfites, this wine retains a pure, natural expression of its varietals and terroir.
Alcohol: 10.5%
Ideal Pairings
- Classic: Roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto
- Comfort: Light stews, lentil dishes, fresh herb-forward cuisine
- Entertaining: Picnic boards, charcuterie, soft cheeses
Winery Significance
The wines were sourced from:
- Ontario locations: Beamsville (Vidal), St. Thomas (Sainte Croix)
- Quebec locations: Sabrevois, Lanoraie (Marquette & Frontenac Noir)
Lieux Communs celebrates small-lot, natural winemaking. Immediate blending and minimal intervention highlight the pure fruit and vintage expression, creating a wine that is vibrant, approachable, and food-friendly.
Corral Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Zabala Vineyard
A Terroir-Driven Expression from Monterey’s Central Coast
From the cool, wind-swept Zabala Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, this Sauvignon Blanc embodies precision, energy, and a true sense of place. Crafted by the Bell Family at Corral Wine Company, it’s a crisp, food-friendly wine designed for modern entertaining and everyday enjoyment.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of lemon zest, fresh citrus, and wet stone open to a lively palate of peach, lemon, and bright stone fruit. Minerality and crisp acidity provide balance and structure, while a long, refreshing finish keeps the wine engaging from first sip to last.
Alcohol: 13.4%
Food Pairings
- Classic: Fresh oysters, ceviche, or grilled prawns
- Vegetarian: Spring vegetables, herb-forward salads, citrus-dressed greens
- Comfort: Goat cheese, light pasta dishes, or farm-to-table California cuisine
Winery Significance
Corral Wine Company — founded by the Bell Family in Corral de Tierra, Monterey County — focuses on estate-grown, small-lot wines that reflect the distinct Arroyo Seco terroir. Their Sauvignon Blanc captures the purity, energy, and vibrancy of the Central Coast, making it versatile for any table and any occasion.
Kathryn Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
A Terroir-Driven Expression from Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
From the esteemed Kathryn Kennedy Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the depth, structure, and elegance the region is known for. Crafted with precision and care, it highlights the unique interplay of cool coastal breezes and warm daytime sun, producing a wine that’s bold yet approachable.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and cassis are complemented by subtle hints of cedar, cocoa, and baking spice. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit is framed by velvety tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a long, structured finish that evolves beautifully in the glass.
Alcohol: 14.8%
Food Pairings
- Classic: Grilled ribeye, roast lamb, or beef tenderloin
- Comfort: Braised short ribs, hearty stews, or wild game
- Cheese: Aged Gouda, Manchego, or firm alpine-style cheeses
Winery Significance
Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards — established by winemaker Kathryn Kennedy in Monterey County — is celebrated for producing small-lot, terroir-driven wines with elegance and precision. This Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the estate’s commitment to hand-selected fruit, thoughtful oak integration, and classic California expression, perfect for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
