Why use one vineyard to grow your grapes, when you can use two?

When it comes to wine, the more, the merrier. You could stick to the standard single vineyard and have half an aneurysm every year when the weather starts to turn on you. Or, you could back yourself up a bit and give your wines an even better chance of being brilliant.

Now, we’d hate for you to get overwhelmed here, but it’s going to get even more ostentatious. If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and drink outstanding wine while taking in the view, then you’re going to want to visit Chateau des Charmes.

Located at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, we’re pretty sure this winery has the best conditions for growing wine – and drinking it. What comes out of an environment that reminds one of the immaculate conception, you say? Delicious red wine.

Paul Bosc knows a thing or two about red wines. This is mainly because he is a fifth generation winegrower – and we’re pretty sure it’s red wine in there, not blood. When Paul and the family arrived at Niagara-on-the-Lake way way back in the 1960’s, they knew that they were only going to get a decent wine if they grew it themselves.

Now, the world has moved a bit since the hippie era. Cellphones are glued to our ears – and faces – and there’s this thing called genetic modification. However, Paul and his family have been reluctant to move with it, preferring to bask in the glow of sustainability.

They are – direct quote – ‘custodians of the land.’ This means that they believe in using the wonders of modern science with a generous slathering of sustainable TLC to bring the best out of every grape that is grown.

It’s a handy trick that’s worked for almost sixty years now. We all know the age-old saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Paul has applied this mantra over and over again to bring out the best of his crop, year after glorious year.

They’re not done, however. They’re not just sitting back, chuffed at the secret they discovered all those years ago that is showing no signs of slowing down. Like many successful winemakers, they know that there is always something new to learn.

With this in mind, Chateau des Charmes will continue to experiment with modern technology while preserving precious practices simultaneously. This is what you’d call a trailblazer.

Château des Charmes Wine

2017 Gamay Noir ‘Droit’: you could write a book on this wine. You could also read a book’s worth of notes on it online, too. However, a part of my job is to paraphrase, so you don’t have to.

This wine has been produced from cuttings of another vine, propagating an entirely new vintage. The medium body style offers up cherry flavors. However, you’ll also enter into a complexity with this wine that could be described as a pleasant surprise.

The warm spicy notes and a slight hint of smokiness carries this wine through to the end.

2017 Aligote: this rare vintage variety actually pays homage to Paul’s heritage, taking you back to the Burgundy region of France. You’ll fondly think of apples and pears on the nose as you take in the light minerality and crisp acidity on the palate.

Chateau des Charmes doesn’t believe in leaving this vintage to oak – it’s much better tasted straight away.

2016 Vidal Icewine: Icewine grapes require a very specific temperament to grow successfully in. I think it’s almost pointless to mention at this stage that this winery has nailed it.

Flowery gardens, apricot, and honey come to mind when taking in the aroma. The acidity balances a certain sweetness that sticks around long after you’ve swallowed it.

If you’re partial to beautiful views, great catering, and brilliant wine, you need to check out Chateau des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I recommend that you start practicing your French now.