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All of Gremolata
Gremolata;
gremolada: [greh-moh-LAH-tah]
A garnish made of minced parsley, lemon peel and garlic. It's sprinkled over osso buco and other dishes to add a fresh, sprightly flavour. (Source: Food Network Encyclopaedia)
Jetsetter Viia Beaumanis
 Andy Shay's
Cheese Library
 How Yellow Tail
Stole the US
Wine Market
 | | Chris Willsher Covers Canadian Wine
 Three years ago, Chris Willsher was dragged kicking and screaming to the BC wine region. Visiting several vineyards a day, for an entire week, helped him develop an appreciation for quality wine ( not to mention a good 11AM buzz). Since returning to Ontario, he's continued his exploration of wines and the personalities behind them. Contact Chris with comments and questions at chris@gremolata.com. | | Gremolata Recommends 
Donna Dooher's
Out to Brunch at Mildred Pierce
Slow Food
Youth: Part I
 Slow Food
Youth: Part II
 Mondovino
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| Daniel Lenko Estate Winery
 Daniel Lenko has been described as one of Niagara’s most interesting and outspoken winemakers. And based on the quality of his wine, he has every right to continue to do so. His focus and dedication have turned out some of the best wines in Niagara, but even with the continued attention his wines are receiving, he has little interest in expanding much beyond the current 3,000 case capacity. Lenko prefers to continue to hone his winemaking skills to consistently improve quality and fetch top dollar for his product.
While the Daniel Lenko Estate Winery has only been in operation for six years, the vines on the Lenko estate are some of the oldest in the region. The Lenko family has owned the 35 acre property since they moved from Manitoba in 1947. The original chardonnay vines were planted in 1959 and by the early 90s earned the reputation of supplying grapes for some of the best wines in the region. It wasn’t until 1999 that Daniel Lenko decided to capitalize on the vintage vines his family owned and established the Daniel Lenko Estate Winery. Initially, he worked with winemaker Jim Warren who was responsible for making some of the early vintages for the burgeoning winery. In 2002 Warren departed and Ilya Senchuk was hired on to help craft many of the wines produced today.
Lenko’s keep it simple approach toward winemaking can be witnessed first-hand with a visit to the Daniel Lenko Estate Winery. Lenko’s establishment is a stark, but welcoming contrast to the multi-million dollar wineries/tourist attractions that are sprouting in the Niagara region. The only identifying mark for the winery is the three foot high sandwich board at the end of the driveway. His “wine shop” is the kitchen of his family’s home, with his mother Helen playing the role of hostess. Her hospitality alone is worth a visit as her warm personality keeps guests entertained as they sip wine and munch on the cheese, crackers and kolbasa she graciously doles out. And if you’re lucky, a slice of her homemade apple pie after the wine tasting.
While the atmosphere of Daniel Lenko Estate Winery holds no air of pretension, many of his wines would be welcome on the most sophisticated wine drinker’s table. The care and quality Lenko brings to winemaking comes through in every sip.
From the generous hospitality, to the entertaining conversations to the superior wines, Daniel Lenko Estate Winery is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Located in Beamsville, the winery is about an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto. They are only open on weekends or by appointment. For more details, including tasting notes, visit www.daniellenko.com. |
