LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

With Jessica Otting, Tawse Winery / Redstone Winery and Restaurant Niagara Peninsula

Jessica Otting combines organic and biodynamic practices with a scientific edge, merging microbiology and minimalism in her winemaking. At Tawse and Redstone, Jessica crafts elegant, terroir-driven VQA wines that highlight Niagara’s cool climate intensity and complexity. Her deep respect for the vineyard’s natural rhythms results in wines that are both thoughtful and expressive.

Tawse Winery / TAWSEWINERY.CA Redstone Winery and Restaurant / REDSTONEWINES.CA

Favourite place to grab picnic goodies? The Red Barn in Jordan has everything. Baked goods, fresh local produce and even family-friendly pick-your-own strawberries in the summer.

Favourite place for a romantic date night? The Port Dalhousie Supper Market on Tuesday nights. Waterfront views, live music, food trucks, cocktails, boat cruises and even a historic carousel if your babysitter falls through.

Red Barn / 4297 Jordan Road, Jordan Station

Port Dalhousie Supper Market / 1 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines

Best non-winery hidden gem?

Sum up your wine region in three words. Go!

Beamsville Bakery. Their honey dip donuts, fresh on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, are light, airy and impossible to resist.

Authentic. Approachable. Unassuming.

Beamsville Bakery / 4966 King Street East, Beamsville

Favourite time of year in Niagara?

Summer. I love the sunshine, the slower winemaking pace before harvest and the chance to connect with the people who support Ontario VQA wine.

Look for the VQA symbol. Your assurance of 100 % locally grown grapes.