The Bailliage held another of its very popular “Wine Bingo” events - an on-line wine tasting and bingo night - on March 18th. With the ability to sign in on-line from literally anywhere in the world, the event was well-attended as always.

Each participant received a “bingo package” prior to the evening that included three wines from Closson Chase Winery in the up-and-coming Prince Edward County wine region of Ontario:

- 2018 ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir
- 2019 ‘The Loyalist’ Chardonnay
- 2020 Ridge Vineyard Pinot Gris

Closson Chase (established in 1998) is a quality-driven winery that helped spearhead the birth of the Prince Edward County wine industry. Centuries-old European traditions with sustainable, innovative techniques are used to create world class wines from the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes.

The climate of Prince Edward County, virtually an island, is greatly moderated by Lake Ontario, one of Canada’s five Great Lakes The soils provide some of the best growing conditions favouring vitis vinifera. Closson Chase’s decision to produce two early ripening varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, reflect a deep understanding of the site’s possibilities.

The vineyard experiences a fast start in the spring, with higher risk of spring frost, but full ripening before the shorter, cooler fall season. Closson Chase’s south facing slope adds to the early warming ability of the site, as well as aiding in water drainage and airflow.

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir break bud early and require one of the shortest growing seasons of all vinifera wine grapes to fully ripen. The nature of the soil, the site and the varietals are perfectly married, giving Closson Chase the opportunity to achieve world class wines.

The event co-host, and honorary bingo caller, was Keith Tyers, Winemaker at Closson Chase. A graduate of the International Sommelier Guild programme at Humber College (in Etobicoke, Ontario), Keith worked for several years at various well-known Toronto restaurants before deciding he wanted to enjoy a quieter lifestyle with his family.

He began his winemaking career in 2003. A path which eventually led to him joining Closson Chase in 2015 as its winemaker where he continues the winery’s tradition of excellence.

Keith expertly explained each of the three wines as they were enjoyed prior to each of three Bingo games, competing for special prizes of wines donated by Closson Chase.

Paul Morrell
Vice-Chargé de Presse