Last Updated on 2020-10-23 by Linda
Saturday saw the grand opening of Kin Vineyards in Carp. Carp as an FYI is located in the Ottawa Valley and a stones throw from home. How awesome is it that wine regions are ever expanding. KIN Vineyards is committed to crafting brilliant wines from their remarkable terroir and we set out to check it out in our Skechers.
Kin Vineyard
Kin Vineyard was a new discovery for Kent and I. It was not a wine we had heard of until we attended the Orleans Craft Beer Festival. I know, seriously we can discover wine in the most amazing and weird places. Wine at a craft beer festival? It happened, honest. At the Festival we struck up a conversation at the Kin booth and discovered their Grand Opening was going to be July 8th. Never wanting to miss an opportunity we jumped into our Ford Focus (on loan from Ford Canada) and decided we had to go check out the Vineyard.
Kin Vineyards Grand Opening
Kin Vineyard owns and tends two vineyards nestled along the Carp Ridge, adjoined by the Carp River, and resting upon the grey limestone of the Ottawa Formation. Each vineyard supports a distinct terroir, a unique personality, and a tremendous potential for remarkable wine.
KIN Vineyards invited the community to the Grand Opening of their brand new tasting room located in Carp – 2225 Craig’s Side Road.
They had a full day of activities planned and all were family friendly. The day was scheduled to start with the Four Score String Quartet, such a lovely way to start the day. The Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson and Councillor El-Chantiry then helped with the ribbon cutting.
and we may have run into a few friends along the way ( Marilou from Twenty York Street ).
Next up on the agenda was some lively entertainment from Ottawa Valley Fiddle & Step and then Grace Note (@gracenoteband).
Kin offered Wine Tours scheduled on the quarter hour. plus free tastings of their spring releases. Guests were welcome to relax with a glass of vino in their brand new lounge area or savour a glass on the patio with the picturesque view of the vineyard overlooking the Carp valley.
Our Experience
The weather was perfect, not to hot, and a slight breeze keeping on pests away. Our first view of the tasting room and vineyard was experienced as we wandered up the driveway.
A resounding success, there were wine “fans” everywhere. We did have a difficult time seeing the full beauty of the tasting room and the patio ( but a repeat visit later this summer will take care of that). I loved seeing the community out in full support.
Tasting stations were set up in strategic spots around the patio and in the tent. Everyone had amble opportunity to taste the wines offered by Kin Vineyards.
Wine Offerings from Kin
Kin has several different wines available and we may have purchased a few to add to our cellar. Ok , not “may” we actually did purchase several bottles and some of the Cider.
Kin’s full wine list is available on their website with the descriptor and recommendations.
A few we managed to try,:the Frontenacs both the red and white.
The red, Dark Horse is a deep ruby colour. The nose shows dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, earth, chocolate, and smoke. The palette is dense, yet the balance of acidity, fruit, alcohol and tannin make this an unctuous experience. Persistent finish. Enjoy young but has some cellar potential.We have opted to cellar, cannot wait to try this one later.
The Light Horse– is medium lemon-green in colour. Dry with bright acidity, floral and fruity notes of lemon blossom, jasmine, and pineapple with a viscous palette weight and long, cleansing finish. Enjoy young.
Next up, the Understory which includes a Marechal Foch and a Vidal Blanc. The Marechal sold out very quickly so we missed out but the Vidal Blanc was exactly as described. Off-dry, and youthful. There were delicate aromas of flowers, yellow plum, apple and wet stone. The vibrant acidity and lingering sweetness leads to a balanced and cleansing finish. A great wine for summer sipping. Enjoy young.( and now in our cellar)
Kin also offers a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir with grapes from the Beamsville Region.
All in all a very successful opening for a young vineyard. I am so very excited to see this industry expanding and wish the owners all of the greatest success in this venture. I for one will be back for another visit.
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