Canada’s original estate winery, Inniskillin, at Niagara-on-the-Lake in southern Ontario, was host to a Tri-national Chaîne gathering. Members from the Bailliage of Buffalo welcomed members from Canada and Great Britain who all came together to enjoy the best of the Niagara region.

Honoured guests included:
- from Toronto: Dave Hannon, Leigh and Maître Rôtisseur Paul Hoag (his very first Chaîne event!), Dame de la Chaîne Marna and Chevalier Bill Santo, and once again living in her native Canada, Lois Gilbert, Bailli Honoraire of Moscow and a member of the International Jeunes Commis Committee
- from London: Professionnels de Vin Judy and Ralph “Tiny” Van Niekerk
- from the Virgin Islands: Cary Tenenbaum
- from Vancouver: Vice-Chargée de Missions Ruth Grierson

Guests were greeted beside the vineyard with sparkling Inniskillin ice wine and passed hors d’oeuvres as a tour of the property stimulated appetites for the meal to come. By sunset, the crisp autumn air encouraged attendees to move inside and take their seats at the harvest table in the wine cellar.

Estate Chef Tim Mackiddie, Chef for both Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery and Inniskillin Wines, has a natural, entertaining presence and enjoys interacting with his guests. The 44 confrères were delighted by his innovative preparations and his infectious enthusiasm.

Ice wine was the highlight of the evening featuring in everything from the butter on the table through to dessert. Local ingredients expertly handled by Chef and his team headlined the five-course menu.

MENU

Pacific snapper ceviche

avocado, Bartlett pear, field tomatoes, North Atlantic shrimp
2016 Discovery Series Legacy Pinot Grigio

House-made sour dough pasta, charred corn

Smoked Casey blue, candied walnut, JT garden greens
2015 Klose Vineyard Chardonnay


Ontario pork croquette
celery root black truffle salad, local beets, pickled shallots
ice wine braised mustard seed
2015 Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir

Slow-cooked beef flank steak chimichurri
potato confit, DBL Farm squash, candied garlic
2015 Discovery Series Merlot Petit-Verdot



Mutsu apple strudel, salt caramel panna cotta
cinnamon meringue, candied almonds, ginger and sultana coulis
2015 Oak-aged Chardonnay Ice wine

Bailli Helen Cappuccino presented attendees with a pin commemorating a spectacular evening celebrating with new friends from around the globe.

Karen Sperrazza
Vice-Chargée de Presse