Day trip to Thirty Bench Winery

A Memorable Visit to Thirty Bench Wines-August 20, 2024

A few years ago, I met Tom Muckle at the Thirty Bench Booth during the Lifford Wine Agency Grand Tasting. A few days later, when I raved about Thirty Bench Wines to my father-in-law, he asked if I ran into Tom Muckle. It turned out both men knew each other as medical colleagues. The “small world” coincidence did not end there. When I researched the history of Thirty Bench in more detail, the name of Dr. Yiorgos Papageorgiou from McMaster University came up as a founding partner. Dr. Papageorgiou  was one of the core lecturers in my first year geography class at McMaster University in 1981-82, around the same time he and Tom Muckle were launching their winery.

Last August I took my Alberta-based brother-in-law on his first ever scenic trip through Niagara wine country. It was gorgeous morning as we left Toronto behind and descended on the region where I grew up. I decided to make Thirty Bench our first stop. We were received warmly and given an opportunity to walk through some of the property to see the terroir and ripening grapes first-hand before our tasting.

Thirty Bench has fashioned a reputation for epitomizing quality over quantity. They recently finished as the second highest scoring Ontario winery at the National Wine Awards. In 2015 they were named Canada’s top small winery at these same awards. Winemaker Emma Garner leads a team that produces stellar wines, in particular its Riesling and Cabernet Franc, though there were a few other single variety wines and blends that shone at our tasting. Here are some of the highlights of our visit.

91 Thirty Bench 2021 Riesling Steel Post Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench $28.00

A vibrant riesling that displays lime with tinges of graprefruit, granny smith apple, and mineral complexity. Lively acidity with a consistent flavour profile that is expressive from start to finish. Would work well with ham or charcuterie. $28.00 Winery

92 Thirty Bench 2021 Riesling Triangle Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench

A bright and alert citrus nose follows through beautifully on the palate. Lime and apple flavours are focused and just off dry. Impressive depth of flavour and length. Serve with grilled chicken, fish or vegetables with a slightly sweet sauce. $28.00 Winery

92 Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench

An attractive combination of cherry and plum fruit depth augmented by earthy and spicy complexity from 10 months in older French oak. It really sings on the palate with bright red fruit, wood spice, lively acidity and well managed tannin. Well structured overall with excellent length. This would pair well with grilled salmon. $35.00 Winery

93 Thirty Bench Small Lot Cabernet Franc VQA Beamsville Bench

An appealing and complex cabernet franc made from a limited production organic vineyard. Dark berry character is joined by well-managed sweet oak and herbal tea complexity. Impressive flavour depth and structure with a long finish that will pair well with vegetable stews or rack of lamb with herbs. $68.00 Winery