Here are the top 5 reasons to drink wines from Washington state and the proof to back it up:

1.  Cabernet Sauvignon is King!  The most widely planted variety across the state that is full of fruit, tannins and very full bodied.  Great choice is the 2007 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon at only $25.00 a bottle.

2.  If you are looking for more Old World Style there are lots of Clarets to choose from.  Claret is blend of mostly Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  My choice is the 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Claret from Robert Karl Cellars. This wine is great value at $20.00 and it was given 91 points by Wine Enthusiast.

3.   The 2008 Eroica Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle.  The cool nights give this Riesling great acidity and the potential to age for a number of years in a cellar.

4.  Syrah, Syrah…enough said!  Try the 2007 L’Ecole 41 Syrah from the Columbia Valley and see if you can pick up the hint of Grenache in the blend.

5.   Blinded by the White…my choice for an interesting white wine is the 2008 CMS Sauvignon Blanc from Hedges Winery.  This wine is unlike any Sauvignon Blanc you’ve ever tasted with Chardonnay and Marsanne in the blend giving the wine both a creamy mouthfeel with some nice herbal and spice notes!

Now it’s up to you to taste one of these great wines today and put your palate to the test!

I had the Black Cod fish-and-chips that literally melted in your mouth.  Of course, I washed it down with a Blanche de Chambly, a Quebec white ale with great acidity and citrus notes.  Other great beers of note including Mill Street, Muskoka, Steam Whistle and Big Rock, but also stouts and dark ales.

But let’s get to the wine list.  It’s very Ontario-focused, including red and white wines from Tawse, Flat Rock, Stratus, Henry of Pelham and Malivore to name a few.   For dessert, they even have a Prince Edward County Ice Cider, which would go great with their Norfolk Empire Apple Pan Dowdy.

I also had the opportunity to taste the Kozlicks Triple Mustard Crusted lamb chops, which I think it would pair well with the Prospect Shiraz from BC, and the pierogies which re hand made in house.  Hands down, these are the best pierogies I have ever tasted and they would be a fun match with the Tawse Echos Chardonnay.

There are too many great dishes to list, so head down one night have a seat at the bar, cozy up in the newly covered banquettes in the dining room or head up to the roof top patio to take in the last few nights of summer!