What better way to spend a lovely afternoon in Niagara on the Lake than enjoying a relaxing lunch at The Oaklands terrace at the Riverbend Inn & Vineyard. With sprawling views overlooking the vineyards of Peller Estates, it is the perfect tranquil setting to spend the afternoon. The Oaklands celebrates "simplicity, the season, and a sense of place." Enjoy a seasonal menu created by Chef Ross Midgley with local ingredients, inspired by French cuisine. Chef Midgley has many years of culinary experience within the Niagara region at The Kitchen House at Peninsula Ridge, Trius at Hillebrand Estates and internationally at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in the UK.
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is well steeped in history, formerly a farmhouse and private residence since 1809, Riverbend Inn opened it doors to the public in April 2004. It has recently joined the Andrew Peller Limited family of wineries in February 2021, thereby forming a combined 57 acres of high-quality grape growing vineyards, managed by Winemaker, Katie Dickieson. Riverbend Inn is surrounded by its own 12 acre vineyard, consisting of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Vidal.
With an extensive wine list, The Oaklands also features stellar wines from its sister vineyards of Peller Estates, Trius Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates and Thirty Bench Wine Makers. Two noteworthy wines we tried were; Thirty Bench's 2018 Small Lot "Triangle Vineyard" Riesling and Peller Estates Signature Series Ice Cuvee Rose. The Small Lot Riesling is off-dry with a light to medium body with great balance, perfect for a hot summers day in wine country. The Ice Cuvee Rose is a unique blend of four varietals; 70% Pinot Noir, 26.5% Chardonnay, 3.5% Gamay Noir and enhanced with 100 ml dosage of Vidal Icewine and made in the traditional method. It is a refreshing and smooth sparkling wine with hints of cranberry and white currant.
To slowly ease into the meal we opted for a sharing platter of Oysters, a Charcuterie Board and a few starters; Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Caprese salad and Riesling Steamed Mussels. The oysters and the mussels paired very well with both the Peller Estates Ice Cuvee Rose and the Small Lot Riesling.
The East Coast oysters were accompanied by a Niagara Peach Mignonette, Horseradish and a Sweet Hot sauce. The charcuterie board was a nice mix of 3 Ontario local cheeses, 3 charcuterie meats and giant capers.
The Riesling mussels were incredibly fresh and tasty. We literally watched the seafood truck pull up to the inn to make the delivery just before they were served, yes it was THAT fresh. The Riesling, ginger, coriander and coconut milk in the sauce made for a light yet fragrant broth that coated the mussels nicely. We dipped every bit of the baguette slices to soak up that delicious broth.
Summer is the perfect season for Heirloom tomatoes, which were perfectly ripe and juicy for the Caprese salad. The Basil syrup added a nice flavour enhancement to the Balsamic reduction.
The Wild Ling Cod was nicely seared and flavourful and the Ontario Trout Nicoise was a fresh presentation of a traditional tuna Nicoise salad.
To complete the meal, a Dark Chocolate Semi-Freddo was paired with a Thirty Bench Vidal Ice-Wine.
What a perfect and relaxing summer afternoon on the terrace of The Oaklands. An intimate setting with a handful of tables on the terrace overlooking the vineyard.
LOCATION
The Oaklands at The Riverbend Inn & Vineyard
16104 Niagara Pkwy
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0, Canada
HOURS
Lunch and Dinner from 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
RESERVATIONS
Advanced reservations recommended online or by phone at 1-888-220-2281 or 905-468-2270.
MOST RECENT VISIT
11 August 2021