PPCO takes trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, enjoys wine, scenery and orchard farm

PPCO takes trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, enjoys wine, scenery and orchard farm

PPCO members and guests in a by-the-lake photo at NOTL with former Lord Mayor Art Viola.

By Imelda Ortega Suzara

The difficulty in coordinating the PPCO members for rides and schedules was worth the visit to this beautiful lake side park facing Lake Ontario, Niagara River and the US Niagara Fort across the river, historical site of the Battle of 1812.

The peaceful and serene beauty of the water with sailboats and the landscaped park surrounding it, are in polar contrast to that violent battle 200 years ago between the USA and British Canada! Our host, Former Lord Mayor Art Viola read his introduction speech about NOTL to the members. He was the first Asian to be elected in such a position in 1998 and later awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his public service.

He is also a friend of Hermie and Mila Garcia, with whom they maintained an ongoing friendly relationship through annual picnics for their publication The Philippine Reporter.

PPCO members brought food to share in a potluck style on a small hill with 3 tables saved by the kindness of our host who went there early. Some PPCO members had their first time experience in NOTL and luckily the bright warm sun was out to make it an enjoyable summer social get-together including members, family and friends. Other parties set up their mats on the grass and tables nearby on this popular family park; it is advisable to start early to save your spot for a picnic!

Joseph’s Estate Wine Tour

After eating and chatting for a few hours, we attended a half hour wine tour at Joseph’s Winery, courtesy of ex-Lord Mayor Viola.

We were given taste samples of locally made wine: red, white and iced, a special frozen grape process first developed by Dr. Joseph Pohorly, a pioneer in ice wine production. We sat on several tables and listened to the explanation of wine production and how to see and taste wine like experts! At the store, members bought bottles of grape seed extract and wine, discounted by bulk purchase for that day. The store sells its own wine products only and are not sold in the LCBO.

This is a family-owned and -operated winery estate, typical of the NOTL tradition.

Varadinek Fruit Farm

Also family-owned and -operated, the Varadinek family have what Pavel the father humbly calls ‘a hobby farm’ in their surrounding land full of fruit trees: peach, plum, apricot, apple, grapes both table and wine, plus such vegetables and roots crops: beets, and cucumbers. They live on the farm, and do their own farming and picking, selling on a side table on the entry to their driveway.

At the NOTL farm. From left: Hermie Caspe, Art Viola, Melinda Rustia, Pavel Varadinek, Rose Tijam, Elena Tijam, Chris Varadinek and Rodel Ramos.

Passers-by can easily stop and pick up bags of fruits or vegetables and pay Mrs. Hana Varadinek or leave it in a box if they are out. Mila said,”This is because the town is known for its honesty and trust with neighbours.” Pavel, a retired engineer who was also a consultant for the Katrina hurricane flooding disaster in New Orleans, along with his banker son Christopher visiting that day, took our group on a tour of their farm, pointing out the various trees and allowing us to pick and taste the fruits along the way. The peaches and apricots were firm and sweet, and warm from the sun. After seeing the fruits hanging from their trees, it is irresistible to buy a bag to take home, knowing how Mother Nature blesses those who respect her.

Walk On Queen Street

PPCO PRO Imelda Suzara rides a sportscar in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

To end our visit, a few of us decided to walk on its one main commercial street, Queen Street, composed of: fashionable boutiques of romantic style clothing, souvenir stores, on-site produced ice cream parlours, local farm made jams and spreads, and fancy pastry bakeries. NOTL is a beautifully preserved Canadian heritage picturesque town with a nice diverse mix of Western European and Mediterranean cultural background dominating the small business community. Its beauty and charm however attracts tourists and customers from every culture possible! There was one international craft store of Ten Thousand Villages with
imported hand-made goods, which fit in with the tradition of unique and special handmade craft work not factory produced items.

We had a taste of the Italian gelato ice cream made on site at Nina Gelateria with a variety of flavours, pricey for a small cup $4.19 but worth it for the experience. As Mila Garcia noted,”A trip to NOTL without eating their ice cream would make your trip incomplete, you can’t miss it!”

On a street across the Royal George Theater, a blue vintage car was parked and its owner kindly allowed tourists passing by to hop in and have their photos taken, pretending to drive and ride his two seater. We took turns posing in it.

Then we passed by the Royal George Theater to see the posters and playbill of the popular Shaw Festival. NOTL although a small town, obviously has a wonderful appreciation of high culture and creativity, named after George Bernard Shaw, famous playwright.

Memorable Must See

Imelda Suzara, Mila A. Garcia and Jonathan Canchela in front of The Royal George theatre.

Driving away around 8:00 pm in the evening towards Toronto’s city life, we recalled the day’s events fondly already missing its small town warmth and old charm, and the nice people who hosted our trip!

NOTL is a memorable must see for those who like family-owned and -operated crafts businesses and specialty products, the peace of lake side view parks, and the friendliness of small tourist townsfolk! The feeling is a warm welcoming, as if a stranger can become one of the family instantly.

As Mila and Hermie Garcia suggest,”Take a whole weekend and check in one of their bed and breakfast inns. Although expensive, it is well worth it! We often come here on our own to enjoy it.”

PPCO members and friends with former NOTL Lord Mayor Art T. Viola

Staff member (extreme left) of Joseph’s Estate Wines briefs PPCO delegation on how regular and iced wines are made; and the proper way of drinking wine.

Wine enthusiasts show their “loot” inside the Joseph’s Estate Wine store. From left: Art Viola, Carlos Unas, Noel Perada, Jojo Taduran, Hermie Garcia, a guest and Ariel Ramos.

PPCO ladies shop in the wine stor for wine and grape seed oil.

Former Lord Mayor Art T. Viola reads his welcome remarks before PPCO members at Royal Queen’s Park by the lake.

PPCO secretary Jonathan Canchela gets to “test drive” a sportscar.