One Ontario winemaker after another has been calling 2007 the best vintage ever, crediting perfect conditions and vines that are coming into their own. Most of the prized reds and chardonnays out later this year won’t be at the LCBO; visit these wineries for the picks of the crop.

Hidden Bench, Niagara
Known for chardonnay and a sémillon-sauvignon blend, 2007 favours pinot noirs and La Brunante, a Bordeaux-inspired blend.
Where: 4152 Locust Ln., Beams­ville, 905-563-8700.

Hillebrand and Thirty Bench, Niagara
Hillebrand’s 2007 Showcase reds and Trius Grand Red were top samples at preview. Thirty Bench’s 2007 rieslings (out now) are superb, with a bordeaux-blend 2007 Red still to come.
Where: Hillebrand, 1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the Lake, 905-468-7123; Thirty Bench, 4281 Mountainview Rd., Beamsville, 905-563-1698.

Jackson-Triggs, Niagara
The main event here will be the Delaine Vineyard 2007 Syrah, the cab-merlot-based reds and the Delaine 2007 Chardonnay.
Where: 2145 Regional Rd. 55, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-4637.

Le Clos Jordanne, Niagara
Late 2009 brings the 2007s, sure to be some of the best wines from Ontario.
Where: 2540 South Service Rd., Jordan Station, 905-562-9404.

Long Dog, Prince Edward County
The 2007 chardonnay and pinot barrels hold complex, bright and deeply flavoured wines. The final blends should be excellent.
Where: 104 Brewers Rd., Milford, 613-476-4140.

Norman Hardie, Prince Edward County
The 2007 County Pinot Noir won best County red at the Artevino awards, and two other prize-worthy pinots are still to come.
Where: 1152 Greer Rd., Wellington, 613-399-5297.

Rosehall Run, Prince Edward County
Known for chardonnay, 2007 brings some excellent pinot noir and cabernet franc, including St. Cindy Pinot Noir.
Where: 1243 Greer Rd., Wellington, 1-613-399-1183.

Southbrook, Niagara
Cab-merlot-based reds are the focus, including Poetica, a new premium range. The 2007 Triomphe Sauvignon Blanc (out now) is one of the best in Ontario.
Where: 581 Niagara Stone Rd., RR 4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-641-2548.

Stratus, Niagara
The 2006 merlot, 2006 petit verdot and 2006 Stratus Red and White are due in 2009; 2010 brings the 2007 Stratus Red and White.
Where: 2059 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-1806.

Tawse Winery, Niagara
Excellent 2007 pinots (still in barrel) and classy 2006 reds lend promise to the 2007s (out in 2009).
Where: 3955 Cherry Ave., Vineland, 905-562-9500

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