The Foreign Affair Winery — Attraction in Lincoln

MUST VISIT!!!! this is a small and beautiful winery. It has a cute patio and garden, then going in you will be received by friendly staff that will offer to seat you inside for tastings or if you prefer the patio you can get your wine by the glass. Wines are insanely delicious. I had no idea we had such good wines in Niagara. I live in Toronto for only 8 years. They have everything from Champagne, to white, rose and beautiful reds as well. ✨ D’Arcy took care of us in the tasting area. We got 2 different flight - a red and a mix of brut, white, and red, as we had received a sparkling rose as a complimentary drink as well as a charcuterie board - not sure if it’s a standard or a seasonal thing. D’Arcy went over each wine is the menu, explained in detail the flavours, the production methods, the grapes. It was an experience worth just by that part. They also welcome well behaved dogs inside, tbh that’s the reason we stayed because I don’t go places that don’t welcome my fur babies, and they even brought a bowl of water by the table for them 🖤 We also absolutely loved the onion jam and the small peppers that came in the charcuterie board and took some home as well as some wines. I subscribed to their wine club (no cost other than the wine you select) and got discounts for the non alcoholic items I bought as well as a welcome gift: a pair of giant 🍷. I’ll be back for sure many times. I’m looking forward to taste some of the food in their menu - we got full with the charcuterie board and couldn’t order more. *this place is hands down the best CS I’ve received in many years in Canada. Appassimento is the process they use that makes their wine different, it’s a process of natural partial dehydration of grapes to produce a greater concentration of colours, aromas and flavours...

The level of service was EXCEPTIONAL, truly top tier. Winemaker René was down to earth. Caitlin, Sommelier Ed, Brenda and Rachel spoke eloquently, were attentive, and incredibly hospitable. There was not a single indication of fatigue despite what I can only imagine was a busy weekend off and on-site given the festival that weekend; the genuine interest and care surpassed expectations and was hugely impressive. Once a visitor entered the room, the staff would immediately make eye contact to acknowledge their arrival. The staff knew exactly when and how to pause or exit conversations to welcome the next guest. The wines were just as pleasant. Sparkling Rose brut, Pinot Grigio (so refreshing and easy to drink) , Gamay Noir, Gamay rosé and huge YAY for the Chardonnay. I will have to return to try more of the reds; Valpolicella was my first love 🍷❤️ I had the sausage rolls 😋 they were flaky and so savory. The accompanying mustard and pickles paired perfectly 👌 I enjoyed the blended Canadian and Italian decor inside. I look forward to spending some time in their beautiful outdoor space playing a game and/or enjoying the flowers and green space. In addition to some of the usual winery retail finds, there are some unique and beautiful products and goodies to purchase as well. Another excuse to return. It's so simple to get to off the highway and so close, but you'd hardly remember it since you're tucked away in a beautiful location; it's definitely worth stopping...

UPDATE: Back again this past weekend for more of the terrific appassimento wines from Foreign Affair. I love the Reisling Appassimento - brought home another bottle again. The Sussreserve Reisling and Brut sparkling rounded out my flight and both were very good. Our host, D'Arcy again is so obviously passionate and knowledgeable about wine. He gave us an impromptu tour of the wine making areas as we were leaving. Even after all our winery visits and tours, we learned a bunch of new stuff. Behind the scenes is always a neat perspective on all the work that goes into each delicious wine. Thanks D'Arcy - hope to see you soon!

February 8, 2025 Y, C, C & J

ORIGINAL REVIEW: We had a terrific return visit to Foreign Affair this afternoon for a wine tasting. Our previous trip had been good, but limited by covid restrictions, so it was great to be back . The Foreign Affair partners with Commisso Estate Winery to provide tastings for Commisso wine club members. My partner has come to really appreciate wines made in the appassimento style. The Foreign Affair produces a number of wines in that style, which she quite enjoyed. My favourite was a dessert wine, Appassimento Reisling 2022 with the Sussreserve Reisling 2022, a close second. All the staff we met today were very friendly and welcoming. D'Arcy and Michael were tremendous! Highly recommended!

January 13, 2024 Vineland Station The Foreign Affair Winery...