kiki's B.F.F: Graze the Bench 2013

Graze the Bench returned for it's fifth year on June 1-2 by bringing together 7 wineries, 7 chefs with 7 bands. I am surprise that I have never heard about this event after so many years, as you know I can never pass up on a good wine and food event. And what a perfect excuse to escape the city to wine country once again.

The Bench refers to the Beamsville Bench on the Niagara Escarpment

The $25 passport include a crystal Schott Zwiesel wine glass, 1 food ticket and 1 wine ticket with additional tickets at $7 each.

1st Stop : Rosewood Estate Winery

2012 Mead Royale, 2011 Meritage & 2011 Mama's Block Riesling

As usual I love Rosewood white and this was no exception, I end up stocking up on quite a few bottles once again.... especially the Sussreserve ;)

Pastel de Choclo by Chef Rossy Earle

Chilean Meat Corn Pie ~ ground beef, pork & chicken w/ sweet olives, basil and corn crust

This was my 1st stop and my favorite stop of the day, love the wine and the food.... need I say that I love anything Chef Rossy made ;)

Paapri Chaat by Chef Joshna Maharaj

Indian Street Food ~ chickpea crisps w/ potatoes & chickpeas smothered in cumin yogurt (Vegetarian & Gluten free)

Both dishes have Chef's Rossi Diablo's Fuego Hot Sauce, so so so good.

TiannaH & Jazz with a Twist

2nd Stop : Angels Gate Winery

2010 Cabernet Shiraz & 2011 Mountainview Semillon

Margarita Pizza by Avello Wood Fired Pizza

3rd Stop : Thirty Bench

They have the prettiest and biggest tent here which is perfect to escape from the sun for a bit or the rain pour after.

Salmon Burger Slider by Tide & Vine Oyster Company

We waited over 20 minutes for this burger since it was too windy for their mini bbq but was worth it since it was rather juicy.

Bacon & Bok Choy wrapped Scallop Skewer w/ Maple/Ginger drizzle

4th Stop : Hidden Bench Vineyard & Winery

Oak Smoked brisket sandwich on rye w/ sweet & sour slaw

5th Stop : Fielding Estate Winery

This winery had the best vibe where people were dancing and bought picnic blanket to enjoy the view

2012 Estate Riesling & 2011 Cabernet Franc

Smoked Farmer Sausage Slider from August Restaurant

~ with pickled slaw and whiskey mustard on a buttermilk bun served w/ potato salad

Beth's (Almost) Famous Ice Cream Cake

Great view while enjoying the wine

6th Stop : Organized Crime Winery

2011 The Mischief & 2011 The Pipedown

Fell in love with their wine since I first had it in a restaurant and have bought quite a few bottles at the winery previously. In love with the Cabernet Sauvignon.

I am more than ecstatic that one of my fave foodtruck El Gastromundo Vagabundo (@elgastronomo) was there.... love how there was a wedding jar instead of the tip jar. Congrats!!!