It’s no secret that my husband is a huge wine lover, he collects, studies and fully enjoys it on occasion. That’s why I was thrilled to let him know of our venture to the Adamo Estate Winery. Thankfully we were invited to partake in a little one on one time and enjoy some adult conversation over the Canada Day long weekend. Truth is, my husband and I never actually go anywhere without the children so this was a great excuse to check out the winery and enjoy some dinner at the Hockley Valley Resort Cabin Restaurant. Parents need some quiet time too once and a while right?
The Stay
To be honest, I have never actually had a drink of wine before in my life, just a sip here and there but never actually drank an entire glass to myself. Yet, I was still extremely thrilled to accompany my husband on the tour just to see his face light up in delight and to learn a little about the art of wine making. A day set out just the two of us – something we haven’t done since my 11 year old was born (yes, it’s true). An entire day with good company and some amazing landscapes to boot.
PLUS A happy hubby and some insta-worthy photos of course!
Upon arriving at the very modern yet rustic Adamo Estate we were pleasantly surprised by the very clean and calm, laid back atmosphere. The grand chandelier which hangs center to the room made of wine barrel parts is accompanied by large windows overlooking the Estate and patios with views for miles (77 acres). Every detail to make for a memorable visit has been taken care of here. I immediately thought of business meetings, lounging and simple get togethers with friends and I know I will return to do all of those things in the near future, especially because this gem is 25 minutes from my home. A little piece of heaven practically in my own backyard – I may just have to become a regular here.
WHEN I LOOKED OUT OVER OUR PROPERTY IT ALWAYS REMINDED ME OF ROLLING HILLS IN ITALY AND I DREAMED OF VINES BEING GROWN. NOW WE NOT ONLY HAVE THE VINES BUT BEAUTIFUL WINES BEING CREATED! –Mario Adamo
Wine Tasters Delight
Since wine is not really my thing, I have chosen to rely on my husbands experience here – no doubt he LOVED it! With an extensive list of wines to chose from, the Adamo Estate also allowed for a mix and match reds with whites for added tasting bliss! Tasters were offered 4 wines (2 reds and 2 whites) to indulge in and our tour guide Daniel explained each one in great detail. Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 12pm & 3pm and consist of a tour on premise and a tasting in the basement – We were served the ADAMO FLIGHT OF 4 – $12 whereby wines are mix and matched. All grapes are picked and bottled on site so the nostalgia of it all sets in fully during the tasting experience. My husband loved being catered to and really enjoyed the tasting – a great experience for anyone who adores wine with a little history. We went home with wine in hand, olive oil and red pepper jelly too. The gift shop was adorable and had a whole variety of homemade preserves, cheese, wine and memorabilia.
A Few Things To Note Before You Go:
-
Tastings offered daily.
No reservations required.
Public tours are available. -
The winery hosts a cafe with food if you’d like to stay for a bite to eat.
-
Hockley Valley also offers special discounts that include the overnight accommodation, tastings and dinner on site – package prices vary. Contact the resort directly.
The Adamo Estate Winery is located at 793366 3rd Line EHS, Mono, ON L9W 2Z2.
Contact info@hockley.com or (519) 942-0754 for reservations and/or inquiries.
The Chef’s Pass In Cabin Experience
I was anxiously awaiting this part of our day at Hockley Valley, since our family is in the restaurant business it’s seldom we get spoiled by other venues – spoiled is an understatement for the service we received at Cabin. The evening began with drinks and truffle chips (omg) at ‘Baboo’ which is the hotel lobby bar because we had time to spare and no children to run around after! Once Cabin restaurant was ready for us we were seated at the chefs table with a remarkably clear view of the kitchen and Chef – best seats in the house to say the least.
Head Chef Iniyan or “Ianni” then introduced himself and his team to us, we had no clue at first he was even the head Chef because he made sure that everyone on his team was equally regarded. His name on the large blackboard isn’t even highlighted for this reason – such a humble man. After explaining featured entrees he and his team were off to cook our meals to absolute perfection. My husband mentioned that he felt as if he was in Italy, and the food reflected that perfectly. Now I want to take a trip to Italy just to see how they compare. Beautiful, simple and artistic plates were served to us with great detail and soulful dedication to making everything taste just right, reminded me of my Italian grandmother and how she cooked when she was alive.
Get In My Belly!
We were served Parmigiano truffle fries, house ketchup, Prosciutto di Parma, marinated cubanelle peppers, shaved pecorino pepato, farm leaves and Tuscan kale, buttermilk dressing, brioche crouton, saba, reggiano to start, followed by Spaghettini, cabin sugo, Ontario buffalo mozzarella, Aqua Greens basil for my husband and Ricotta gnocchi, Aqua Greens basil pesto, house pancetta, toasted pine nuts for myself. Let me tell you that I will be back for that gnocchi – to die for!!! My husband followed with the ‘Black Box’ platter, harvested weekly, HVR farm & Fiddle Foot Farm mix. The farm to table fare is also something you don’t often experience in restaurants today. Cabin Restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients from the Resort’s two-acre fruit and vegetable garden, seasonal preserves, and fare from local farmers and suppliers – talk about the details!
We were spoiled with dessert to share – a tasting of the entire dessert menu and practically finished every last bite even though we were full beyond our means. This menu is one that will impress and delight even the pickiest of eaters!
Our evening was absolutely perfect and the most enjoyable night out we’ve had in a while – sans kids.
Check out their menu and get ready to salivate just reading about the dishes provided.
Looking at the photos I can honestly say that justice isn’t served, our meals tasted much better than they looked, if you can imagine that. The Cabin Restaurant surpassed our expectations and we can’t wait to go back. Yes indeed, the food was delish but the service and staff provided an experience that measures beyond that – such a familiar and enjoyable night.
After Dinner
Can you imagine a better day?
We followed the rest of the evening with an overnight stay at the Hockley Valley Resort with the kiddos and suited up for the next day spent having buffet breakfast and splashing around in the indoor salt-water pool. Yes, even the kids agreed that this place is ‘awesome.’
We can’t wait to return to Hockley Valley Resort and The Adamo Estate Winery! Truly a unforgettable experience! I am thinking that my father, who happens to be a restaurant owner would really love this – perhaps a future gift for him. The best part for us is that it is close to home, an easy escape whenever life becomes too much to handle. Relaxing, indulging and inviting.
For more, visit: http://www.hockley.com/
