With a perfect patio for sipping on a hot summer day, Hidden Bench, has a relaxed, cottage-country vibe. Harald Thiel, realizing a long-time dream to own an artisan winery, works alongside his team, Winemaker Marlize Beyers, and Vineyard Manager Steve Roche, to create terroir driven wines with a non-interventional winemaking philosophy; blending science, patience, attention to quality farming and environmental values. Hidden Bench uses geothermal heating and was one of the launch customers for ‘Bullfrog Power’.
A fairly young winery, Hidden Bench consists of three vineyard properties; Locust Lane, Rosomel and Felseck, which means ‘corner of the cliff’, Hidden Bench’s most recent acquisition. The 2008 Locust Lane Pinot Noir, is 100% estate grapes and indigenous yeast, gravity-flow with no filtration. Meg McGrath, retail manager and Aussie native, is credited for bringing the popular progressive tasting experience called Graze the Bench to Niagara; an entertaining tasting party involving several local wineries, chefs and bands, each June.
Tasting Fees: 3 wines for $10, waived with purchase of 3 or more bottles.
Wine can be purchased online via their website.