Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards is a winery that focuses on producing quality wines, creating a quality experience for visitors and protecting the natural habitat. Enjoy a winery that offers views of nature and a conscious effort to protect the environment.
The name Cooper’s Hawk is for a bird of prey which is seen in the area. Numerous other birds and wildlife are encouraged to stay. Two ponds on the property draw more wildlife to the area. Tom O’Brian, owner, has added hundreds of trees to the property to replace the loss of trees with the development of the vineyards. Tom is enthusiastic about protecting the natural habitat. This vineyard was a retirement plan for Tom O’Brien. He wanted vineyards on his property and planned to sell the grapes to another winery. Eventually, Tom, his wife, Katy and family decided to open a winery.
Visitors to Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards will reach the tasting room by driving between grapevines and past a section of solar panels. The solar panels are located near the ground so that people can actually walk to the panels to touch them.
Vineyards
Cooper’s Hawk located in Ontario started five years ago with the removal of old apple orchards. Tiles for drainage were added to the ground and the soil was nurtured. The vineyard now has 10 acres of grapes with varietals including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The vineyard also has an experimental variety that has not yet been named. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir will be added to the vineyards in the future.The vineyards are close to Lake Erie and benefit from the effects a large body of water has on vineyards. The vineyards are hilled 8 to 10 inches in the fall protecting the graft from cold.
Tasting Room and Winery
In November of 2011, a new tasting room and winery opened. The tasting room opened on Veterans’ Day Weekend. The winery is equipped to produce 10,000 to 12,000 cases. Current production is about 3,000 cases.
The tasting room is a large designated area of the winery building. The horseshoe curved tasting counter provides much space for wine tasters. The room is warm and modernistic. Large windows in and above the tasting room provide natural light that enhances the wood tones. Adjacent to the tasting room is an event room. Two walls of windows provide sweeping views of the landscape and vineyards. Check out this event space for the possibility of a future event. Consider birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and business meetings.
Cooper’s Hawk offers an experience for visitors that will keep many coming back. A large children’s playground provides activity for children while parents are tasting wines. Nearby a grass covered amphitheater has been added for events. Many visitors will enjoy the numerous trees and birds of prey in the area. The owners want to provide quality wines that are affordable for visitors that they can enjoy tasting and take home to share with their family.
Cooper’s Hawk Wines
The winemaker is Rori McCaw. In November 2011, Rori had four wines available for tasting and buying. Riesling 2010 was a wine produced with estate grapes. The wine was a light yellow with notes of mineral and petrol. Chardonnay 2010 also produced with estate grapes was light yellow and offered an aroma and taste of tropical fruits. The finish was crisp with a fruity aftertaste. Cabernet Merlot 2008 was a dark ruby wine. This wine was a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The aroma offered notes of tobacco and a taste of dark fruit. The finish was fruity with bold tannins. Rosé 2010 was Cabernet Franc that had a pink/orange color. The wine was sweet with light red fruit notes.
Enjoy a visit to Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards and plan to spend time exploring the green space surrounding the winery. Be sure to ask about tours which will include a visit to the vineyards.
Cooper's Hawk Vineyards
1425 Iler Rd RR 1
Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0
GPS: 42º 01.655’ 82º 51.086’
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