1 PLAN YOUR DAY 2 TASTE RESPONSIBLY 3 PRESERVE YOUR PALATE 4 BE CURIOUS 5 LOVE IT? BUY IT Do a little research before you arrive. Use the maps in this Guide to plan a route, but don't try to cover too much ground on one trip. Plan to visit about 4 or 5 wineries with a stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants. You can always come back! Wine is a beautiful thing but it is still alcohol - choose a designated driver or arrange for a hired car. You also don't have to swallow every drop. Use the spittoons in the tasting room to dispose of any unwanted wine. Finally, make sure to taste some of the delicious food available en route so you are not tasting on an empty stomach. Avoid the use of any scents (perfumes or colognes) and steer clear of spicy food or chewing gum so as not to compromise your palate. Start with lighter-bodied wines such as sparkling and white wines and then move to rosés and fuller-bodied red wines. Ontario winemakers are passionate about their craft and they enjoy sharing the fruits of their labour, so don't hesitate to ask questions about what you are tasting. By its very nature wine is meant to generate conversation, so don't be shy! Most of the wineries are small independent businesses so the wines you taste here may not be available at your local liquor or grocery store. Take this opportunity to purchase on-site directly from the producer. You can also inquire about delivery and wine club services to enjoy VQA wines, regularly delivered to your doorstep. There is so much to discover in VQA Ontario Wine Country winecountryontario.ca VQA | 2020/21 Travel Guide 19http://www.winecountryontario.ca