The countdown continues to my favourite Niagara winery. Coming in at No. 2 is Creekside Estate Winery in Jordan.

Founded in 1997 by Peter Jensen and Laura McCain Jensen (that’s McCain as in ‘McCain Foods’), Creekside has managed to make something difficult look easy—making 90+ rated red wines for under $25. That’s pretty damn hard, given the weighty expenses of land, labour and taxes that Ontario winemakers must incur, not to mention the shorter grape-growing season one gets in Ontario compared to, say, California, South America, South Africa, Spain, Portugal and Australia.

But Creekside winemaker Rob Power has a track record of such accomplishments, including his 2017 Laura’s Red at $25 (a Bordeaux-styled blend named in honour of the winery’s founder), the 2016 Iconoclast Syrah ($25), as well as Creekside’s 2017 Iconoclast Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($23) on the white wine side. (Holding back vintages an extra year or so before their release certainly helps.)

There’s a wide range of whites and reds above and below that price point, each of which punches beyond its weight, value-wise. But I personally love just sitting down and sampling my way through their entire flight of Syrahs—something Power does especially well (see the video below).

Another big attraction is the relaxed atmosphere at Creekside. “The winery is decidedly non-conformist; dogs are welcome, and if you want to go on a tour, you better bring your boots,” they note on their website.

The low-rise tasting room, with its barnwood interior, makes for a comfy setting as you’re presented your flights is a wooden tray holding Creekside’s unique Riedel no-spill glasses. You can also do your tasting outside on the deck. And while there’s no restaurant, per sé, there are several catered events here, and the cheese and charcuterie boards are always hugely popular. And, COVID protocols permitting, they’ll often fire up the BBQ in season.

If you want something fresh and low in alcohol, try their Rood Apples Cider—another big seller.

And look for the iconic bright red old Massey Harris tractor as you’re curling your way into the parking lot. It will remind you that you’ve come to the right place.

Check out Creekside’s affable head winemaker Rob Power below, chatting about the wonderful—and affordable—2016 Iconoclast Syrah.

Check out Niagara’s other Top 10 Wineries:

#1: Domaine Queylus

#3. Tawse

#4. Kacaba

#5. Southbrook

#6. Vineland

#7. Colaneri

#8. Ravine

#9. Back 10

#10. Malivoire