tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post862269925352828487..comments2008-02-28T19:24:59.909-05:00Daniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-19579211053610679082008-02-22T22:45:00.000-05:002008-02-22T22:45:00.000-05:00Hi Daniel<BR/><BR/>It has been simply a pleasure reading your story. We have may parallels in our lives. <BR/>Being from Sault Ste. Marie we occasionally visit wine country.. we can recall during one visit a certain winery was so pretentious it almost turned us off of the entire region... however a later visit to your winery reminded us why we love wine, food, art, and great companions. My wife and I have wonderful memories of sharing Baco Noir during our university days...our first visit to a winery was Henry of Pelham where we purchased our first artwork as a young couple... that artwork now hangs in our living room and I still have vintages of Baco from the early 90's. All the best to you your family and winery!<BR/><BR/>Adriano D.adrianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11232049821869256173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-23601344539113754252008-01-03T10:29:00.000-05:002008-01-03T10:29:00.000-05:00Hi Doris -- <BR/><BR/>I like your idea -- but maybe a film noir would be more appropriate? A film Pinot Noir even?<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-88871073654516750012008-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:002008-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:00Hello Daniel, <BR/> <BR/>This is a wonderful blog!  I love your story….hmmm…can we film a three-part mini series…We'll ensure to keep the viticulture in tact but perhaps we can begin at the scene where "you could hear something being dragged in the basement"….We'll call it "Speck-zilla".<BR/> <BR/>All kidding aside, this is a wonderful way to introduce the regionality of your business and put heart and soul behind the wine.  I really enjoyed the story.<BR/> <BR/>With Regards, <BR/> DorisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-70061033056861751582008-01-02T21:32:00.000-05:002008-01-02T21:32:00.000-05:00Thanks for reaching out Jacqueline. Actually friends gave me a copy of Wine and War a couple of years ago and I found it inspiring. Shortly after reading it I recounted an anecdote from the book to a group of buyers and marketers from a major retailor to try and convey what wine means to myself and my family. In the story a winemaker is imprisoned in a camp for several years without a drop of wine to taste. When later asked what was the best wine he ever tasted in his life he said it was the one he had a chance to sample a thimble-full of on the rare occasion when as a prisoner. He said that objectively it was one of the worst wines he'd ever had but in the context of not having a drop of wine, wine itself being the centre of his life, even the worst wine was archetypal and gave him a remembrance and hope. It reminded me of Viktor Frankl's story in Man's Search for Meaning.<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-31141614675105975272008-01-02T21:15:00.000-05:002008-01-02T21:15:00.000-05:00Hi Daniel, <BR/>Well what can I say but BRAVO!!!  I absolutely love your blog!  Have you ever read the book "Wine and War"?  I'm afraid I've forgotten the names of the couple that wrote it.  Anyway it is about the history of the french families of wine i.e. Rothchild, Hugel etc...during WW II and what they did in order to protect/hide there wines from falling into the hands of the Nazis.  The stories are incredible.  I now never look at any of these wines on the LCBO shelves in the same way.  It truly shows what a labour of love that the journey of wine holds for these families.  Your blog does exactly that too.  I now can add your amazing story of your family's journey into my memory bank. It truly will make drinking your wine even more enjoyable than it already is!! <BR/> <BR/>Congratulations! <BR/> <BR/>Most sincerely <BR/>Jacqueline Corrigan <BR/>DiVine Indulgence Tutored Tastings <BR/>(former product consultant LCBO)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-32292293390601461762007-12-02T21:33:00.000-05:002007-12-02T21:33:00.000-05:00Much love for the land, the people not the least the wine! Lovely writing, and I hope whatever was dragged under those floorboards is not still there! <BR/><BR/>Sante!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07213288671367948909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-17368279743879231962007-11-19T12:13:00.000-05:002007-11-19T12:13:00.000-05:00Thanks for the kind words Richard -- I'll pass them along to Ron as well.<BR/><BR/>South Western Ontario holds lots of promise if, as everywhere in Ontario, we keep our varietal focus, especially at key price points where we can deliver. I have good wines in my cellar from down that way.<BR/><BR/>I don't know too much about the home winemaking community as I don't make any myself -- I already have that day job so to speak!<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-87920895098105854112007-11-19T12:09:00.000-05:002007-11-19T12:09:00.000-05:00Great email about the your family history and beginnings of H of P. Keep up the good work. I have been a long standing fan and supporter of your wines. They are excellent. Kudos to you and Ron for continuing to create outstanding cab/merlots, gamay, baco noir, rieslings. I continue to tell my friends and family that your wines consistently rank among the best in Ontario. Here in Tecumseh/Windsor (Essex County) we are starting to see real growth in our local wine industry but we are lagging behind Niagara. In time that will change. <BR/><BR/>Since moving from Niagara 13 years ago there has been a huge, positve change in Ontario's wine industry and your family have been leaders in that progression. Thanks for your efforts and dedication.<BR/> <BR/>PS. I used to be a member of the Niagara Amateur Winemakers Club. Just wondering if it or a version of it, is still active.<BR/>> Richard Bender<BR/>> <BR/>> <BR/>>Richard Bendernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-15063041679559670402007-11-17T13:15:00.000-05:002007-11-17T13:15:00.000-05:00Thanks Erik!<BR/><BR/>Not to preach to the converted but local food and wine is as much about the people as it is the place. There's no question that our wines taste like they came from a place, this place. But without the people and the culture too we wouldn't be making the wines we do.<BR/><BR/>Viva Niagara!<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-18085112650245448912007-11-17T13:11:00.000-05:002007-11-17T13:11:00.000-05:00Dan, i really enjoyed reading the information on your family and the winery.  Well done!!<BR/><BR/>Erik Peacock<BR/>Chef/Owner<BR/>Wellington Court RestaurantErik Peacockhttp://vaxxine.com/wellington/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-53552626923844697022007-11-17T13:07:00.000-05:002007-11-17T13:07:00.000-05:00Duarte<BR/><BR/>Thanks especially for your comments -- you were certainly the inspiration here!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your insights -- I only just had the time to finally get down to doing a blog (fully 12 months from when you suggested it!)<BR/><BR/>I'm just learning how this thing works and so I noticed that the COMMENTS button somehow ended up a mile down the page -- alot of people missed it but sent me e-mails instead. E-mail is certainly welcome but i'd relly love to get comments up on the board too -- this is about building a community too as you say. This has been fixed.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again.<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-54817567952425086332007-11-17T13:02:00.000-05:002007-11-17T13:02:00.000-05:00Hi Daniel,<BR/><BR/>So glad to see and read the blog. I remember speaking to Paul last year at Harvest with Henry about adding a blog. Glad to see it come to fruition. <BR/><BR/>Just one suggestion; I hope you decide to turn comments on to allow a conversation with your customers.<BR/><BR/>I've already added it to my RSS feeds so I look forward to reading your future posts.<BR/><BR/>Take care! <BR/><BR/>DuarteDuartenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-10975936671256763152007-11-17T13:00:00.000-05:002007-11-17T13:00:00.000-05:00Hi Ross<BR/><BR/>I remember both you and the event well. Thanks for the reminder of a fun evening.<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-25710090026149664862007-11-17T12:59:00.000-05:002007-11-17T12:59:00.000-05:00Hi Daniel<BR/><BR/>We met some years ago through an International Wine & Food Society dinner held at Pow-Wow and featuring<BR/>Henry of Pelham wines. We’re also neighbours of Paul.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>I read your blog and decided that I must compliment you on it. It’s a well<BR/>written warm family story and strengthens one’s interest in your enterprise.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Thanks for doing it.<BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Cheers, Ross Ransom.Ross Ransomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-26115573209621991472007-11-17T12:57:00.000-05:002007-11-17T12:57:00.000-05:00Hi Nancy<BR/><BR/>We do get regular visits from winemakers from all over the world and the interest in our Baco is always quite prominent. There may have been some winemakers from Washington asking about Baco (actually one of our cellar hands has worked quite a bit out that way so maybe this is who they were referring to?). But to set the record straight it should also be said that the most famous producer of Baco in Oregon is another small, family run winery like ourselves: Girardet. They are based in the Rogue Valley if I'm not mistaken. Though I haven't had their wines it's my understanding that they're pretty good. They've been producing Baco since the 70's or 80's. <BR/><BR/>By the way there is a good US mail order business and they sell online. Our Reserve Baco is also available online through www.thecuvee.com (as is our new-again single-varietal Cabernet Franc)<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-4959934479660100342007-11-17T12:49:00.000-05:002007-11-17T12:49:00.000-05:00Hi Dan - - a question<BR/><BR/> <BR/>just received the link to your new blog -- it's great! I look forwardto stopping by "cyberly" on a regular basis. I do have a question. I am from the Niagara region (Welland, actually)and always when I'm home, I visit your winery, as I love your wines. Ialways bring a couple of bottles back with me. I now live in Washington state- -<BR/>in Tacoma, just south of Seattle. <BR/>In October 2006, when I visited your tasting room last, I was told thata couple of wine-makers from the Washington/Oregon area had been to Henryof<BR/>Pelham, to learn about Baco Noir. This had me very excited, as nobodyout<BR/>here has even heard of it (it's only been a few years that the winerieshere are finally producing Cab Franc as a stand-alone wine) it didn't cross my mind to ask at the time which wineries they were from- - because I would sure like to keep an eye out for some progress in that direction - - though I realize this could take several years....<BR/>do you happen to know which wineries may have been represented? <BR/>thanks so much!<BR/><BR/>Nancy Draper<BR/>Tacoma,WAnancy drapernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-59264460286484405652007-11-17T12:46:00.000-05:002007-11-17T12:46:00.000-05:00hi<BR/><BR/><BR/>you have presented your business and your passion in the most <BR/>compelling way. your family story resembles mine but mine if the french colonial angle. i am not a wine "connesseur " but i enjoy my one glass of wine with my evening meal each night. i have bought your wine at the lcbo and it is <BR/> tasty and pleasing to sip with my meal. on my next visit to the niagara on the lake region i will definitely make it to your estate. keep up your work with that passion and everything becomes pleasing and easier and worthwhile.claire seguinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-19069112302297339892007-11-16T20:54:00.000-05:002007-11-16T20:54:00.000-05:00They say your palate is freshest in the morning. But 5 am... by the sounds of it you've been up all night -- does that count? <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the note buddy!<BR/><BR/>DanielDaniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-42472760748113959452007-11-16T20:51:00.000-05:002007-11-16T20:51:00.000-05:00Thanks for taking the time to read the story. There are many even more interesting stories to tell about how the winery came together. And some hilarious pictures -- I have to keep digging them up.Daniel Speckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963948000249063442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-32003394852370922342007-11-16T06:19:00.000-05:002007-11-16T06:19:00.000-05:00Dan, you are a maestro with words. This was a very insightful and heartfelt read - keep it up. You have a lot to proud of - your family heritage, your hard work, and the legacy you are creating with wine and as quality people. All the best, Josh from WOL<BR/><BR/>P.S. I wish I too was sipping some Cuvee Catherine but it's only 5am. Ah what the heck - to Henry of Pelham. Salut.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7332898856720683468.post-41678790866164959412007-11-15T14:54:00.000-05:002007-11-15T14:54:00.000-05:00Dan, let me be the first. Great blog. Never knew many of the details here. You know me as DC at Vintages. All the best.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com