ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — Summer’s warm weather is inviting us to get out and spend some quality time with our families and friends, and with a little creativity you can ensure those moments become cherished memories.

Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived it's time to start planning your get-togethers with family and friends. Instead of the usual summer BBQ, try something new that everyone will love and take advantage of Niagara Wine Country, sitting right on the doorstep of the GTA.

“Planning a fabulous day out with friends doesn't need to be stressful or extravagant,” says Sue-Ann Staff, proprietor and winemaker at the estate winery that bears her name.

“The Fancy Farm Girl way is to enjoy the quality time we get to spend with one another, embark on new experiences and have some fun! Sharing new experiences with friends is what keeps life interesting so plan an activity that is a change of pace for your group.”
When getting together with your ladies, consider some of the following to spice up the gathering:

·Learn how to pair wine and food
A proper wine and food pairing can take your dining experience to the next level; but an improper pairing can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Learn the finer points of what wines go with what dishes from the experts with a private course.

·Tour an estate
Get intimate with the grapes — and history — that goes into your favourite bottles of wine by taking a tour of the vineyards, grounds and winery. The Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in the quaint town of Jordan, Ont., boasts a beautiful location and dynamic family history provides for some interesting details about the property. In the past, 200-year-old Staff family farm has hosted Mikhail Gorbachev, Pierre Trudeau, David Peterson and the list goes on.

·Customize a private four-course dinner
Imagine you and your girlfriends gathered a century old table in one of Niagara's most authentic farmhouses, enjoying great food and wine. Let Sue-Ann Staff design a private dinner with wine selections for you and your friends. A sample menu may include Riesling Braised Black Cod on Asian Slaw and Herb Drizzle (paired with Pinot Grigio), a Thornloe Asiago Tartlet with Double Smoke Bacon on Ver Jus Dressed Mixed Greens (paired with Riesling), Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Truffles Mushroom Crumble on Soft Basil Polenta (matched up with a Baco Noir) and Ontario & Quebec Bleu's with Dark Chocolate and served with Icewine.

·Winemaker’s 101
Head out for a vineyard and winery tour, and follow it up with a 90-minute winetasting that gives you an insider’s insight into the wines you are enjoying, the difference between sparkling, white and red winemaking, the love of Icewine and more.