CELEBRITY CHEFS ANNA AND MICHAEL OLSON PARTNER WITH NIAGARA’S NEWEST WINERY

*Olson Foods + Bakery at Ravine Winery set to open  July, 2008
 

St. Catharines, Ontario.  May 5, 2008 – Celebrity chef Anna Olson of Food Network’s new hit  “Fresh with Anna Olson”, and well-known “Sugar” along with husband Chef Michael Olson of the Niagara Culinary Institute and Global’s ``Canada in the Rough`` are joining forces with Niagara’s newest winery, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, in St. Davids, Ontario.

With a solid four years of retail business under their belt, Anna and Michael Olson will bring the successes of their existing Port Dalhousie bakery and gourmet retail store to the forefront of the winery operation, offering freshly baked breads, delectable sweets, lunch and picnic options to eat in or take out.  Also offered, will be ready-made dinners and accompaniments, an exceptional selection of artisanal cheeses and a vast array of gourmet retail products.  Experienced staff will provide guests with knowledgeable suggestions on recipes, products, gifts and wine pairings.  The location will house a wood-fired bake oven, and homemade pizzas will be available daily.  Most exciting is the on-site catering for weddings and corporate functions that follow the Olson mantra ``eat fresh, eat local``. Groups can plan to dine in the ambience of the barrel room or al fresco, perched atop Niagara’s famed St. Davids bench. 

The partnership of the Olson family and the Harber family is a natural one.  Says Anna, “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with a wonderful family who values quality in food, wine and business, and who treasures the local heritage of the region.” 
“Our menus will reflect the seasons and feature local ingredients prepared at their prime, typical of our style”, says Michael, a pioneer of Niagara regional cuisine.  Paul Harber, one of three sons, is actively assisting in the project.  An aspiring chef with stints in New York City, and Stadtlander’s Eigensinn Farm under his belt, Paul will soon travel to Europe to complete his immersion in a food culture he plans to instill in the family operation.

The Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery site  - - the 34 acre upper Lowrey Farm  - - was acquired by Norma Jane Lowrey Harber’s ancestors in 1867, in the centre of the historic village of St. Davids.  The heritage “Packing Shed,” for decades a cherished feature on the York Road farm, has been reconstructed to welcome visitors to experience the tastes of the region.   Completing the historical ambience, the winery hospitality centre will be located in the old William Woodruff House, circa 1814, currently being faithfully restored to the village under the direction of Jane Burgess, Stevens Burgess Architects, Toronto.

Surrounding the quaint, rural streetscape is perhaps the most incredible vineyard site in Ontario.  As the original bed of the rushing Niagara River, on the brink of ancient Lake Iroquois, the vineyard’s unique soils are perfectly suited to great viticulture.  Plantings include the classic Bordeaux reds, Chardonnay and Riesling, under the direction of reputed Canadian winery consultant Peter Gamble.  Fortunately, many of Ravine’s ’06 and ’07 vintages will be ready for the July opening of the Olson deli/bakery. 

While the Ravine site will be the exciting new flagship, Anna and Michael will retain their shop in Port Dalhousie and divide their time between the two operations.

Please visit olsonfoodsandbakery.com for regular updates on the opening of Olson Foods + Bakery at Ravine.

Welcome to Olson Foods + Bakery. We are a small retail bakery and fine food store situated in scenic Port Dalhousie, Ontario, in the heart of the Niagara region.

Our store is packed with all varieties of culinary delights. While small in size, offerings come from our

• Bakery – items made fresh daily in our open kitchen

Fresh Breads
Breakfast Pastries
Cookies & Squares
Savoury Tarts
Tarts & Cakes
Special Occasion & Wedding Cakes

• Savoury Kitchen – lunch, home meal replacement and more

Scrumptious Hot and Cold Sandwiches
Freshly Prepared Seasonal Salads
Homemade Soup
Hors D’Oeuvres for Home Entertaining

• Deli – a fine selection of cheeses and meats

Artisanal Canadian cheeses from Quebec, Ontario and beyond
Top quality imported cheeses
Locally produced Italian-inspired charcuterie
Fine patés

• Gourmet Pantry – a generous selection of ingredients, including many of Anna & Michael’s favourites

Oils & Vinegars
Salts & Seasonings
Cheese Condiments & Crackers
Sauces & Marinades
Preserves
Baking Ingredients
Snacks & Sweets

• Café – casual indoor seating just outside the shop

Coffee, Tea & Espresso Beverages
Cold Sodas and Juices
Enjoy your treats with us or to go