Wine & Food Pairing Masterclass with KiMu Wine in Lincoln, Ontario

Discover how a single sip can reshape a meal at A Wine & Food Pairing Masterclass, held in Lincoln, Ontario, in the heart of Niagara's wine country. Led by KiMu Wine Inc founders Kim Berdusco, sommelier and WSET Certified Wine Educator, and Nimu Ganguli, DipWSET, this 90-minute session blends science and storytelling to teach practical pairing techniques. You'll taste curated wines alongside complementary bites, learn why acidity, tannin and texture interact with flavors, and leave with a bottle of KIMU Pinot Noir to practice at home. The experience takes place in Lincoln, a town on the Niagara Peninsula known for its limestone soils and cool-climate vineyards. Key features include guided tastings of varietals that showcase local terroir, hands-on pairing exercises, and direct instruction from founders who translate technical concepts into approachable rules of thumb. For foodies and budding sommeliers alike, the class highlights elements that make Niagara wines distinct: proximity to Lake Ontario moderates temperatures, and the region's dolomitic limestone contributes minerality and bright acidity to the grapes. The session opens with a short primer on tasting technique and the sensory vocabulary professionals use to evaluate wine. Then, through a sequence of paired samples, you'll experience contrasts — a crisp white that cuts through creamy textures and a light-bodied red that lifts rich umami notes. Discussion includes serving temperatures, stemware basics, and affordable pairing swaps so you can recreate memorable combinations at home. The ticket price includes a bottle of KIMU Pinot Noir, a tangible takeaway worth noting. This masterclass is more than classroom theory: it's an on-the-ground primer for enjoying Niagara wines in situ. KiMu Wine Inc's founders bring local knowledge and credentials, and their classes run at midday to fit between tasting appointments or as a leisurely afternoon activity. While Lincoln is less tourist-heavy than neighboring towns, it's an authentic launch point for exploring vineyards, culinary shops, and farm stands. Practical details: the class lasts about 1.5 hours; minimum age is 19; tickets are $55 including taxes and the bottle. Arrive ready to taste and ask questions; wear comfortable shoes for short standing segments. Whether you're building tasting confidence, planning a dinner pairing, or simply curious, this masterclass is a high-value, flavor-forward stop on any Niagara itinerary. Classes run at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, making it easy to pair this session with a winery tour or lunch. The format fits solo travelers, couples, and small groups; pacing alternates brief seated discussion with short standing tastings. No heavy walking or technical gear is required — bring curiosity and an appetite for tasting. Book ahead as space is limited; tickets sell through the referral link. Try the included Pinot Noir with roasted mushrooms or lemon chicken to test the principles.