More people with disabilities are now able to sample some of Ontario's finest wines, thanks to the efforts of Creekside Estate Winery.

President Mark Burgess recently unveiled a brand new retail store and patio that is accessible for people with disabilities from the moment they arrive. Creekside offers accessible parking right at the front door, ramps, wide doorways and aisles, and low service counters. With the retail space and patio on one level, it's easy for customers to move around.

While making plans to renovate and expand their existing store space in Jordan Station, the winery saw an ideal opportunity to expand their customer base as well.

"Making our facility attractive to everyone is just the right thing to do," said Burgess. "From a business perspective, we know that the demographic balloon of aging baby boomers means that the portion of society who appreciates accessibility will grow substantially."

And this is only the beginning. Burgess is already planning the second phase of renovations to make Creekside even more accessible.

Next summer, a more gradual ramp will be added from the parking lot to the front entrance. The barrel cellar will also become more accessible to customers with disabilities with the addition of a walkway directly from the patio.

Accessibility goes beyond the renovations at Creekside. Staff also go out of their way to ensure each visitor gets the most of their wine-tasting experience, regardless of their ability.

"Our knowledgeable staff strive to make every customer's experience at Creekside Estate Winery truly delightful," said Burgess.

For 10 years, Creekside has been making wines from vineyards in Niagara-on the-Lake, and St. David's and Twenty Bench regions. Winemakers Rob Power and Craig MacDonald, who won the 2008 Winemaker of the Year award from the Ontario Wine Awards, boast 36 estate and reserve wines on their diverse portfolio. Three wines won Gold at the 2008 Cuvée Awards.