Robert Bell's Wines of Canada

Stoney Ridge Estate Winery

3201 King Street, Vineland
Ontario, L0R 2C0

Located in Vineland at the base of the Niagara Escarpment in the heart of Ontario's wine country is the popular Stoney Ridge Estate Winery. In July 1985 Stoney Ridge Cellars became the 18th licensed winery in the fledgling Ontario wine industry. Providing a pathway for others to following helping create a region of world class wine production.

The winery had inauspicious beginnings at the Weylie farm on Ridge Road in Stoney Creek, consisting of a small barn and garage that served as a retail boutique. Under the direction of Winemaker Jim Warren and his two business partners, Stoney Ridge’s first vintage consisted of 500 cases of 11 different wines, produced entirely by hand. Stoney Ridge Cellars had a commitment to “make small amounts of the very best wine possible from Ontario Grapes.”

Jim formed a new partnership with a Winnona grape and tender fruit farmer Murray Puddicombe in 1989. The new facility was upgraded with more sophisticated winemaking equipment and was located just below the escarpment from the original location. With greater access to a wider selection of grapes, a new bottling line and more tanks and barrels, the Stoney Ridge wine portfolio grew by leaps and bounds.

By 1997 the wineries reputation had grown winning numerous awards and acclaim. Production was at 26,000 cases annually with over 60 different wine products In 2002 Stoney Ridge began refocusing the winery property towards the craft production of premium Niagara wine. With the addition of a Pinot Noir vineyard to the winery property, the winery name was changed to Stoney Ridge Estate Winery. This decision reflected the commitment to continue the Stoney Ridge tradition of honouring viticultural excellence and winemaking expertise which begun by Jim in 1985, while maintaining its strict quality-controlled output of 40,000 cases of VQA wines.

In 2013 sports broadcasting legend Bob McCown purchased the winery.

Besides intriguing wines the gardens surrounding winery are extremely beautiful. With a selection of patios for you to enjoy.

Their signature summer event, Fire pit Friday featuring AVellas wood burning pizza is very popular. The winery features a Cheese Cellar with 20 plus varieties of distinctive cheeses.

They produce a wide range of premium VQA wines, as well as celebrity brands including The Tragically Hip and Doug Gilmour labels. Ontario wine writer Ryan VanSickle "Stoney Ridge is a winery that has always impressed me, not only from a value point of view but also for the work that goes into these wines.” Jeff Innes is the wine maker.

The Challenge International du Vin the biggest French International Wines competition and one of the most famous wine events awarded a silver medal to Stoney Ridge for their igluu Late Harvest Vidal 99

Philosophy: Every winery is dependant on two key factors that contribute to its success. Firstly, the grapes used must be of the highest quality, produced from vineyards that have a terroir that reflects the unique character of the Niagara Peninsula , and thus provide a window through which to experience the soil and climate of the region. The next crucial element lies in the skills of the vintner, who through their experience, innovation and natural talent, can deliver the juice that becomes a wine which captures the essence of the region, while exhibiting the classic characteristics that have made the grape variety famous for centuries.

An Ontario wine enthusiast sent me an e-mail saying; "Awesome wines! Great Staff! and great experience!"