Southbrook Vineyard

Southbrook Winery Ontario Photo by Fred G Couch

The Redelmeier family owners of Southbrook have deep farming roots in Ontario. Bill Redelmeier's grandfather purchased Don Head Farms in 1941, at the head of the Don River At its peak, Don Head Farms maintains the largest herd of Jersey cattle in Canada on hundreds of acres of fertile land north of Toronto. Bill and partner/co-owner, Marilyn, evolve the family business from a roadside stand in the 1980s to a thriving farm market. Bill upholds his grandfather's credo: To celebrate the excellence of fresh, local products and value the heritage and beauty of the land. The market's commitment to supporting Ontario producers foreshadows the locavore movement yet to come.

Marilyn and Bill Redelmeier of Southbrook Winery

The individual parcels comprising Don Head Farms each have individual names such as South, North, East, West, Home, Mitchell and Brook. Bill goes to the registry office with several combinations prepared in case he finds the name already registered. He submits “South” and “Brook,” they are available, and Southbrook Farms is born.

An appreciation of gourmet foods and wines lead the Redelmeiers to create a boutique winery and unique special event location, housed in the farm's century-old barns. In 1991, having sourced some of the Niagara region's finest grape varietals, Southbrook produces the first 2,000 cases of wine. They are ably assisted by the craftsmanship of Derek Barnet.

The winery grows annual production climbs to 5,000 cases using VQA grapes from growers in the Niagara Peninsula. The winery ws well on the road to sucess. In 2005 Ann Sperling is introduced as winemaking consultant.
She introduces the Redelmeier to an opportunity to purchase a 74-acre parcel in the warm Four Mile Creek sub-appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake, complete with 36 acres of ideally planted, well-selected varieties and top-notch clones. They realizes its potential, and decides on the new location to build the winery of their dreams. Ann Sperling brcomes the full-time Director of Winemaking and Viticulture.

The new enterprise is re-named Southbrook Vineyards to reflect the Redelmeier's new role as vineyard stewards. The opening celebration of the Hospitality Pavilion takes place on the Summer Solstice of 2008. The basic facilities include the winery and a Hospitality Pavilion containing the Tasting Room , a sales area, and intimate and expansive hospitality areas. A covered patio area features a gas-fired pizza oven where guests can enjoy our seasonal Vineyard Bistro

Southbrook Vineyards Canada's first biodynamic winery certified by Demeter since 2008' They operate their whole farm on 150 acres in Niagara on the Lake, on using biodynamic meathods. Rather than dabble in a few biodynamic practices, they have committed ourselves to the full certification process. They have gone to unprecedented lengths in the Canadian wine industry to demonstrate to the undecided that biodynamics can be successful in our cool climate. The team is led by Winemaker Ann Sperling who has organized important initiatives to promote awareness among all interested wineries in the area. Her team includes Vineyard Manager Scott Jones and Associate Winemaker Brian Hamilton assistant winemaker Regan Kapach . Together, they have carried out additional research and study to expand their understanding of biodynamics.

Southbrook Vineyards Framboise a sweet yet refreshing fruit wine made with raspberries, was the highest scoring wine overall at the 2012 InterVin International Wine Awards. Judges loved its intensity of raspberry fruit and the pitch-perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. Framboise was a gold medal winner at the 2011 InterVin International Wine Awards as well, suggesting the consistent character of this stunning fruit wine.

 

recent awards

2012

• InterVin International Wine Awards
  
  • Gold - Framboise
  • Gold - 2010 Whimsy! Cabernet Sauvignon 'Lot A'
  • Gold - 2010 Whimsy! Cabernet Sauvignon 'Lot I'
  • Gold - 2009 Whimsy! 'Renewed Vows' Cabernet Franc
  • Silver - 2010 Whimsy! Cabernet Franc
  • Silver - 2010 Whimsy! Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Bronze - 2008 Whimsy! Cabernet Franc
  • Bronze - 2010 Poetica Chardonnay
  • Bronze - 2010 Poetica Red
  • Bronze - 2011 Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé
  • Bronze - 2010 Whimsy! 'Uncloaked' Merlot
  • Bronze - 2010 Whimsy! 'Tall, Dark & Spicy' Syrah
  • Bronze - 2010 Whimsy! Chardonnay 'Lot 20'
    
    
• Ontario Wine Awards
  
  • Bronze - 2011 Triomphe Cabernet Franc Rosé
  • Bronze - 2010 Whimsy! Cabernet Sauvignon
    
    
• Organic Council of Ontario
  Innovation Award

Lieutenant Governor
Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines
2009 Triomphe Chardonnay

 

 

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