Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Featured Winery

Megalomaniac Winery

3930 Cherry Avenue
Vineland Ontario
LOR 2C0

Megalomaniac is perched atop the Niagara Escarpment in Vineland at the highest altitude site in Niagara,

A John Howard Cellars of Distinction Winery. Megalomaniac wine is a retirement project of John Howard to help raise funds for the Kids’ Health Links Foundation. . The winery located in Vineland has 110 acres. Grapes include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot

John Howard - photo from Financial Post

What’s in the name? I originally wanted to christen these wines in my name, John Howard, …and then my good friends accused me of being yet another “[profanity withheld] megalomaniac”. Regrettably, the name stuck.

John Howard’s first retirement project was the acquisition of Vineland Estates Winery in 1993 where he grew production from 2,000 to over 50,000 cases. Prior to selling the business in 2004 he partnered with Jean Philippe Janoueix to acquire Chateau La Confession and Chateau Haut Pontet in St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France. The Megalomaniac brand (Mr. Howard’s second retirement project) currently produces 45,000 cases per year a few vintages after its inauguration. Mr. Howard’s daily focus revolves around his two grandsons Morgan and Spencer, fly-fishing for Atlantic Salmon, quarterly turnarounds to Bordeaux and the management of 120 acres of vineyard on the Niagara Escarpment.

The winery features a number of Tasting experiences. Take a seat indoors, at the wine bar, or on the patio with grandiose vineyard views

The vice president of Winemaking and Vineyard operations is Sebastien Jacquey

Dynamic, patient and diligent” describes Sébastien Jacquey and his approach to winemaking. A native of the Nevers region of Burgundy, Sébastien relocated to Dijon, France to pursue his education and wine making experience,

Achieving his university diploma in Technology and Biology in 2002, he went on to the l’Institut Jules Guyot, where he earned both his National Diploma in Oenology and his Professional Agricultural Aptitude certificate in 2004. In 2005, he received his Master of Earth and Environment studies, Sébastien then went on to the l’Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture, Rhone-Alpes, where he graduated as an Engineer of Oenology and Viticulture in 2007.

Working in Niagara alongside Thomas Bachelder’ from 2007 to 2010, and as a winemaker at Le Clos Jordanne from 2010 to 2015, he improved his skills and knowledge. Sebastien is now proud to be part of our team at Megalomaniac.

Chris Frey is the winemaker. After a short but successful hockey career Chris found his true passion in wine. In 2009 he graduated with honours from Niagara College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program before setting out and apprenticing in Switzerland. Chris joined the Megalomaniac team in 2014 after spending 5 years (and 10 harvests) gaining experience in some of the top wine regions and wineries across Canada and the World.

The restaurant at the winery has quite the menu featuring Beef Short Rib Bourguigon, Atlantic Salmon, Duck Conit, fantastic wines and other fine dishes.

Other featured pages:

~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
~ Robert's Selections

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