Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Featured Winery

Shrugging Doctor Brewing Company

Our goal is to continue to transform the landscape of the liquor industry and provide high-quality products across Canada.

In 2017 Zach Isaacs and Willows Christopher had a dream. They had the desire and passion to make their dream come true.. In 2017 they were just 18 years old. This is the year they opened Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co. in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Definitely not the place we associate with Canada's wine industry.

They did not start out to produce grape wine after all it is Manitoba. They started with an idea for disrupting the status quo, and a passion for trying and change the world. There was apple cider and meads to produce.

Willows Christopher - Zach Issacs

They say the hardest thing they ever had to do was get a liquor licensed. After a exhausting experience with the city of Winnipeg to fight for an occupancy permit, they spent months working with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, Manitoba Agriculture, Liquor Gaming, and Cannabis Authority and the Canadian Revenue Agency to ensure we were compliant and good to go.

The iconic “Doctor” logo is based on a real person—Willows’ father, affectionately known as “Dr. Brent.” Imagine an old-timey doctor pushing a cart from town to town, peddling “Cure All” elixirs and potions. At Shrugging Doctor, they saw a parallel: they were essentially selling their own modern-day elixirs and potions—beverages that some might argue cure everything ailing you in life.

Why is the doctor shrugging? Well, it’s a playful mystery. The classic ¯\(ツ)/¯ symbolizes their spirit of ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and the ability to overcome challenges. Sometimes, even the best answers are found in a simple shrug.

Success followed; It was not easy but hard work and their passion paid off. For example they received a letter of Congratulations/Commendation from City of Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman in 2021. This was after achieving a double gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships for their Apple Cinnamon Mead. They now total 8 awards from the All Canadians.

Not satisfied with their achievements the two business partners decided to try their hand at growing grapes. What in Manitoba!?. They founded their vineyard in southern Manitoba south of Winkler 2020. The grapes planted were mostly developed at the University of Minnesota using "Cold Climate Grapes"

The main varietals of grapes that grown on the Shrugging Vineyard are:
Red: Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Noir, Marquette, Sabrevois

White: Frontenac Blanc, Vandal Cliche, Prairie Star, Louise Swenson

There are also a few experiment varitals been tested.

They have food but do not have a kitchen. Offering a All MB Ingredient Charcuterie board, as well as a selection of snacks like chips, pepperoni, peanuts, goldfish…

The offering include Rasberry Chocolate wine, Cranberry wine, Carmine Jewel Cherry wineand Cabernet Sauvignon.

The white bend is made from Vandal Cliche and Frontenac Blanc grapes.
The red blend from Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Noir, Marquette, Sabrevois and Prairie Star

In 2023 they open new facilities expanding their tasting room more than 10x and production facility almost 4x.

Welcome to Robert Bell's Winesofcanada.com ! This is a personal website. We do not represent the wine industry or any aspect of the Canadian Government. We have been promoting Canada's wines and wineries since 1992. We do not sell or purchase any products. Please enjoy the website. Your comments are welcome.

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