Wines of Canada

Lailey Winery

15940 Niagara Parkway
Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0

 

The winery is owned by  Faik Turkmen who also owns Stonebridge Vineyards

Choosing to make his love for wine into a lifelong career, Faik, after significant research into international fine winemaking regions, chose Canada’s Niagara on the Lake to immerse himself in a quest to achieve authentic, quality viticulture and winemaking. Inspired by the excellence of the world’s great wine producers, and invigorated by nature’s day-to-day challenges, Faik, with his family at his side, has surrounded himself with experts in their areas and is developing Stonebridge, and farming Lailey, to produce outstanding grapes for the production of wines of
uncompromisable quality.

The history of the Lailey winery goes back to 1950's when William Lailey (a pioneer of Canadian viticulture) planted and propagated some of Niagara's first French hybrid varieties. In 1970 Donna and David Lailey purchased the land and began a steady transformation of the 20-acre farm into a vineyard. Their high quality grapes were sought out by many wineries The vineyards nurture some of the oldest vines in Canada.

The Lailey's decided in the early 1980's to process their grapes themselves. Donna was the only female founding member of the Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA), and in 1991 was crowned the first ever Grape Queen of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

In the fall of 2002, Lailey Vineyard released 25 cases of 2001 Chardonnay that had been fermented and aged in Canadian oak barrels. This was the very first release of Canadian oak - aged wine in the world

Philosophy: purpose and passion lie in developing flavours that are authentic, distinctive and, most importantly, delicious.

Le Clos Jordanne’s estate vineyard

4260 Mountainview Road
Beamsville ON L0R 1B2

In July 2023 Arterra Wines Canada purchased the winery. They have decided to move to winery to Angles Gate Winery in Beamsville which they also purchased.

Le Clos Jordanne’s estate vineyard is located on the premium parcel of the Jordan bench, on the first rise from the plain, a natural plateau near the slope of the escarpment. At 10.45 hectares, it enjoys light limestone soils created by the ancient ice shield with rich sediments and produces the fullest expressions of the terroir. Planted with both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir between 2000-2001 it is surrounded on three sides by environmentally protected forest, woodland and pond nature areas which have been left in their natural state; featuring statuesque weeping willows and a picturesque pond complete with lily pads and wild flowers.

Originally Le Clos Jordanne was a Franco-Canadian winemaking collaboration between Vincor Canada (now Arterra Wines Canada) and the Famille Boisset of Burgundy. The goal of Le Clos Jordanne was to create a “domaine” in the Niagara region, producing ultra-premium, Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, expressive of the unique terroir of the Jordan Bench.

Thomas Bachelder is internationally recognized and Le Clos Jordanne’s original winemaker

Legends Estate Winery

4888 Ontario Street North
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3

Legends is a family owned winery located in Beamsville Ontario. In 1946, patriarch John Lizak planted the seeds of enterprise on a tender fruit farm of a dozen acres. The fertile soil and microclimate of the Niagara peninsula fed his passion and as time passed, the customs of working the land were handed down from father, to son, to grandson.

The wineries main location was chosen as it has a great climate, buffered by the lake . This helps to moderate the harsh cold and the extreme heat. This way the vines sustain less damage by both cold and heat.

A half century later, a boutique winery was born near Lake Ontario under John's grandson, Paul Lizak; two-hundred acres of fruit and signature grapes to be farmed carefully and harvested gently. A place where history of the past and vision for the future have struck a fine balance; the perfect symmetry of tradition and technology.

Paul along with his sister Danielle and their parents Ted and Diane. Legends has over 200 acres of fruit and grapes.

Legends has been named Niagara's Most Unique Winery. Paul Liz akI think the four key points some up why we are unique."Steeped in Tradition" Distinguished by Difference" and "Crafted with Refinement"

The winery supports Canada's Olympic Culinary Team

Signature Wines
Chardonnay Reserve, Pinot Noir,Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer

Winemaker:Serge Papineau

Philosophy: It takes time to build a legend. That's the philosophy behind everything at Legends Estates Winery. It's not just tending vines, it's cultivating relationships. It's acknowledging the special bond between our work, the sun, the soil, and the elements that help us produce wines of exemplary character.

We value the connection with our customers; giving them personal attention, face-to-face exchange with our expert winemaker, and the opportunity to experience wine making with a slow, meticulous approach to perfection. We teach those who wish to learn and expand the vistas of those who know.

Leaning Post


1491 Hwy 8
Stoney Creek, ON
L8E 5K9

A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. Leaning Post started as Virtual Winery owned by Ilya and Nadia Senchuk who hail from Winnipeg.

The name Leaning Post represents the essence of their project. Just as grapes can't grow on their own, they need the support of posts and wires, Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family and friends to make their virtual dream a reality.

Ilya honed his craft as a winemaker, first as winemaker at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery in Beamsville, Ontario for eight years, a vintage at Te Kairanga wines in Martinborough, New Zealand, and most recently as winemaker at The Foreign Affair Winery in Vineland, Ontario

Winemaker: Ilya Senchuk

Locust Lane Estate Winery

4041 Locust Lane
Beamsville, ON
L0R 1B0, Canada

 

Locust Lane took over the former Mike Weir winery. None of the three owners has a background in running a winery. Frank Mondelli and Michael Sannella, both real estate developers from Toronto, and Douglas Wheler, founder of an events and catering company based in Toronto, bought the 40-acre Weir property, retail/tasting facility and winery

Locust Lane was left with 13 acres under vine with only 8 acres producing fruit, mainly Riesling and Merlot. There will be an aggressive program of replanting the correct grapes on the property and sourcing grapes from growers in Niagara. Winemaker Jim Innes is looking at planting Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Syrah in the estate vineyards, along with expanding the Merlot plantings.

A major renovation of the main tasting facility to include two restaurants — a pizza/charcuterie venue on the main floor and a larger restaurant on the bottom floor that opens up to the vineyards and views down to Lake Ontario;

London Born Wine Co

3749 Walker Road
Beamsville, ON
L0R 1B2

Aug 2017 name changed to London Born Wine CO. A British themed winery.

Owned by the Hoare family who immigrated from London, England. The Hoare family began planting grapes in 2007, the winery opened in 2011 in Beamsville. Varieties are Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling and of course the existing Old Vine Marechal Foche.

The winery is designed for small-batch production of Gamay, Riesling and a red-and-white blend, Cab Franc and Old Vines Foch.

Philosophy: We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations.

 

Lundy Manor Wine Cellar

9941 Lundy's Lane,
Niagara Falls,
L2H 0T8

Located in Niagara Falls, about 26km south of Niagara -on- the Lake. The chateau was originally built has a residence but was purchased by a group (unknown) to establish a winery. Their purpose is to establish a winery know for its wines, events, the place to go. They have a 53 acre vineyard.

The name comes from Ontario's rich historical past, Lundy's Lane has evolved into 'Niagara's Favourite Neighbourhood' for locals and visitors alike. With over 75 shops & boutiques and the Canada One Brand Name Outlets Collection, Lundy's Lane is the top shopping destination in Niagara Falls.

Size and number of Vineyards, Grape Varieties? 53 acres, 8 developed right now Riesling, 20 acres planted in Spring
Case production? 2017 5500 cases, 2018 12,500 cases. Late Harvest Riesling, Vidal Icewine, Riesling Ice Wine

signature wines: Currently developing a Appassimento Program, Grand Reserves

Winemaker: Adam Kern
Philosophy: It's a matter of taste and quality

 Maenad Wine Co.

10.5 George St.,
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 5M9

Winemaker Yvonne Irvine co-owns Maenad Wine Co. with her husband Rob Wallace. The project was born out of a desire to create a brand with integrity and produce honest, well made and interesting wines on their own terms. The brand celebrates women and wine - as they are, completely unfined and unfiltered. Yvonne brings 14 years of winemaking experience and knowledge.

Maenads are Female followers of Dionysus the Greek God of Wine (and some other fun things), the Maenads were known to partake in some wine and break into ecstatic dance as part of their rituals.

Winemaker: Yvonne Irvine
Philosophy: We aim to create wines that push boundaries.  

Magnotta Winery

4701 Ontario Street
Beamsville, ON

Winery founders Gabe and Roseanna Di Zio Magnotta started their winery in 1989 selling directly to consumers. They now rank as Ontario's third largest seller of wines with seven locations. In 1989 they had two wines, today they have 180 including Enotrium,Vidal Icewine and Sparkling Icewines. Gabe and Rossana Di Zio Magnotta are the primary shareholders, Magnotta is a public company.

Magnotta is Ontario's third largest winery and the only company of its kind in Ontario licensed to produce and sell wine, beer and distilled products. Magnotta’s 75,000 square foot flagship head office, winery, brewery, and distillery is located in Vaughan, Ontario, just a few minutes north of Toronto

Magnotta produces wines from grapes grown on its four vineyards totaling 180 acres in Ontario 's Niagara Peninsula and on its 351 acre vineyard in Chile 's Maipo Valley. Grapes grown on its 180 acre Ontario vineyards are entirely processed and vinified for their own use.

With over 2400 awards to date they stand firm in their principle as “The Award Winning Winery”. Many of these awards include gold medals from prestigious wine competitions from all over the world such as VinExpo (France) and VinItaly (Italy). Magnotta is also the first and only Canadian winery to have ever won 4 Black Diamond Trophies from Intervin International (United States) for Winery Consistency and Quality. This is awarded at the Intervin International competition to the winery with the most gold medals at the year's competition.

They source grapes from other parts of the world to make their wine. They own a major vineyard
in Maipo Valley, Chile. Magnotta Vaughan (Toronto) is the company's flagship facility. Located at the Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 7 crossroads. They also have a major facility in Beamsville

Magnotta sells directly to the public, bypassing LCBO mark-ups. The only company of its kind in Canada , licensed to produce and sell wine, beer and distilled products. Kittling Ridge, now a proud new brand of Magnotta Winery

Signature wines: Enotrium, Icewine and Sparkling Icewine

Winemakers: Peter Rotar (Vaughan) and Marco Zamuner (Beamsville)
Philosophy: Creativeness, innovation, and a coupling of old world traditions and state-of-the-art facilities, the perfect marriage of the art of winemaking.

One of Canada's noted Icewine producers. Magnotta continues to grow and expand its market. Nationally, Magnotta has distributors in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and eastern Canada. International markets include exports to the United States, Taiwan and China.

Maleta St Henry Estate Winery Ltd.

Maleta Estate Winery
450 Queenston Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

The original winery (at one time named Maleta) opened in 1985, when they were recipients one of the first winery licenses in the region. Maleta's success is the result of meticulous vineyard management practices coupled with passionate and traditional winemaking techniques.

The vineyard's location and heritage makes it desirable as it sits adjacent to what was once the Sunnieholme Winery, founded in 1918, and on what was probably the site of Niagara's first commercial vineyard, developed in the mid 1800s.

The vineyard is now planted to traditional Bordeaux reds, i.e., Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, for blending into our luscious award-winning Meritage - a wine with a nose full of cassis and blackberry fruit, a satin texture and long, sweet finish. Production also includes Gamay and Riesling from 40-year-old vines as well as Icewine. The 1999 Riesling Reserve Off-Dry won an award in - of all places - Germany, home of the world's most revered Rieslings.

An major Icewine producer

Winemaker:

Malivoire Wine Company

Martin Malivoire located his winery theorizing that the Beamsville Bench of the Niagara Peninsula offers many features similar to the great vineyards of Alsace and Burgundy. Here aspect, soil, drainage, airflow and other meso-climactic factors combine to produce uniqueness in our wines – “le goût de terroir.” Currently totaling 50 acres, the estate has two vineyards approximately one kilometre apart on the Bench. The “Moira” Vineyard, acquired first, is now planted to Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. With the addition of the second vineyard, Gamay was added to the list.

Malivoire's location is also an exceptional site for their gravity winery. The hillside drop is ideal for our pump-free winemaking process. This gentle approach also extends to the stewardship of our vineyards we do not use insecticides or herbicides We use natural deterrents to repel threats to the vines and have used ladybugs as a natural predator of grapevine leafhoppers.

They chose a ladybug as their winery’s symbol to represent balance, the importance of the vineyards and their responsibility to steward their land with sensitivity to the environment. Their symbol, Hippodamia convergens, is the naturally-occurring ladybug in this area and is a desirable, beneficial insect in the vineyard. balance, in nature as in everything, is critical.

Ladybug and Guilty Men are wines that occupy a special place in the Malivoire portfolio. Widely available across Canada

We talk a lot about "elements". To build a successful winery you have to start with the best of the basics: location, soil, vines, practices and infrastructure. Then come the intangibles: philosophy, objectives, reason, creativity, dedication and energy. These come from people. - Martin Malivoire

Winemaker: Shiraz Mottiar
Philosophy: Our quality is rooted in the vineyard."

Maple Grove Estate Winery

4063 North Service Road
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0

The second of two wineries owned by Rosanna and Giovanni Follegot, their first being Vinoteca in Woodbridge. Their Niagara operation, Maple Grove Vineyard and Winery is nestled in the Niagara wine region. It is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario on the QEW near Vineland, an excellent location for the production of vinifera grapes. It is dedicated to producing fine grapes such as Merlot, Cabernets, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and transforming them into fine wines using traditional manual methods as it was done half a century ago.

Winemaker: Giovanni Follegot
Philosophy: "Grow grapes the best way I know how, transform them into wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Ontario wines, while I experience and improve along the way as well."

www.vinotecawinery.ca

Marynissen Estates

RR#6 Concession #1
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

The property was purchased in 1953 by John Marynissen and his wife Adriana. At that time, the land was a mixture of fruit trees, and native grapes. The family farm evolved over time as John developed a passion for winemaking. In 1976 John tore out his native grapes and planted the vitis vinifera varieties; Chardonnay, Gamay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Riesling. Two years later, in 1978 he planted what is now the oldest commercial Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Canada. John was the target of much criticism as most people thought these vines would not survive our harsh winters. John always pushed the limit of what was perceived possible with grape growing which helped shape the Canadian winemaking story and brought international acclaim to the Niagara region.

The Marynissen family established the winery in 1990. The winery producing only estate-grown wine which have potential to age gracefully, providing enjoyment for several years after release.

The winery uses oak for fermenting and aging,including Troçais. Allier, Nevers and some American Oak. This winery charges for tours and tasting. Noted for Vidal Icewine.

In June 2012 the winery sold to a Chinese interest

Winemaker: Fred Diprofio and Marc Pistor.
Philosophy: We believe that exceptional wines come from exceptional grapes; working with nature and producing wines as natural as possible.

Mason Vineyards


Beamsville Bench

 

Located on the Beamsville Bench Mason Vineyard is the home of winemaker Kelly Mason. Kelly Mason, the founder and winemaker who almost a decade ago purchased the vineyard and began tailoring the site with a clear vision — to make only extraordinary estate single vineyard, low yield, small batch, minimal intervention Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc wines that express the character of the site.

"Have no illusions, what it takes to produce beautiful and distinct wines is nothing short of fanaticism and relentless focus. As a result, we’re going to be straight with you — this winery is about us, not about you. Us meaning the wine, and you meaning, well you. "

"It is our belief that truly extraordinary wines result from applying all of a winery’s resources and attention toward making the wine, avoiding the distractions of conventional wine tourism."

Kelly studied winemaking at Brock University before working first at Tawse Winery (with Paul Pender) and then at Le Clos Jordanne (with Thomas Bachelder), always focused on Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. She joined the Domaine Queylus team in the spring of 2013, again with Bachelder, which also has a Chard/Pinot focus with some Bordeaux varieties as well.

In 2017, Mason was hired as the winemaker for The Farm, a tiny boutique winery with small-lot Pinot Noirs and one Chardonnay. The Mason Vineyard Pinot Noir from The Farm was named Red Wine of the Year in 2018 at the Ontario Wine Awards.

Prior to both The Farm and Queylus, Mason was the first winemaker at Honsberger Estate in Jordan, hired by the family in 2012 to make wines from the estate’s 11 and a half acres of vineyards that surround their pretty farm.

 

Megalomaniac Winery

3930 Cherry Avenue
Vineland Ontario
LOR 2C0

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

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.

Massive archways and steel doors frame the entrance as guests prepare to burrow underground.  The tasting room is a large, echoing production hall with large stainless steel holding tanks, barrels and two waterfalls that trickle down the original cut limestone.

Megalomaniac Chairman John Howard received the 2023 Wine Growers Canada Award of Distinction The Award of Distinction is the preeminent award for the Canadian wine industry, and is regarded as the highest form of peer recognition and appreciation. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for the advancement of the Canadian wine industry.

Philosophy: We make wines of distinction without compromise

* photo by Fred Couch

Meldville Wines


Beamsville, ON

Meldville is the virtual winery owned by well known winemaker Derek Barnett. Derek was born in Swinford,England. His home was named Meldville.

Meldville Wines specializes in small batch, limited edition wines . Derek began making wine in 1991 and focuses on premium vinifera varietals that grow best in Niagara's vineyards.

Winemaker: Derek Barnett
Philosophy: Always encouraged to be true to my nature growing up, I’ve adopted the same philosophy in winemaking. Wines are crafted in a time honoured way with little intervention, a key to open the narrative and allow the vines to tell their own story.

Mountain Road Wine Company

4016 Mountain Street
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B7

Mountain Road Wine Company started with the establishment of its first vineyards in 1983 by owner and winemaker Steve Kocsis on a farm originally purchased by his parents Andy and Klara in 1958. Thirteen and a half acres of Chardonnay, Gamay Noir and Vidal vines were planted on the sloping terrain of the Beamsville Bench. As the vines matured to express the unique soil and aspect of the vineyard, the grapes became more and more sought after by various local wineries.

Steve began under the tutelage of Deborah Paskus. produced his first commercial wine, a 1999 Vidal Icewine. It won a Gold medal and was judged to be the Best Sweet White Wine at the Cellars of the World International Competition in Ottawa. His barreled aged Chardonnay 2000 won a gold medal in 2004 at the Cuvee Awards

Steve Kocsis operates 33 hectares of vineyards in the Beamsville Bench. Annual production is limited to about 2,000 cases to maintain hands-on quality control at every step from growing the grapes to making the wine.

Winemaker: Steve Kocsis

Monastery Cellars

7020 Stanley Ave
Niagara Falls

 

The only winery located n Niagara Falls not too far from the actual falls. They are located inside the Mount Carmel Monestry. They focus on small lot VQA wines and Icewine. The wines are currently produced at Rief Estate Winery.

Mount Carmel, the first residence for the Carmelites in Niagara Falls was originally a simple rectory for those priests serving the parish community, Our Lady of Peace. The monastery was then constructed in 1894 as a training center for young Carmelites, as well as a hospice to welcome pilgrims to the majestic beauty of falls to encounter God’s creative presence.

The shop and tasting bar are open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm and are adjacent to the main chapel and spiritual centre.
Visitors are invited to tour the vineyard, taste wines and explore the grounds while only steps away from the world-famous
Niagara Falls.

Niagara College Winery

Niagara College, Glendale Campus
135 Taylor Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Located in the Niagara peninsula wine region, the Niagara College Teaching Winery forms an integral part of training for students in the wine industry. The Teaching Winery complements of existing Jack Forrer Vineyard - a six-acre teaching and research vineyard at the Glendale Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Our wine is retailed on site and proceeds from their sales help finance the educational endeavour of Niagara College's School of Horticulture and Agribusiness.

Wines are crafted by teams of students under the head Winemaker's supervision. Niagara College wines are entered into professional wine competitions and have won numerous medals for their high quality VQA wines.

The grapes come from Jack Forrer Vineyard production runs about 1000 cases.

Prince Charles commemorated the opening of the Wine Visitor and Education Centre at Niagara College on November 5th 2009. The Royal Visit is the lead event celebrating the opening of the $3.6 million Wine Visitor and Education Centre, a unique state-of-the-art industry centre set in the College's teaching vineyards. The Centre will showcase and promote the Ontario and Canadian wine industry, provide wine tourism information services, and feature academic and wine industry programming

Winemaker: Gavin Robertson

Nyarai Cellars

4055 19 St
Jordan, Ontario, Canada
L0R 1S0

A virtual winery established in 2008. Nyarai is a South African name meaning to be humble .
A virtual winery does not have a physical location for retailing for tastings. They sell on line or to restaurants.

Grapes are source from the Niagara Peninsula and the wines produced at another winery

Winemaker: Steve Byfield
Philosophy: From sensible viticultural practices coupled with proven winemaking techniques our aim is to present an honest expression of regional terrior

One Seven Estate Winery

Line 3 Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake ON,

 

On Seven Estate Winery is owned by Vittorio and Sula De Stefano. The De Stefanos acquired an abandoned farm on seven acres on Line 3 Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The name of the winery is derived from the acreage, although there are now only five acres planted on the property to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with another eight adjoining acres purchased and being prepared for planting.

They stared preparing the land in 2014 under the guidance of wine consultant Peter Gamble.

Organized Crime.

403 Mountainview Road
Beamsville, ON L0R 1B7

 A second-generation, family-owned, small boutique winery located on the renowned Beamsville Bench of the Niagara Peninsula. Owned by Edward Zaski & Ania de Duleba (Krystyna). Our little parcel of south-facing land hangs over the hillside edges of the Bench, and provides an ideal environment for cool climate winegrowing. There is a view of Lake Ontario.

Krystyna is an artist first, and former art director herself for Harlequin books, Krystyna’s first passion is painting, but indulging her husband’s passion for winemaking has meant that her painting studio down the hill sees a lot less of her than the vineyards surrounding it.

The name: The story goes that in the early to mid 1900’s, two feuding Mennonite churches in the area had a dispute when the less conservative congregation acquired a pipe organ, considered verboten by the more strict church. The members of the conservative church conspired to steal the organ, which they subsequently loaded onto a wagon and destroyed by dumping it down a creed embankment – hence the birth of the ORGANized crime brand.

We operate a craftsman-styled winery. We have very little automation in our facility. From vineyard to barrel, all of our wines are genuinely handcrafted. We prefer to be hands-on throughout the process, as this is where the pure art of winemaking truly thrives.

In 2019 they won seven awards at The National Wine Awards of Canada are the country’s largest annual competition of Canadian wines

Winemaker: Edward Zaski, Consultant Greg Yemen

.
Ours and Yours Wines

15376 Niagara Parkway
Niagara-on-the-Lake,

A virtual wine company. They produce a dry style Riesling

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

911 Lakeshore Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Having successfully sold their grapes to other wineries for more than 30 years, owners John and Barbara Neufeld found themselves with a surplus in 1998, and decided to collaborate with winemaker David Hojnoski to produce a small batch of icewine. They have succeed in producing some great "juices and Ice wines. They now produce Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as their award-winning Vidal Icewine.

Their wines are sold in Ontario. Manitoba, New York and Pennsylvania. Their wines can also be found in Thailand and Mexico.

John Neufeld was raised in the area and and familiar with its history. Palatine is a name chosen from a historic map of Niagara on the Lake. It is an area that was given to British Generals in Canada, in lieu, of payment for services rendered. Originating in Rome, the name was transferred to Germany, then to England, and then to Canada.

Signature wines include Icewines, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay,Riesling Traminer, Fume Blanc

Icewine producer of the year in 2006

Winemaker:Tim Reilly
Philosophy: Produce the best that we can provided Mother Nature helps.

Pear Morissett Estate Winery

3953 Jordan Rd, Vineland
ON L0R 2C0

A partnership of Mel Pearl, a Toronto developer with an affinity for wine, and Francois Morissette, a Burgundy trained Vigneron, who together chose a local historical property in Jordan to be the primary base of the operation and the winery. They started in 2008 by replanted the vineyards.

There will be be a 42 Acre Vineyard with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling.
Current wines are made with grapes grown on their 10 Acre Bench Vineyard

winemaker Francois Morissette, Brent Rowland
Philosophy: Hands off no intervention let the grapes speak for themselves.

 

Peller Estate Winery

290 John Street East
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0

More than twenty-five years ago, this European winemaker traveled to the Niagara Peninsula with the dream to create premium quality wines in Canada, wines that would proudly bear his family name. These would be wines that could proudly bear his family name and that could rival any wine grown in any region of North America. Andrew Peller's knowledge and experience as a maker of fine wines told him that the best wines invariably start with excellent grapes. He eventually settled into the Niagara Peninsula which provided the perfect location for growing these excellent wine grapes. As time passed, Andrew's son Joseph and grandson John continued to pursue his dream.

A winery situated on a forty acre site opened its doors in April 2001. An ideal location for corporate and incentive retreats in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake's wine country. Their restaurant features country cuisine in a picturesque setting overlooking the vineyards.

Peller Estates was awarded the prestigious honour of "Canadian Winery of the Year" at the 2014 WineAlign National Wine Awards held in Penticton, B.C. in late June.

Winemaker: Katie Dickieson
The Founder's Series of wines reflects the proud heritage of Peller Estates and the Peller family. Three generations of winemaking expertise have culminated in this flagship brand.

Peninsula Ridge 

5600 King Street West
P.O. Box 550
Beamsville Ontario
L0R 1B0

Located less than an hour from Toronto and downtown Buffalo, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery on the Niagara Escarpment charms visitors with its fine wines, superb cuisine and exceptional views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline. Norm Beal is the owner.

Peninsula Ridge is part of the Beamsville Bench: The 'bench' occupies a narrow strip of land with vineyards clinging to its slopes. Warm days, cool nights and deep soils help to shape the character of our wines. With over 85 acres of vineyards, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery is producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling all on the property.

Peninsula Ridge utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the most delicate handling of fruit juice and wines. Fermentation is regulated using high tech, dual batch, temperature controlled tanks imported from France. Below the winery in the barrel cellar, wines age in over 350 French oak barrels to develop sublime depth and complexity.

A feature landmark is our instantly recognizable Queen Anne revival Victorian manor built in 1885. The house was meticulously restored and is now The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge, offering an exceptional, fine dining experience in Ontario Wine Country.

The winery donates to Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch .

winemaker: Jamie Evans

Perridiso Estate Winery

176 Warner Rd
 Niagara-on-the-Lake
Canada

Located on the St. David's Bench, this escarpment ridge is a carving landscape which reveals rich layers of soil and fertile vineyards. Joe Perri, founder and winemaker of Perridiso Winery.

Perri’s family left Calabria, Italy when he was a baby, but his humble Italian heritage stayed with him and ultimately led him to following in his parents’ footsteps. He took a leap of faith and purchased a property with 29 acres of land above Niagara College in the mid-1990s. By the year 2000, he had planted six acres of vineyards above a lush Carolinian forest, where maples, oaks, birch and elm trees flourish.

His philosophy of wine-making and grape growing comes directly from the stories of his parents. “Picking grapes by hand, pruning, training the vines to grow a certain way, minimal mechanical intervention, spraying to a point where you are not excessive, those kinds of things.”

Perridiso produces about 10,000 litres of wine a year and sells his wines to high-end restaurants locally or directly from his winery.

His partner is Antonia Mori

Pillitteri Estates Winery

1696 Niagara Stone Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Gary and Lena Pillitteri settled in Niagara on the Lake to raise their family in 1965.  They purchased a small fruit farm on Niagara Stone Road. In 1973 they opened Gary's Fruit Market (which actually still operates today in the east wing of the winery).The market grew and so did Gary's interest in wines shortly after the first winery open near by he planted the families first vineyard.

By 1988 Gary decided to experiment by making a small batch of Vidal Icewine. The Icewine was later entered into a wine competition where it won a gold medal. This achievement solidified the idea to open a winery in Niagara's newly emerging wine industry. During the next 5 years the farm and the market underwent several changes to convert the property into a winery. The winery opened June 1993.

Pillitteri Estates Winery has been honoured with more than 700 wine awards, at both domestic and international competitions. These include the coveted Civart Trophy from the Challenge International du Vin, for their 2007 Riesling Icewine, two Grand Medaillo d'Oro from Vinitaly, Verona, Italy and a rare Double Gold Medal from the American Wine Society in the United States. Pillitteri achieved international acclaim in 2005 by winning North America's only wine award at Effervescents du Monde and then going on to win their highest honour in 2009 with a rare Grand Gold, and 1st Place Overall for their 2008 Sparkling Cabernet Icewine.

Gary Pillitteri, was recently named the winner of the 2022 Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction. This award is regarded as the highest form of recognition from peers in the industry,

The winery has a beautiful tasting facility where you can combine the tasting experience with lunch

Their wines can be found in USA, Central America, South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Inn China Icewine can be found through CANBEST.

Brock University (April 2023)bestowed on Pillitteri the school’s Co-op Employer of the Year Award for small and medium enterprises.

Winemaker: Aleksandar Kolundzic

Philosophy: to produce the finest wines possible from the highest quality grapes grown in Niagara .  Achieving this requires a complex strategy that involves emphasizing the unique characteristics of each vineyard and allowing each wine to express its own ‘personality'

PondView at Bella Terra Vineyards.

925 Line 2 - R.R. 2
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0

The Puglisi Family were producers of wine in Italy before Giuseppe Puglisi emigrated to Canada in 1965, he brought with him his passion for grape-growing and wine-making. His son, Luciano (Lou), who has been passed the torch and now carries on the family tradition with the beautiful PondView Estate Winery. Luciano and Adriana Puglisi are owners their son is the winemaker

In 2023 they changed their name to Bella Terra Vineyards;

Luciano (Lou), was crowned 2008 Grape King, a Ministry of Agriculture award for the finest vineyard operator in Ontario.

Their Icewine was voted Best Sweet Wine in North America by Decanter Asia.

Winemaker: Luciano Puglis
Philosophy: "Great Wine is a Harmony of Earth and Vine Our wines are a reflection of our "Bella Terra" our "Beautiful Earth". We are proud of the very unique and fertile terroir that flows through all our wines

Four Mile Creek Seb-Appelation

Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery

J.B. Puddicombe & Sons Limited
1468 Highway 8
Winona, ON L8E 5K9

Operating since 1797 as a working farm. It has developed into a tourist stop complete with train rides, petting farm, tea room cafe and gift shop. In the last few years it opened its winery. The wines are crafted from Viniferous and
hybrid grapes that have been growing since the early sixties.

Murray Puddicombe has been growing Vinifera grapes - Gamay Noir and Chardonnay - since 1962, other Vinifera since 1968 and Riesling, Pinot Noir and French Colombard since 1975. There are 150 acres of grapes.

The Harvest Cafe offers light lunches, soups, salads, sandwiches, as well as freshly baked meat pies,
quiche and lasagna. The Cafe is fully licensed The tea room serve an assortment of teas, coffees, as well as our ever-popular English afternoon teas and tasty desserts.

Produces cider

Book into a fun and exciting moving dinner with the winemaker. Each course is served in a different area of the winery.

Lindsay Puddicombe is the winemaker