Jackson-Triggs

About Jackson-Triggs

When you pick up a bottle of Jackson-Triggs, you can be sure you made the right choice. Jackson-Triggs is a name you know. It’s a name your friends know. It’s a name that stands for our commitment to crafting the perfect wine for any occasion, and our attention to detail shows. We are Canada’s most awarded winery and have been named “Best Canadian Winery” an unprecedented number of times in international and domestic competitions. You can feel proud when serving Jackson-Triggs wines in knowing that, no matter the varietal, vintage, or region, you’ll be pouring a premium wine that pairs perfectly with every moment, large or small.

Representative Biography

Chris Holman, Winemaker

About Chris Holman, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winemaker
Chris Holman's journey from the fields of his grandparents' farm in Flamborough to the prestigious vineyards of McLaren Vale, Australia, is a testament to his unwavering passion for winemaking. Born and raised in Burlington, ON, Chris discovered his fascination with agriculture early on, spending summers amidst the crops and fields that would shape his future.
At 19, Chris began his winemaking journey, enrolling in the Niagara College Winemaking Diploma Program. It was here that he honed his craft and ignited his love affair with the intricate art of winemaking. His transformative experience during his first international harvest in McLaren Vale affirmed his calling, propelling him into a career dedicated to crafting ultra premium wines. It was here where Chris gained a true understanding of how to produce big reds and specifically Shiraz.
Following his graduation in 2008, Chris embarked on a globe-trotting adventure, immersing himself in vineyards across Australia and Canada. From the cool, temperate vineyards of Tasmania to the desert and sage brush of the Okanagan Valley, he absorbed the nuances of winemaking as a cellar hand and Assistant Winemaker, each harvest enriching his expertise and deepening his connection to the vineyard.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Chris pursued further studies at Brock University, where he delved into the scientific intricacies of oenology and viticulture. Here, he seamlessly merged his practical experience with theoretical understanding, refining his skills and broadening his perspective on the winemaking process.
For Chris, the essence of winemaking lies in the exhilarating rhythm of harvest season, where creativity meets terroir in a symphony of flavors. He revels in the challenge of coaxing out the distinctive characteristics of each grape variety and vineyard, with a particular fondness for the aromatic intensity of Sauvignon Blanc and the gratifying complexities of Chardonnay. Chris has focused on a winemaking style that emphasises the differences in each vineyard block by guiding his wines into bottle with as little intervention as possible.
Beyond the vineyards and winery, Chris finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid baker and pizza aficionado, he delights in crafting culinary delights for his loved ones. Summers are spent at his family cottage on Lake Restoule, where he shares cherished moments with his wife and two children, casting lines into the tranquil waters and savoring the beauty of nature.
Despite his success in the world of winemaking, Chris's journey could have taken a different turn as a former aspiring race car driver who hurtled down the track with dreams of victory, sponsored by none other than Volkswagen. Yet, in a pivotal moment of reflection, he chose the path less traveled, opting to channel his passion into winemaking—a decision that has undoubtedly borne fruit in the form of exceptional wines and a life rich in fulfillment.

Why We're Cool

Terroir, but mainly the cool temperatures at night during the ripening season of Chardonnay, this helps to promote the Cool Climate characteristic flavours and acidity in the fruit.