The Foreign Affair Winery

About The Foreign Affair Winery

Nestled within the heart of the Niagara Benchlands, The Foreign Affair Winery embodies a journey inspired by passion and tradition. Founded in 2008 by Len & Marisa Crispino, who were captivated by the allure of appassimento-style wines during their time in Italy, our winery has been a testament to their vision and love for winemaking.
Guided by a commitment to quality and innovation, our winemaker, Rene Van Ede, has meticulously crafted a portfolio that showcases the artistry of appassimento red wines, exquisite sparkling wines, and refined white wines.
In 2017, our legacy was embraced by Corby Spirit & Wine, yet we remain dedicated to preserving the essence of Len & Marisa's legacy, crafting unforgettable experiences and extending heartfelt hospitality to all who visit.

Representative Biography

René Van Ede, Winemaker

René Van Ede is a distinguished winemaker whose passion for wine was ignited while working in hospitality in the United Kingdom. Originally from the vicinity of Australia’s Hunter Valley wine region, René decided to pursue winemaking as a profession. He returned to Australia to earn his Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University.
After gaining experience with a few vintages in Australia, René’s journey took him to Canada, where he joined the Tawse winery team in 2006. By 2007, he had become a permanent and integral part of the Tawse award-winning winemaking team. His expertise and dedication have contributed significantly to the winery’s success and reputation in producing organic and biodynamic wines in the Niagara region.
René’s career is a testament to his commitment to quality and his ability to craft wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their terroir.
René joined The Foreign Affair Winery in March 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as Winemaker at Tawse & Redstone Winery. As a respected figure in the Niagara wine country, René is deeply passionate about showcasing the potential of Niagara’s fruit and is committed to producing high-quality wines.
At The Foreign Affair Winery, René is part of a team that is pioneering the use of the appassimento winemaking technique in Canada. This old-world style, known for producing Amarone wines in Italy, involves partially drying grapes to concentrate their flavours before fermentation. The result is bold, full-flavoured red wines and elegant white wines that have garnered attention and awards for the winery.
René’s expertise and dedication to the craft are evident in the winery’s diverse selection of wines, of which some are touched by the appassimento process. His approach aligns with the winery’s vision of blending Italian heritage with Canadian roots, creating a unique and memorable wine experience.

Why We're Cool

Our Crispino Vineyard in Vinemont Ridge is characterized by its south-facing slope, which benefits from early spring warming and hot summers, allowing grapes to reach full maturity by harvest. The soils are rich in clay loam till with a high water-holding capacity, ensuring a consistent water supply throughout the summer.
The soils of our Lincoln Lakeshore vineyards are diverse, with light sandy soils that warm early in the spring and heavier red clay loam that retains water well. This variability contributes to the complexity and character of our Chardonnay wines produced. The Chardonnay from our Lincoln Lakeshore are often noted for their floral honeyed notes, ripe fruits, and intense aromas.