Trius Winery

About Trius Winery

Trius Winery captures the essence of Niagara Wine Country with an extensive collection of terroir-driven wines made by Emma Garner. Trius Winery Restaurant was Niagara-on-the-Lake’s first winery restaurant and Chef Frank Dodd prides himself on sourcing local ingredients. Enjoy a range of wines and food from Niagara-on-the-Lake's only Michelin Guide recommended restaurant.

Representative Biography

Emma Garner, Director of Winemaker & Ben Minaker, Winemaker

After graduating from Brock University’s Oenology and Viticulture program, she began her career at Trius before gaining experience in renowned wine regions including Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and British Columbia. Emma returned to Trius with a wealth of global insight and has played a key role in shaping Canada’s largest traditional method sparkling wine program. Her wines have earned both national and international acclaim, including a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in the UK. In 2015, she was named Ontario Winemaker of the Year. A champion for Ontario wines and a mentor to emerging winemakers, Emma brings passion, precision, and leadership to every bottle. Under her guidance, Trius continues to craft expressive, world-class wines that reflect the character of Niagara.

Ben Minaker, Winemaker
Ben joined the Trius team in July 2020, bringing with him international winemaking experience spanning from Bordeaux to New Zealand before ultimately putting down roots in the Niagara Peninsula. He holds a Winery and Viticulture Technician diploma from Niagara College, along with his WSET Level 3 certification and Certified Sommelier designation.

Why We're Cool

At Trius we work with some of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards and most experienced growers on the Peninsula.
With over 350 acres under contract and covering most of the VQA sub-appellations, our Winemaking and Vineyard teams work closely with key growers to nurture high potential sites and foster long term relationships.
Together we have established individual viticultural programs which balance the uniqueness of site and the nuances of vintage variation but always with the highest level of Chardonnay varietal expression top of mind.
The Niagara Peninsula is innately cool and with our extreme sites offering even greater challenges we have an opportunity for extended Fall ripening for maximum flavour development and full expression of site and season.
Sites such at the Oliveira Vineyard embrace these elements as of one of the coolest sites on the Peninsula and one which consistently resonates with our team year after year.
This Lincoln Lakeshore vineyard is nestled close to Lake Ontario and benefits directly from distinct moderating influences which provide both Spring frost protection and enhance late season ripening. Coupled with the impeccable viticultural attention the Oliveira family bring, we seek to amplify this unique ‘single vineyard’ site by utilizing native yeast and restraining the urge to guide and influence at the winery.