Watchful Eye Winery

About Watchful Eye Winery

Watchful Eye Winery is a small-batch, family-run winery on the Lincoln Lakeshore, where the presence of water shapes every aspect of what they do. The vineyard sits uniquely near the shoreline, so close that lake breezes move through the vines, creating a growing environment and tasting experience unlike anywhere else in Niagara.
Watchful Eye welcomes guests the way family welcomes friends, into a space that feels personal and deeply connected to the land. With a glass of wine in hand, guests settle into the easy pace of the lakeshore and the comfortable, at-home feeling that comes with it.
The winery operates from the original family homestead, cared for across generations on land the family has farmed since 1796. Watchful Eye takes its name in honour of the family’s grandfather, Poppy, who kept a steady watch over the farm and the lake.
At Watchful Eye Winery, each bottle reflects both the place it comes from and the people who continue to watch over its land, lake, and vines.

Representative Biography

Kate George, Co-owner

Kate George grew up on the Lincoln Lakeshore farm that Watchful Eye calls home. Her work is grounded in a long relationship with the vineyard, shaped by growing up on the farm and learning how the land expresses itself over time.
She works across every part of the winery, connecting farming decisions, wine development, and the way guests experience Watchful Eye. Her role bridges the agricultural and public-facing sides of the business, keeping her closely connected to both the land and the people who enjoy the wines.
Chardonnay has been part of Watchful Eye’s story from the beginning, and Kate continues to be involved in conversations around each new vintage. What draws Kate to cool-climate Chardonnay is the way it holds freshness and depth at the same time, something Niagara does beautifully. It’s a reminder of why Niagara’s wines continue to inspire her

Why We're Cool

Watchful Eye’s Chardonnay vineyard sits right on the shore of Lake Ontario, where lingering winter chill and steady onshore winds keep the site a few degrees cooler than much of Niagara. Early in the season, these cooler conditions often delay bud break, naturally pushing growth later and helping protect the vines from spring frost. As the season unfolds, the lake continues to moderate temperatures, offering gentle daytime warmth and cooling nights that limit extreme swings. These influences create a more stable growing season, supporting healthy development and the even ripening that defines their Chardonnay.