Stratus

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

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About Stratus

The Stratus winery, like our signature assemblage wines, is a composition – a whole greater than the sum of its parts. On their own, the individual elements are distinctly unique – a diversely planted vineyard with unusually rich soil; a sustainable facility that unites tradition and science to serve the winemaker's art; and a retail gallery with adjoining tasting rooms that are both chic and welcoming. Working together, they create wines and experiences that are truly memorable.

Representative Biography

J-L (Jean-Laurent) Groux, Founding Winemaker, Dean Stoyka, Winemaker

A native of the Loire Valley in France, J-L Groux studied winemaking both at the College de Beaune in Burgundy and at the University of Bordeaux.. He subsequently traveled the globe to learn more about the world’s wine regions and styles of winemaking - a journey that eventually brought him to the Niagara region in the early 1980s.

Drawn to the ideal, natural grape-growing climate of the Niagara Peninsula and intrigued by how different it was from the vineyards in the Loire Valley, J-L Groux joined Hillebrand Estates in 1989.
At Hillebrand, Groux seized the opportunity to experiment with grape varieties, winemaking techniques and wine growing practices within the rebirth of the Canadian wine industry.

In 2004, J-L joined Stratus Vineyard’s, Niagara’s ultra-premium and world’s first fully LEED certified winery, as the Director of Winemaking. At Stratus, J-L is renowned for his passion for creating distinctive wines based on the principle of assemblage - the art of crafting several different grape varieties to produce a wine that is the most complex expression of the vineyard’s terroir. The wines of Stratus have set the highest standard for quality and continue to impress both critics and consumers alike.
J-L lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake with his wife Béatrice and their two children, Gaëlle and Corwan.

Dean Stoyka, Winemaker
Since joining Stratus in 2010, Dean’s oenology diploma and drive to understand all things ‘wine’ have allowed him to span roles at Stratus including retail sales, lab technician and winemaking supervisor. In 2015, Dean’s passion for the farm reached fruition as he evolved into Stratus’ Vineyard Manager. Next, he took on the role of Assistant Winemaker, and now as Winemaker, Dean continues to further Stratus’ precision viticulture and sustainable practice.

Dean was born and raised in Niagara and was first exposed to wine through his father’s 40-year career at Vincor / Constellation.

Why We're Cool

We have 1 block of Chardonnay that is nearing 25 years and shared between two clones - #96 and #548. While we employ classic Burgundian approaches to winegrowing and vinification for our Chardonnay, we seek to express Niagara authenticity.

We hand-pick at yields averaging 2 to 2.5 tonnes per acre in late September or early October and whole cluster press into barrel where the juice undergoes ‘natural’ fermentation based on indigenous yeasts. From here, we age in a combination of new, second-fill and neutral barrels and ultimately create an assemblage of these small lots to release as Stratus Chardonnay.

Thirty Bench Wine Makers

Beamsville Bench, Canada

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About Thirty Bench Wine Makers

Canada’s Best Small Winery of the Year 2015! Nestled in the Beamsville Bench appellation of Niagara, we believe less is more with our approach to “small lot” winemaking. The estate’s award-winning Rieslings and rare Small Lot Reds are coveted by collectors and wine lovers. Emma Garner (2015 Winemaker of the Year) invites you to taste our limited estate wines in a personalized seated tasting and discover the character of our vineyards with a winery tour.

Representative Biography

Emma Garner, Winemaker

During her studies in the Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock University, Emma Garner travelled to Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and British Columbia. Emma worked at Trius Winery, until 2005 when she began working for Thirty Bench Wine Makers, eventually becoming Thirty Bench winemaker in 2010. She believes in allowing the vineyard to express itself by making wine with minimal intervention. Emma received well-deserved recognition for her talents in 2015 as she was personally awarded Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards and Thirty Bench won Small Winery of the Year at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada.

Why We're Cool

At Thirty Bench Wine Makers we consider ourselves cool climate for a multitude of reasons!

Perched perfectly on the Beamsville Bench, our property is the ideal distance from Lake Ontario. The slope of the land enables our vineyard to have excellent air and water drainage.

The micro climate of our Beamsville Bench vineyard is fortunate enough to benefit from the moderating effect of Lake Ontario which provides cooler nights (and subsequent acid retention) as well as increased temperatures during the winter. As a result of this lake effect, our season extends later into the fall. The longer growing season coupled with western sun exposure results in fruit bursting with flavour and character.

In order to allow the vineyard to express itself in the wine, we are not heavy handed when it comes to oak usage in our winemaking. The absence of malolactic fermentation and a measured amount of lees stirring also helps to keep our wines fresh and focused.

Our Chardonnay Blocks:
Within in our vineyard we have two relatively small blocks of Chardonnay. By having two different clones (95/96), different harvest dates and different fermentation batches, we are able to make wines of exceptional complexity and quality.

Our vines are 20 years old and are nestled perfectly in the middle of our property where they are able to take advantage of the constant air and water movement. The clay loam/limestone soils help to create wines with wonderful ageability and finesse.

Jackson-Triggs

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

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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.

Inniskillin

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

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About Inniskillin

As Canada’s first estate winery, Inniskillin prides itself as a pioneer that helped put Canadian wine on the map. Recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands, Inniskillin is committed to producing premium wines from premium grapes grown in Canada. With Wineries in both Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Inniskillin offers a full collection of world renowned, award winning VQA table wines and iconic Icewines made by progressive, artisanal winemakers.

Representative Biography

Nicholas Gizuk, Estate Winemaker

Nicholas Gizuk’s love for science and the outdoors matched with his creative spirit garnered him an interest in wine at a young age.
Born and raised in Welland, Ontario, Nicholas’ parents are both avid wine lovers, and his grandfather made wine at home every fall. He and his family would visit both Niagara-on-the-lake and the Beamsville Bench regularly. Nicholas enjoyed spending time outdoors and always had a keen fascination with biology and chemistry.
In 2003, Nicholas earned an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from University of Guelph. Through studying various food science courses available, it was fermentation and chemistry that captured his interest and passion. With this passion, Nicholas entered the Niagara College Winery and Viticulture program in 2009 where he honed his winemaking and tasting skills. He landed his first internship at Rosewood Estates Winery in 2010. After graduating from Niagara College with Honours, Nicholas worked an extended harvest at Flat Rock Cellars before his journey continued to the Barossa Valley in Australia and Marlborough, New Zealand for two harvests. He credits this time as an eye-opening experience, where he gained an appreciation for southern hemisphere winemaking.
In 2013, Nicholas took a harvest internship with Inniskillin Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it was clear from the start that he was a perfect fit for the iconic winery. From 2013 to 2021, Nicholas trained under the guidance of world-renowned, award-winning winemaker Bruce Nicholson. In 2017, he was promoted to Assistant Winemaker, where he assisted in crafting all table wine varietals as well as Icewine production for the Niagara Estate. In the summer of 2021, Nicholas was promoted to the role of Estate Winemaker at Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery.
Nicholas’ winemaking philosophy is about making varietally true wines, allowing the soil and sense of place to be expressed through each unique and iconic wine made. “We must respect the fruit and terroir, as that is the foundation of every great wine,” says Nicholas. “Our job, as winemakers, is to guide those grapes with as little intervention as possible into the bottle.”

Why We're Cool

I love how Chardonnay shines with rich, defined structures from the good natural acidities in our Niagara cool climate.

Magnotta Winery

Niagara Region, Canada

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About Magnotta Winery

Vision. Passion. Achievement. Magnotta Winery Corporation is Ontario’s third largest winery producing, retailing, distributing, and exporting wine, cider, beer and spirits. As part of a small group of emerging wineries behind the Ontario wine renaissance that began over three decades ago, Magnotta is proud to have helped play a role in bringing Ontario's distinctive wines to center stage across Canada and throughout the world. Since 1990, Magnotta has won more than 5,000 Canadian and international awards and accolades for quality and product excellence. Offering over 180 world-class wines in every category to satisfy any budget or occasion including one of the largest VQA portfolios in Canada, premium and specialty wines and world-famous Icewines sold directly to consumers at winery-direct prices through 14 independent stores across Ontario. In 2018, Magnotta turned the page on a new chapter and launched Venture Series: 100% Ontario wines that include a charitable component. With over 20 products, Venture Series becomes Canada's largest collection of philanthropic wines dedicated to funding Lyme Disease research in Canada.
Magnotta is a proud, family-owned winery and grape grower steeped in innovative winemaking and local history for over 30 years. The grapes grown on its 180 acres of vineyards in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula are used to create award-winning, 100% Ontario vintages. For additional grapes, Magnotta supports the agricultural growth of the province by partnering with local independent grape growers.

Representative Biography

Peter Rotar, Winemaker

Peter Rotar has been a professional enologist for over 35 years. He is a graduate of the Minis Viticulture and Vinification College in Romania. Peter furthered his studies at the Bucharest Oenology Institute in Bucharest, Romania and completed his degree in viticulture and enology at the Western University of Oenology in Timisoara, Romania. He worked for 15 years at one of the largest wineries in the Banat Province of western Romania. In 1996, Peter travelled to Canada and has been Head Enologist at Magnotta Winery for nearly 25 years. Peter also specializes in distillation, the production of spirits and the development of several spirit and brandy recipes.
Continuing education and communicating with other winemakers are important to Peter and his ongoing success with creating VQA wines. He actively participates in events organized by Brock University and VQA Ontario that focus on changes and improvements to Ontario’s wine industry. He acquires and disseminates knowledge he has acquired at lectures and seminars on viticulture and oenology and is part of a Brock University sparkling wine group that traveled to Italy’s Prosecco region to learn more about sparkling wines and traditional methods. With VQA Ontario, he has participated in tasting groups to redefine the characteristics of VQA wines.
Peter’s experiences and extensive travels over the years to different parts of world allow him to compare his VQA wines against wines from other countries, study other styles of wines and keep him open-minded to explore new possibilities.
“Our cool-climate region is what makes our wines distinctive, food friendly and memorable. Ontario grapes ripen slowly resulting in complex wines with higher acidity and more mineral flavours, making them the perfect wines to pair with all types of cuisine.”

Why We're Cool

Ontario wine country represents generations of winemakers and grape growers who are passionate about creating world-class, award-winning wines. And, at Magnotta, we’ve been true believers in the potential of Ontario as a wine region from the very beginning.

When it comes to winemaking, it’s no secret that Chardonnay is one of the world’s best white grape varietals because of its innate ability to adapt to and thrive in both cool and warm climates. Ontario’s cool climate viticulture is especially well suited to grow exceptional Chardonnays, both in an oaked and unoaked style. Cool climate Chardonnays are oftentimes lighter bodied with slightly more acidity, yet well-balanced with citrus flavours and mineral character. We pride ourselves on producing silky, light to medium-bodied Chardonnays that are superbly dry with a creamy, palate cleansing finish. Their Honeydew melon, Anjou pear and Golden Delicious apple flavour profile is accompanied by slight herb, butter and oak spice notes.

Magnotta’s Chardonnay grapes are predominantly grown in our Niagara Stone Road vineyards, situated in the heart of the prestigious and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake region. The terroir of this 25-acre vineyard brings out the very best of Ontario’s character. Our premium, handcrafted and award-winning G. Marquis collection of wines is made exclusively with grapes grown in our Niagara Stone Road vineyard. Bordered by Lake Ontario, the area is strongly influenced by the presence of the open lake water. The land warms quickly in the day and cools rapidly on clear nights but since the temperature of the lake changes slowly due to its great mass, the area is ideally situated for avoiding late spring frosts. On a clear, crisp night, the land surface becomes cooler than the lake surface. Air above the lake rises, drawing in cooler air from the land surface, creating an off-shore breeze. The air that now sits above the lake is warmed, rising and flowing back over the land, creating a circular heat-pump effect. The soil is sandy-loam, very loose and fertile, making this vineyard vigorous and productive. Although, spring development comes very early and is susceptible to spring frost, it ultimately makes for a longer developing season allowing for the full ripening of grapes. Bearing quality fruit since the early 1990s, the vineyard produces grapes with bolder flavours and softer tannins due to the richer soil composition and longer ripening season.