Vineyard and Winery Management magazine placed Vineland Estate Winery on the cover of the Novemeber/December issue. Always one of my favorite Canadian wineries, I thought it would be a great idea to feature a winery from up north way...especially with the winter wonderland of Decemeber, January and February approaching.
Situated on the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment with Lake Ontario in the distance, Vineland Estates Winery has been consistently among the best of Niagara's premium wineries.
In 1979 fifty acres of the 75 acre Estate were planted with German Riesling vines. Established on a homestead dating back to 1845, the Estate, while utilizing many of the original historic buildings has evolved into a world class winery and restaurant.
Vineland Estates Winery can lay claim to having one of the best locations for growing grapes. The slopes of our new vineyards are perfect for our recent plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc vines, imported directly from French nurseries.
Brian Schmidt is the resident winemaker. He was raised on his family's vineyard in British Columbia. The Schmidt family was one of the founding families in the Okanagan Wine Industry and this was the foundation of Brian's interest in winemaking.
Brian traveled extensively throughout Europe, studying winemaking and the winemaking process. In 1991, Brian traveled to Ontario to train with his brother Allan, who was the original Winemaker at Vineland Estates. Brian took over as Winemaker of Vineland Estates Winery in 1994 and has consistently produced Award Winning Wines that have garnered national and international attention.
This is a beautiful winery, with gorgeous buildings and marvelous vineyards. And they make lovely wines! If you're going anywhere near the region for the holidays, as many do, why not stop there? You won't be sorry you did.