15. Vineland Estates Winery

Winery number 14 in the Wine Access 2012 Canadian Wine Awards Winery Performance Report

Address: 3620 Moyer Rd., Vineland, ON, Canada

Phone: 888-846-3526

Email: wine@vineland.com

Website: vineland.com

Tastings: Call or visit website for details

Established: 1984

Region: Niagara Peninsula

Proprietors: The De Gasperis Family, Allan Schmidt

Wine Maker: Brian Schmidt

German winemaker Hermann Weis started Niagara’s riesling revolution with plantings at Vineland Estates in 1979. Ownership has changed three times since, but the Schmidt brothers have been the constant, creating fine, sleek and pure riesling, chardonnay and icewines. The range was expanded into sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, gewürztraminer and good-quality reds, including winemaker Brian Schmidt’s great Niagara grape love, cabernet franc. A pinot meunier was added to the mix in 2010. They have ventured into sparkling wine, as well. The restaurant offers one of the best dining vistas and menus in Niagara. There is an excellent retail store and gift shop, plus the gorgeous Carriage House for private functions.