Wonders of Wine and Food

Inniskillin


Is this the winery that put Canada on the world Map! It just might be. Inniskillin, co-founded by Donald J.P. Ziraldo and Karl J. Kaiser , in 1975. The winery is located in the town of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada, on the Niagara Peninsula. Inniskillin was granted the first estate winery license in Canada. The name Inniskillin is Irish and is derived from the famous Irish regiment, the Inniskilling Fusiliers. Colonel Cooper, a member of this regiment, served in North America in the War of 1812. On completion of his military service, he was granted Crown land which he named the Inniskillin Farm.

In 1991 Inniskillin's 1989 icewine won Gold Grand Pix d'Honneur Show bringing Canadian wine to the attention of the WORLD.. Inniskillin Wines captured the top prize at the 17th Annual International Wine Competition at Vinitaly: "The Premio Speciale Gran Vinitaly 2009". The special prize for top producer at the show is considered to be the wine industry's "world cup". Vinitaly, held in Verona, is the largest and one of the most prestigious annual wine competitions, attracting the global wine elite. Inniskillin qualifies based on its performance of scores. For Inniskillin to take the top award of the show highlights Inniskillin's international reputation as a quality producer, and also has the wine world shifting its attention to Canada

Today name any award and most likely Inniskillin has won it, from winery of the Year to Winemaker of the year, Gold after Gold. Inniskillin is a household name.

Inniskillin has progressed from been a major player in Ontario to opening a second winery in Oliver BC. Here too they have accumulate the awards.

Tawse

Tawse is a family-owned estate winery situated on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment.
Tawse was named 'Canadian Winery of the Year' by Canadian Wine Access Magazine in 2010, 2011 and 2012! This is the first time an Ontario winery has won this distinction three years in a row, with a record setting 9 gold medals. Winemaker Paul Pender was named Winemaker of the Year in 2011 at the Ontario Wine Awards.

The winery is owned by Moray Tawse. their first harvest 2001 with the winery opening in 2005. They produce 30,000 cases – 360,00 bottles. Their vineyards are Certified organic and biodynamic.
Growing Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Pinot
Gris, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah

In 2012 alone Tawse was award medals for 32 wines. The winery is indeed one of Canada's Elite.