In the heart of Ontario’s wine country, a quiet revolution is underway. Traditional brick-and-mortar wineries are facing a formidable challenger: the virtual winery. These innovative ventures are rewriting the rules of winemaking, turning collaboration into an art form and quality into their hallmark.
Divergence Wines
Jeff Moote, once an engineer in the chemical process industry, found his true calling in winemaking. Armed with a certificate in Grape and Wine Technology from Brock University, he now spearheads Divergence Wines at Marynissen Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Jeff’s wines are a testament to his commitment to quality, sourced from some of Niagara’s finest vineyards.
Drea’s Small Batch Wines
Andrea Kaiser, hailing from a winemaking dynasty in Niagara, inherited a passion for the craft from her father, Karl Kaiser, co-founder of Inniskillin Wines. Operating out of Reif Wines, Drea focuses on producing dry wines with vibrant acidity, including standout varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Dornfelder.
Fogolar Wines
Marc Pistor, a seasoned winemaker, is the driving force behind Fogolar Wines. Through Collab Beverages, Marc has brought together 10 winemakers under one roof, sharing resources and expertise to streamline production. Fogolar Wines specializes in Riesling and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the power of collaboration in winemaking.
Meldville Wines
Derek Barnett, with a pedigree from Southbrook and Lailey wineries, embarked on his own winemaking journey with Meldville Wines. Operating from Legend’s Estate Winery in Beamsville, Derek’s portfolio has blossomed from 4 to 14 wines in just 4 years, a testament to his unwavering passion for the craft.
A Toast to Virtual Wineries
At Savvy Wicked Wines, we’re passionate about uncovering hidden gems in Canada’s wine landscape. Our Wine of-the-month club introduces subscribers to the exquisite offerings of virtual wineries like Divergence, Drea’s, Fogolar, and Meldville. With each delivery, we curate a selection of small-batch Canadian wines, accompanied by the fascinating stories of the people behind them. It’s more than just wine; it’s a journey of discovery, a celebration of local talent, and a toast to the spirit of innovation.