Carolyn and Grants Notes
Feb 18, 2025
*One Thousand Vines*: Reflections from a Small Estate Winery in Ontario
We are still relatively new to the wine world, even after 18 years of growing grapes and making wine. Our journey began with a shared dream of creating wines that embody the essence of our land, but it has been filled with lessons, challenges, and discoveries. When we came across Pascale Lepeltier’s *One Thousand Vines*, we were drawn to her exploration of viticulture, terroir, and the meaning of wine itself. Her words felt like a conversation with a kindred spirit—someone who understands both the beauty and complexity of working with nature to craft something truly special.
Feb 15, 2025
The Truth About Sugar, Calories, and Wine
In recent years, wine drinkers have been bombarded with marketing claims promising "low-sugar" or "low-calorie" wines, often paired with images of guilt-free indulgence. As winemakers in Ontario, we believe it’s time to shed light on these claims and offer a transparent perspective on the sugar and calorie content in wine.
Feb 15, 2025
The Truth About Wine and Health: Quality, Moderation, and Trust
In recent years, the conversation around alcohol and health has grown louder, and understandably so. As winemakers, we’re often asked about where wine fits into this dialogue. With headlines constantly shifting between the potential harms and benefits of alcohol, it’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed. Our goal isn’t to make sweeping claims but to share what we’ve learned and provide some clarity—backed by science, tradition, and personal responsibility.
Feb 15, 2025
The Grape Struggle: Navigating the Challenges of Running a Small Winery in Ontario
When I first decided to start a small winery in Ontario, I was driven by a simple dream: to craft wines that reflect the land, the seasons, and the stories of this place I call home. I pictured rows of grapevines bathed in sunlight, weekend tastings with cheerful guests, and the satisfaction of pouring my heart into every bottle. But behind the picturesque vineyard lies a complex reality that I wasn’t entirely prepared for.
Feb 11, 2025
Canadian Pinot Noir: Time to call Bullsh*t
Pinot Noir has long been the darling of wine lovers, a delicate and complex red wine that showcases the essence of the region it hails from. There's a rising star in the world of Pinot Noir that deserves more attention: Canadian Pinot Noir. While some consumers still cling to the outdated belief that Canadian wines are overpriced and inferior, the data tells a different story.
Feb 11, 2025
Buy Canadian Chardonnay: A Brilliant Alternative to Global Favourites
Chardonnay is one of the most widely loved and versatile white wines in the world. Yet, when it comes to purchasing a bottle, many Canadian consumers still overlook homegrown Chardonnay, favouring international brands due to the long-standing perception that Canadian wines lack the quality or are overpriced. The truth is, this perception no longer holds up, as Canadian Chardonnay can compete in terms of quality and pricing, offering excellent value.
Jan 30, 2025
Buy Canadian Wines: Safeguard Our Economy by Buying Local
The stakes for Canada’s economy couldn’t be higher. With international trade uncertainties looming and the potential imposition of tariffs from the U.S. administration, the need for action has never been more pressing. Over 70% of Pinot Noir and 50% of Chardonnay sold in Ontario come from U.S. producers—dependencies we can no longer afford. Canadian wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from regions like Niagara and Prince Edward County, offer a distinctive cool-climate terroir that rivals anything from California or Oregon. With such high-quality options at our fingertips, there is no longer any reason to look beyond our borders.
Nov 10, 2024
Westcott Vineyards – A Canadian Winery in the UK
A Westcott Vineyards Travelogue from the fall of 2014 from Manchester UK to Cardiff and the land of Dragons back to the Yorkshire downs with stone walls stretching for miles. Wine tastings, great conversations and food in between.
Nov 10, 2024
2024 A Year of Growth and Evolution: Westcott Vineyards' Journey
A year-end summary of four wine critics reviews of the Westcottt Vineyards Porrtfolio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines
