Our Story

Our Story: A Family-Run Niagara Winery Experience

We’re not your typical winemakers.

After years spent navigating corporate boardrooms and raising a family in Toronto, Carolyn Hurst and Grant Westcott traded their business suits for muddy boots and a bold dream: to create something lasting, something deeply personal. That dream brought them to the rolling hills of Niagara’s wine country, where they founded Westcott Vineyards—a boutique winery devoted to crafting exceptional, small-lot wines from estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

"IN 2008 WE SOLD THE HOUSE IN TORONTO, MOVED THE FAMILY TO NIAGARA, AND OUR TRUE JOURNEY TO BECOMING WINEMAKERS BEGAN. IT WAS TRULY A GOOD YEAR." 

- Carolyn Hurst

From Garagistes to Estate Winemakers

At first, Carolyn and Grant grew grapes for other wineries. But over time, they realized they wanted to create wines under their own name—wines that reflected their values, their land, and their passion. In 2012, they produced their first vintage in true “garagistes” style, making wine in their equipment barn while working through permits for their main winery building.

They continued to deepen their knowledge of cool-climate viticulture, and were fortunate to have their son, Garett Westcott, join them in the vineyard. Renowned consultant Alain Sutre came on board to help refine their vineyard practices with a focus on sustainability and terroir expression.

Building the Westcott Legacy

In the fall of 2012, construction began on the main winery—built from a reclaimed 200-year-old timber frame barn sourced just a few kilometers away. By July 2014, the Westcotts opened their tasting room and welcomed their daughter, Victoria Westcott, to lead the customer experience.

In 2017, Jessica Ramage joined as Director of Sales. In 2018, winemaker Casey Kulcyk took over full-time production, bringing creative energy and precision to every vintage. That same year, the Westcotts made a bold move—“betting the farm” to acquire Butler’s Grant Vineyard, a prestigious site on the Twenty Mile Bench. This expanded their offerings to include Riesling and Cabernet Franc, deepening their reputation for cool-climate excellence.

Small-Batch Wines with Big Character

Today, Westcott Vineyards is known for producing terroir-driven, small-lot Niagara wines that reflect the land, the climate, and the hands that craft them. Every grape is hand-harvested. Every wine is thoughtfully aged. Every bottle tells a story.

A Winery That Feels Like Home

Set in a restored heritage barn with sweeping vineyard views, our tasting room is a welcoming space for wine lovers of all kinds. Whether you're here to sip Pinot Noir by the fire, explore our Library Wines, or attend one of our elevated wine-and-food events, you’re invited to slow down and savour the experience.

We take our wine seriously—but not ourselves. Our goal is to deliver a refined yet relaxed Niagara winery experience—unpretentious, personal, and unforgettable.

"AS MUCH WORK AS IT'S BEEN SO FAR, WE'RE REALLY JUST GETTING STARTED."

- Grant Westcott

 

---

Be Part of the Westcott Story

We love seeing your wine tasting memories! Share your Niagara wine tasting photos and experiences with us on Instagram by tagging @WestcottVineyards and using the hashtag #WestcottWines.

• Join Our Wine Club
  Explore limited-edition releases, member-only events, and curated cellar selections.
• Book a Tasting Experience
  Relax in our restored barn and experience the best of Niagara’s cool-climate wines.
• Discover Our Wines
  From Pinot Noir to Riesling, explore our small-lot, estate-grown vintages.