Westcott Vineyards: A Hidden Gem in Niagara

Our Vineyards

We have 2 vineyards at Westcott: The Westcott Home Farm and Butlers' Grant Vineyards. 

WESTCOTT VINEYARDS HOME FARM

A view of the green vineyards and Muskoka chairs at Westcott Home Farm

Westcott Vineyards Home Farm – A Historic Vineyard in Niagara

The Heart of Westcott Vineyards

Nestled in the VQA Vinemount Ridge appellation of the Niagara Region, Westcott Vineyards Home Farm spans 40 acres at 3180 17th St. in Jordan, Ontario. This picturesque estate, situated at an altitude of 170m with a gentle southeasterly slope, has been continuously farmed since 1834. Originally used for mixed farming, the land has since been transformed into a thriving vineyard, producing some of the finest cool-climate wines in Niagara.

Unique Terroir & Soil Composition

The vineyard’s soil is a rich blend of Beverly and Cashel clay loams and Alluvium till, deposited along the 18 Mile Creek, which flows through the property. Beneath this topsoil lies deep Halton Clay till, overlaying the limestone and dolostone bedrock of the Niagara Escarpment. These highly calcareous soils—containing twice the normal levels of calcium—contribute to the vineyard’s distinctive minerality, while the naturally slightly alkaline pH enhances vine health and grape complexity.

The Evolution of Westcott Vineyards

Since acquiring the land in 2006, Westcott Vineyards has carefully cultivated its estate vineyard to produce premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The original plantings of Concord and hybrid grape varieties were removed, and the land underwent GPS-guided vineyard preparation, including tile drainage on 8-foot centers to optimize vine growth.

Following consultations with winemakers from the adjacent Le Clos Jordanne vineyard, Westcott Vineyards planted Chardonnay 96, 95 and Pinot Noir clones 777, 667, and 115 in 2008. Later, in 2010 and 2016, an additional one-acre block of Chardonnay 76 was strategically planted in the southeastern corner, where the Alluvium soils enhance the varietal’s signature freshness and complexity.

Westcott Vineyards' Commitment to Excellence

Today, Westcott Vineyards Home Farm stands as a benchmark for Niagara’s cool-climate winemaking, producing exceptional, terroir-driven wines that reflect the land’s rich history and meticulous vineyard management.

Discover the legacy of Westcott Vineyards and taste the unique character of Niagara’s Vinemount Ridge appellation in every bottle.

BUTLERS' GRANT VINEYARDS

A view of the green Butler's Grant vineyards with Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline in the background.

Butlers’ Grant Vineyard – A Historic Gem in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench

A Premier Vineyard in the Heart of Niagara

Located in the VQA Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation, Butlers’ Grant Vineyard spans 43 acres at 3243 King St. in Vineland, Ontario. Recognized as one of the most prestigious bench vineyards in Niagara, this estate has a rich history of viticulture and a legacy of producing exceptional fruit for award-winning wines. Now proudly part of Westcott Vineyards, this historic site continues to craft some of the region’s most expressive wines.

The History Behind Butlers’ Grant

The name Butlers’ Grant originates from an 1804 land grant awarded posthumously to Col. John Butler and his four children by the British Government in recognition of his service during the American Revolutionary War. This deep-rooted history is woven into the very soil of the vineyard, making it a site of both viticultural and historical significance.

A Legacy of Innovation & Excellence

Modern viticulture at Butlers’ Grant dates back to the pioneering work of Jordan Ste. Michele Wine Company, which established an experimental vineyard here to advance grape-growing techniques in the emerging Canadian wine industry. Over 100 varietals of Vinifera and French Hybrid grapes were planted, including a 5.5-acre block of Riesling vines imported by Herman Weis of St. Urbans-Hof, which still thrives today.

In 1988, Marv Kriluck and Andrea Douglas acquired the vineyard at a time when many believed the Niagara wine industry was in decline due to NAFTA. Defying expectations, they replanted the majority of the vineyard with Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, solidifying Butlers’ Grant as a key player in Niagara’s premium wine production. Today, as part of Westcott Vineyards, the vineyard continues its tradition of excellence, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

A Secret Among Winemakers

Despite never housing an onsite winery, Butlers’ Grant Vineyard has played a pivotal role in producing internationally acclaimed wines for over 30 years. The vineyard’s exceptional fruit quality has been a well-kept secret among top winemakers, contributing to numerous award-winning wines. Notably:

  • The first-ever international gold medal for a Canadian wine was awarded to Jim Warren of Stoney Ridge for a Merlot grown at Butlers’ Grant.

  • Inniskillin’s Butlers’ Grant Chardonnay was served to President Bill Clinton and Pope John Paul II during their visits to Canada.

Unique Terroir & Ideal Growing Conditions

Situated in the Twenty Valley appellation, on the Lake Iroquois Bench, Butlers’ Grant Vineyard sits at an altitude of 125m and latitude 41°N—positioned south of Oregon, Champagne, Chablis, Burgundy, and Washington State.

Soil Composition

  • Chinguacousy and Oneida clay loams (Luvisolic order), overlaying Halton Clay till.

  • Formed 300–500 million years ago, largely as pre-glacial lake sediments, later redeposited by glacial action around 12,000 years ago.

  • The bedrock consists of Silurian dolostone, limestone, sandstone, and slate, contributing to the vineyard’s signature minerality and structure in the wines.

A Vineyard with a Prestigious Legacy

Now under the stewardship of Westcott Vineyards, Butlers’ Grant Vineyard continues to produce some of Niagara’s most exceptional cool-climate wines. From its deep historical roots to its renowned terroir, this vineyard is a benchmark for quality winemaking in the Twenty Mile Bench.

Discover the rich legacy and distinctive terroir of Westcott Vineyards Home Farm and Butlers’ Grant Vineyard, where history, craftsmanship, and nature come together to create truly outstanding wines.


Share Your Westcott Experience!

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

If you enjoyed your visit, we’d greatly appreciate your Google review—it helps others discover the magic of Westcott! Leave a Review Here.

 

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