Inniskillin

Inniskillin

A French cask owned by Inniskillin

Inniskillin is a prominent Canadian winery known for its pioneering role in the production of ice wine. Founded in 1975, Inniskillin is located in the Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario, Canada. The winery has gained international acclaim for its high-quality wines, particularly its ice wines, which have won numerous awards and helped to establish Canada as a leading producer of this unique style of wine.

History

Inniskillin was founded by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, who were instrumental in reviving the Canadian wine industry. At the time of its founding, the Canadian wine industry was primarily focused on producing table wines, and the potential for high-quality wine production was largely untapped. Ziraldo and Kaiser obtained the first winery license in Ontario since Prohibition, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Canadian wine industry.

The name "Inniskillin" is derived from the Irish regiment, the Inniskilling Fusiliers, and reflects the heritage of the founders. The winery's first vintage was produced in 1977, and it quickly gained a reputation for quality.

Ice Wine Production

Ice wine vineyard at Inniskillin

Inniskillin is best known for its ice wine, a dessert wine produced from grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine. The process of making ice wine is labor-intensive and requires specific climatic conditions, which are ideal in the Niagara Peninsula. The grapes are harvested at temperatures of -8°C (17.6°F) or lower, and the frozen grapes are pressed to extract a concentrated, sweet juice.

The winery produces ice wine from several grape varieties, including Vidal, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Inniskillin's ice wines are characterized by their intense flavors, rich sweetness, and balanced acidity, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Inniskillin has received numerous awards for its wines, particularly its ice wines. The winery gained international recognition in 1991 when its 1989 Vidal Icewine won the Grand Prix d'Honneur at Vinexpo in Bordeaux, France. This accolade helped to establish Inniskillin as a leader in the production of ice wine and brought global attention to Canadian wines.

Inniskillin Eiswein 1984

Winemaking Philosophy

Inniskillin's winemaking philosophy focuses on quality and innovation. The winery employs sustainable viticulture practices and is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula. The winemaking team at Inniskillin combines traditional techniques with modern technology to craft wines that are both expressive and refined.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Inniskillin can enjoy a range of experiences, including guided tours of the vineyards and winery, wine tastings, and culinary events. The winery's tasting room offers a selection of its award-winning wines, and guests can learn about the history and production of ice wine from knowledgeable staff.

Inniskillin ice wine

Related Pages

• Ice wine
• Niagara Peninsula
• Canadian wine
• Donald Ziraldo
• Karl Kaiser