Canada is home to thriving wine regions, driven by passionate, family-owned wineries. Each wine produced tells the stories of hard work, heritage, and dedication behind creating world-class wines. Here’s a closer look at some of the best Canadian family-owned wineries that you should know about.
Westcott Vineyards – Jordan Station, Ontario
Westcott Vineyards is the result of Grant Westcott and Carolyn Hurst’s desire to blend their love for cool-climate wines with hands-on farming. After leaving behind successful careers in banking and tech, they purchased 26 acres of land in Niagara, initially intending to sell their grapes to other wineries. However, their passion led them to launch their own label in 2012, with their first vintage produced in their equipment barn.
Today, the family – including their children, Garett and Victoria – operates the vineyard, creating exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, and sparkling wine. The winery itself is a testament to their dedication, featuring a 200-year-old reclaimed timber frame building. With a deep connection to the land, the Westcotts continue to evolve and improve their wines each year.
Traynor Family Vineyard – Prince Edward County, Ontario
Nestled at the corner of Danforth Road and Loyalist Parkway in Prince Edward County, Traynor Family Vineyard is a leader in sustainable and organic winemaking. Founded by Mike Traynor, Canada’s youngest winemaker at the time, this family-run vineyard specializes in natural wines such as orange wine, Piquette, and pet-nat.
Traynor focuses on organic farming, permaculture techniques, and using natural yeasts with minimal sulphite additions. The vineyard grows cool-climate varietals such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and marquette, reflecting the unique terroir of Prince Edward County. Each unfiltered and vegan wine tells a story of the land and the people behind it.
Liebling Wines – Niagara, Ontario
Liebling Wines is a heartfelt tribute to family and legacy. Founded by the Oppenlaender family, it honours their father’s 40-year career in grape-growing. The winery’s name, “Liebling,” is a nod to their oma, who affectionately called their father her “darling” or “favourite.”
Liebling Wines offers fresh, approachable wines like riesling and gamay, sourced from single vineyards in Niagara. These unpretentious wines celebrate the everyday moments and embody the family’s dedication to crafting authentic, high-quality wines with minimal intervention.
Stoneboat Vineyards – Oliver, British Columbia
Stoneboat Vineyards has been crafting terroir-driven wines in the Okanagan Valley since 2005. The winery’s name pays homage to the rugged land it sits on – the Black Sage Gravelbar – where rocks lie beneath the sandy loam, creating ideal conditions for growing pinot noir, pinot gris, and pinotage.
Founded by Lanny and Julie Martinuk, the vineyard’s history is one of perseverance. The rocky soil that once proved a challenge is now key to the vineyard’s success, contributing to the distinct minerality of Stoneboat’s wines. Today, the new owners carry on the Martinuks’ legacy, focusing on thoughtful farming and minimalist winemaking highlighting the unique terroir.
Upper Bench Winery & Creamery – Penticton, British Columbia
Upper Bench is a dream come true for Gavin and Shana Miller. Gavin, known for his minimalist approach to winemaking, creates big, bold bordeaux-style reds, while Shana brings her passion for artisanal cheesemaking to the table.
In 2011, the Millers, along with their business partners Wayne and Margareta Nystrom, purchased Upper Bench and built a state-of-the-art creamery. Shana’s exclusive cheeses – including blue, Brie, and washed-rind varieties – pair perfectly with Gavin’s wines, offering a unique experience that combines the best of both worlds.
A Love Letter to Canada
Canada’s family-owned wineries are the heart and soul of our country’s wine culture. Each bottle tells a story of resilience, passion, and a deep respect for the land. By supporting these local wineries, you’re helping to preserve a rich, homegrown tradition. Next time you’re stocking up on wine, consider raising a glass to these inspiring Canadian families. Cheers!
