The story behind Flat Rock Cellars
Flat Rock was founded in 1999 by Ed Madronich, high on the Twenty Mile Bench above Jordan. On a clear day the view runs from the vineyard rows down to Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline beyond.
The winery is hard to miss. It sits in a glass-walled hexagonal building perched near the top of the escarpment, as much a piece of design as a place to make wine.
Gravity-flow, cool-climate whites
The estate keeps its focus tight: Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grown on about 80 acres of Bench vineyard. The Nadja's Vineyard Riesling is one of the wines people seek out.
Everything runs on gravity. The five-level winery lets the fruit and wine move downhill by their own weight, gentler than pumping, backed up by geothermal heating and cooling. Flat Rock is certified under Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
What is Flat Rock Cellars known for?
Flat Rock is known for cool-climate Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir from the Twenty Mile Bench, and for its striking hexagonal, gravity-flow winery. Its Nadja's Vineyard Riesling is a long-standing favourite.
What is a gravity-flow winery?
It means the winery uses gravity instead of pumps to move grapes and juice between stages, working down through the building's levels. It handles the fruit more gently and uses less energy, which suits Flat Rock's cool-climate, detail-focused style.
Where is Flat Rock Cellars?
Above Jordan, on the Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment. The high perch gives long views over the vineyards to Lake Ontario, and helps the grapes hold their acidity.
