The story behind Kacaba Vineyards
Kacaba began in 1997, when Toronto lawyer Michael Kacaba bought a Vineland property that was slated to become a subdivision and planted vines instead. The first vintage came in 1999.
The estate climbs a terraced hillside on the Twenty Mile Bench, with a silver footbridge spanning the ravine that runs through it.
Ontario's Syrah specialist
Kacaba is credited as one of the first vineyards in Ontario to plant Syrah, harvesting its first crop in 2000. Syrah is still the flagship, made in a savoury Northern Rhone style across several single-block bottlings.
Bordeaux-style reds and a Rebecca Rose fill out the range. Winemaker Chris Robinson took the reins in 2024, carrying the Syrah focus forward.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kacaba Vineyards known for?
Kacaba is best known for Syrah, a grape it was among the first in Ontario to plant, around 2000. It has been the estate's signature ever since, bottled block by block in a peppery, Rhone-leaning style.
Where is Kacaba Vineyards?
In Vineland, on the Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment. The terraced site, crossed by a silver footbridge over a ravine, is one of the more dramatic settings in Niagara wine country.
How did Kacaba get started?
Toronto lawyer Michael Kacaba bought the Vineland property in 1997, when it was about to be turned into housing, and planted vines instead. The first vintage followed in 1999, and the terraced hillside went on to become known for its Syrah.
