Marynissen Estates Winery

Marynissen Estates has its roots deeply embedded in the soil of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Located in the Four Mile Creek sub appellation, the estate is home to the oldest commercial planting of Cabernet Sauvignon in Canada. The property, an old pig barn, was purchased in 1953 by viticulture pioneer John Marynissen and his wife Adrianna. John and Adrianna began growing their own grapes in 1976, planting the classic European vinifera grape varietals Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Merlot and Gamay Noir.

At Marynissen Estates, we focus on small-lot winemaking showcasing our wines in a rustic yet modern style. We focus on gentle handling at each stage of the winemaking process to ensure wine of the highest quality and value. We want to pay respect to our deep history while continuing to learn, grow and move our winemaking forward.

Marynissen Estates Winery-My Wine Canada
Proudly Canadian
1208 Concession 1 Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
905-468-7270 info@marynissen.com
Filter and sort (0)
Sort by
View as
Clear all

The story behind Marynissen Estates

John and Adrianna Marynissen came from the Netherlands and bought this Niagara-on-the-Lake farm in 1953, back when it was a pig barn and an orchard. John started planting European wine grapes in the mid-1970s, when plenty of people said they would never ripen here.

They did ripen. The winery opened commercially in 1990, and John Marynissen went down as one of the pioneers who proved Niagara could grow serious vinifera.

Home of Canada's oldest Cabernet

Marynissen planted Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978, and those vines are still cited as the oldest commercial Cabernet Sauvignon planting in Canada. Cabernet remains the flagship, backed by Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Merlot.

The style stays true to the founder's bet: ripe, structured Niagara reds from estate fruit. Winemaker Mitchell McCurdy carries that work forward today.

Frequently asked questions

What is Marynissen Estates known for?

Marynissen is a Niagara-on-the-Lake pioneer, home to what is cited as the oldest commercial Cabernet Sauvignon planting in Canada, from 1978. Cabernet Sauvignon is still its flagship, alongside Chardonnay and Riesling.

Who was John Marynissen?

John Marynissen was the Dutch-Canadian founder who planted European wine grapes in Niagara from the mid-1970s, when many doubted they would ripen. His 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon vines helped prove the region could make serious red wine.

Where is Marynissen Estates?

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, on a farm the family has held since 1953. It is one of the region's early estate wineries, still working the same ground.