Domaine viticole Marynissen Estates
Marynissen Estates est profondément enraciné dans le terroir de Niagara-on-the-Lake. Situé dans la sous-appellation Four Mile Creek, le domaine abrite la plus ancienne plantation commerciale de cabernet sauvignon au Canada. La propriété, une ancienne porcherie, a été achetée en 1953 par John Marynissen, pionnier de la viticulture, et son épouse Adrianna. John et Adrianna ont commencé à cultiver leur propre vigne en 1976, en plantant les cépages classiques européens : chardonnay, gewurztraminer, riesling, merlot et gamay noir.
Chez Marynissen Estates, nous privilégions la vinification en petites quantités, mettant en valeur nos vins dans un style à la fois rustique et moderne. Nous privilégions une vinification délicate à chaque étape du processus afin de garantir des vins de la plus haute qualité et d'un excellent rapport qualité-prix. Nous souhaitons respecter notre riche histoire tout en continuant d'apprendre, de progresser et de faire progresser notre vinification.
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.