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.
