Winery Overview & History
Inniskillin is Canada’s most iconic winery and the global pioneer of Icewine. Founded in 1975 by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Inniskillin became the first estate winery in Ontario to receive a license since Prohibition. Its legendary 1989 Vidal Icewine gained worldwide fame after winning the Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vinexpo Bordeaux in 1991, firmly establishing Canada as a world-class wine-producing nation.
Today, Inniskillin continues to symbolize craftsmanship and innovation, crafting wines that capture the essence of cold-climate viticulture and the magic of winter harvests.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Inniskillin’s vineyards are located in the Niagara Peninsula, one of Canada’s premier wine regions. The area’s unique microclimate—warm summers, cool autumns, and freezing winters—creates perfect conditions for Icewine production.
Mineral-rich soils of clay and limestone provide structure and balance, while proximity to Lake Ontario moderates temperatures, extending the growing season for optimal ripeness and concentration.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The estate cultivates Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. Icewine, harvested at temperatures below −8°C, delivers luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity.
Still wines—particularly Riesling and Chardonnay—exhibit cool-climate freshness, minerality, and finesse, showcasing the diversity of Niagara terroir.
Signature Wines
- Vidal Icewine — Golden, honeyed, and opulent, with tropical fruit and apricot notes.
- Riesling Icewine — Vibrant and aromatic, balancing citrus, honey, and racy acidity.
- Cabernet Franc Icewine — Rare and alluring, offering strawberry, rhubarb, and spice aromas.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Grapes are hand-harvested at night during deep winter freezes, then gently pressed while frozen to extract concentrated nectar. Fermentation occurs slowly under temperature control to preserve delicate aromas.
Inniskillin’s commitment to precision and purity ensures every Icewine embodies both sweetness and structure.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Inniskillin Wines, 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Phone: +1 905 468 2187
Website: www.inniskillin.com
Email: info@inniskillin.com
Visiting: Tastings and Icewine experiences available year-round; seasonal vineyard tours by reservation.
*Photo courtesy of inniskillin.com