Only The Best Sorts

Ed Hughes has been a grape farmer since 1994. He has a Certificate in Grape and Wine Technology from Brock University.  Using his experience and education he has developed a Niagara-specific “Farm-Scaping” plan to improve environmental sustainability and grape quality by using native flowering plants and cover crops in combination with a high-density grape vine planting to create a strongly seasonally interactive, balanced vineyard which will produce quality grapes that reflect the true character of the year and the Niagara terroir in the finished wine.

This new process is also more environmentally sustainable by creating a native bio-control system in which natural predatory insects control pests, thereby eliminating the need for insecticides without sacrificing grape quality. Ed is using carefully selected and tested perennial grasses and clovers to manage vine vigour by competing with the grape vines for water and nutrients.

Ed has embraced the old world philosophies of creating a natural balance of vineyards with nature. Plant insect and cover crop interactions do not result in vine damage but results in a terroir-driven, seasonally-representative wines that reflects the true character and climate of the Niagara Region.

Grape Varieties Include: Riesling, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Gamay, Gewurztraminer

We have grown vinifera grapes since we landed off the boat in 1978. We quickly became familiar with the growing conditions in the Niagara Peninsula, and did our best to adapt. We continually try to re-educate ourselves through travel, and to collect all the knowledge possible to get better in what we are doing. Altogether, we have 14 different varieties from A-Z, emphasis on Chardonnay, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir. In total we have 200 acres of grapevines, spread over the Niagara River appellation. Very excited to be adding Pinot Gris to the roster in 2015.