Our Story

Makers of the Impossible

When critics called it impossible, we put Canadian wine on the international map.

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Our Story

Canada’s first estate winery, Inniskillin, is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines and for its pioneering role in establishing the Canadian wine industry. On July 31, 1975, its founders made history when they were given the first winery license in Canada since Prohibition. Inniskillin came into prominence on the global stage with its win at the 1991 Vinexpo, in Bordeaux, France, when the Vidal Icewine was awarded the highest Grand Prix d'Honneur, changing the way the world sees Canadian wine.


Our Winemakers

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WINEMAKER, NIAGARA ESTATE

Nicholas Gizuk

For Nick, it’s the smallest details in winemaking that make all the difference—like a spotless winery. He identifies with the moody and relentless red Cabernet Franc. Like this flexible grape, Nick is set to adapt to the future of winemaking and all it may bring. His passion for the craft is what carries him through the challenging times because it’s not all just tasting wine.

Innisikillin Okanagan Winemaker Derek Kontkanen

WINEMAKER, OKANAGAN ESTATE

Derek Kontkanen

Derek looks forward to the fruity aromatic scent of fermentation. As a sharp and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, he knows that wine doesn’t have to be serious. He’s open to new ideas, seeing what works and what’s interesting. Innovation is part of Inniskillin’s history, and with Derek as winemaker at Okanagan Estate, it’s sure to be part of our future.

Our History

See how an Austrian and an Italian started a Canadian wine with an Irish name.

Just tell us we can't.

- Donald Ziraldo

 
 

1974

THE FIRST PLANTING

Unfazed by critics, Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser plant Inniskillin’s first vinifera vineyard on Line 3, across from the current Niagara Estate winery.

1975

FOUNDED IN HISTORY

Inniskillin Wines Inc. is granted the first winery license from the LCBO since prohibition in 1929. The name was inspired by the land's former owner, the Colonel of the Inniskilling Fusiliers.

1978

NOW ENTERING THE ESTATE

Grapes replace cornfields as Inniskillin moves from the orginal site to the Brae Burn Estate.

1982

NOW DOUBLING UP

Innisikillin buys 50 acres of the prestigious Montague Vineyard, later doubling the size in 1991.

1984

PIVOT AND PAY-OFF

Inniskillin's first Icewine harvest of naturally frozen Vidal grapes after the first attempt in 1983 went to the birds -- literally. Pivoting to netting protected the crops in 1984 and beyond.

1988

SETTING THE STANDARD

Led by founding chair Donald Ziraldo, VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) was established, ensuring quality and credibility in the region.

1991

C’EST IMPOSSIBLE!

Inniskillin brings Canadian wine into the international limelight by winning the Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vin Expo, France for Karl Kaiser’s 1989 Vidal Icewine.

1994

CROSS COUNTRY EXPANSION

Inniskillin Okanagan began as a collaboration between Inniskillin and the Inkameep Indian Band (Okanquen Tribe). The label design reflected the heritage of the land.

1999

RAISE A GLASS

Riedel Glassware and Inniskillin collaborated to create the ultimate Icewine glass. Its shape was perfected to guide the wine to the parts of your palate that best interpret the nuanced flavours of Icewine.

1999

NEXT GEN WINEMAKERS

The Inniskillin Hall at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) opened at Brock University. This is the training ground for some of our future winemakers.

2000

A SPARKLING NEW MILLENNIUM

Kaiser launches a VQA Sparkling Icewine to celebrate the millennium.

2003

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Inniskillin is named the New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

2007

ADDING TO THE ROSTER

Bruce Nicholson joins Inniskillin as Winemaker and Inniskillin Niagara switches to clean, renewable electricity from grape skin and seeds.

2011

TOP 50 IN THE WORLD

Drinks International Magazine names Inniskillin one of the World’s 50 Most Admired Wine Brands and Top Ten in North America Wines for the first time.

2014

STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM

Derek Kontkanen is promoted to winemaker at the Okanagan Estate after training at Brock, assisting at Inniskillin Niagara and learning from Bruce Nicholson.

2014

THAT’S GOOD, EH?

IWSC names Inniskillin the Top Canadian Producer of the Year.

2020

INTERNATIONAL CLOUT

San Francisco International Wine Competition: International Winery of the Year

2021

WINEMAKER 3.0

Nicholas Gizuk becomes the new Niagara Estate Winemaker after honing his craft under the watchful eye of Bruce Nicholson.

2021

SWEET SUCCESS

International Wine and Spirits Competition: Sweet Wine Producer of the Year

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