Reif Estate Winery

Reif Estate Winery is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario, Canada. Reif Estate is primarily known for playing an important role pioneering the Ontario Wine Indsutry, as well as planting some of the first vitis vinifera vines in the region.

History

Before Reif Estate Winery settled on the banks of the Niagara River, the family tradition of winemaking traces back 13 generations, starting in Germany. The Reif family tradition of winemaking began in the 1600's in a small winemaking town, Neustadt Germany.

Three centuries later, in 1977, Ewald Reif made the decision to move to Canada and purchase a plot of land, where the winery is still situated today. After purchasing the land, Ewald began uprooting existing vitis labrusca grapes that were planted on the property, and started replacing them with premium vitis vinifera vines which are known to produce the most premium wines in the world. After planting, and nuturing grapevines for six years, Ewald saw the vast potential for a successful winery operation. Ewald officially opened Reif Estate Winery in 1982. The winery's first vintage in 1982 included a selection of wines including Riesling, Gewrztraminer and Vidal.

In 1987, Klaus W. Reif took over the reins from his Uncle Ewald, and took the position of President and Winemaker at Reif Estate Winery. Three years later, in 1990, Klaus was joined by Roberto DiDomenico as the newest member of the winemaking team. Roberto is still with the winery to this day.

Reif has grown from a small coach house located on the 'Riverscourt' Estate to a winery with a new wine boutique and sensory wine bar. In 2010 Reif will hold its official grand opening.

Vineyard

Reif Estate's 125 acre vineyard is located in Niagara Peninsula Appellation, and more specifically within the Niagara River Sub Appellation. Appellation refers to the origin of the grapes which are used to produce a bottle of wine. The Niagara River Sub-appellation is characterized by its east facting slopes, offering grape varieties neccessary sun exposure during the day. In addition, the Niagara river acts as a convective current which moderates vineyard temperatures and ultimitely extends the growing season. The number of degree days in the Niagara River sub-appellation is 1470.Some of the first vines grown on the Estate included Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.

White Varities include: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Vidal.

Red Varities include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, and Shiraz.

Winemakers

Klaus W. Reif

Klaus W. Reif was born in the renowned winemaking region located in Neustadt, Germany. Klaus was also born into a long line of winemakers in his family, dating back 13 generations. In 1978, Klaus traveled to Canada to visit his Uncle Ewald Reif. Inspired by his visit to Canada, Ewald applied to one of Germany's most prestigious winemaking schools, the Geisenheim Institute. Klaus obtained a degree in both Oenology and Viticulture, and just two weeks after graduating made the decision to move to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. In 1987 Klaus officially become President and Winemaker of Reif Estate Winery.

Roberto DiDomenico

Roberto DiDomenico is well versed in winemaking process. Roberto's father was a winemaker, and as a young boy, Roberto was always helping his father out as a winemakers assistant. In 1985, Roberto attended the University of Guelph and studied Honours Microbiology, focusing on fermentation technology. As a student, Roberto accepted an internship position at Reif Estate Winery as a research assistant. After graduating in 1989, he was offered a position as the newest winemaker at Reif Estate Winery and is still with the winery today..

References

1."Reif Estate Winery". Reif Estate Winery. 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-03.

2."VQA Ontario". VQA Ontario. 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-03.