Vincor Does It Again: Part 2
Inniskillin: Where It All Started
In 1975, two unknown persons---one an agriculturist and the other a chemist joined together to begin one of the greatest success stories ever in Canadian history. Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser founded the first of was to be dubbed "Boutique Wineries"! Inniskillin was the first licenced winery licenced in over 40 years. There have been a a number of milestones involving Inniskillin that are etched in Canadian history!
Apart from the actual founding in 1975 there were others such as: the planting of Inniskillin's first vinifera vineyard in 1974; the move to Brae Burn in 1978; the purchasing of the Montegue Vineyard in 1982; the creation of Inniskillin Icewine in 1984; the purchase of Inniskillin Napa in 1989; winnin of the Gran Prix d'Honneur by the 1989 Icewine at Vinexpo in Bordeaux in 1991; the teaming up with Burgundy producer, Jaffelin in 1993; the founding of Inniskillin Okanagan in 1994; the opening up of Inniskillin Hall at Brock University in 1999; Karl Kaiser produces Inniskillin's first Sparkling Icewine in 2000; Inniskillin's sponsoring of the Olympics and creation of an Icewine Vineyard that will harvested for the making of Icewine in 2010 in time for the Olympics; the leaving of Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo in 2006 and the coming of Bruce Nicholson as Chief Winemaker and the renovations of Inniskillins Brae Burn, the making of the Piazza and the "Founder's Hall" connection to Brae Burn.
The group arrived at Inniskillin in time to try some of the marvellous 2007 Riesling Icewine as well as 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine with various delicious hors d'oeouvres as well as matching some of Inniskillin's fine Riesling and Pinot Grigio with Prosciutto.
Finally after a tour of the newly renovated Brae Burn which still maintained its charm and historic look despite the addition of a very modern glass area and a view of the Inniskillin wine cellars, came the dedication of the Piazza, Founder's Hall and what I call Inniskillin's Milestone Lane which has "in ground" circular plaques each depicting an Inniskillin Milestone for all to see.
It was touching to see Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo there, the ones who started it all.
To greet their friends and mentors were many of those who operate vineyards now. Herbert Konzellmann, Peter and Laura (McCain) Jensen of Creekside, and Paul Speck of Henry of Pelham.
In 1975, two unknown persons---one an agriculturist and the other a chemist joined together to begin one of the greatest success stories ever in Canadian history. Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser founded the first of was to be dubbed "Boutique Wineries"! Inniskillin was the first licenced winery licenced in over 40 years. There have been a a number of milestones involving Inniskillin that are etched in Canadian history!
Apart from the actual founding in 1975 there were others such as: the planting of Inniskillin's first vinifera vineyard in 1974; the move to Brae Burn in 1978; the purchasing of the Montegue Vineyard in 1982; the creation of Inniskillin Icewine in 1984; the purchase of Inniskillin Napa in 1989; winnin of the Gran Prix d'Honneur by the 1989 Icewine at Vinexpo in Bordeaux in 1991; the teaming up with Burgundy producer, Jaffelin in 1993; the founding of Inniskillin Okanagan in 1994; the opening up of Inniskillin Hall at Brock University in 1999; Karl Kaiser produces Inniskillin's first Sparkling Icewine in 2000; Inniskillin's sponsoring of the Olympics and creation of an Icewine Vineyard that will harvested for the making of Icewine in 2010 in time for the Olympics; the leaving of Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo in 2006 and the coming of Bruce Nicholson as Chief Winemaker and the renovations of Inniskillins Brae Burn, the making of the Piazza and the "Founder's Hall" connection to Brae Burn.
The group arrived at Inniskillin in time to try some of the marvellous 2007 Riesling Icewine as well as 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine with various delicious hors d'oeouvres as well as matching some of Inniskillin's fine Riesling and Pinot Grigio with Prosciutto.
Finally after a tour of the newly renovated Brae Burn which still maintained its charm and historic look despite the addition of a very modern glass area and a view of the Inniskillin wine cellars, came the dedication of the Piazza, Founder's Hall and what I call Inniskillin's Milestone Lane which has "in ground" circular plaques each depicting an Inniskillin Milestone for all to see.
It was touching to see Karl Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo there, the ones who started it all.
To greet their friends and mentors were many of those who operate vineyards now. Herbert Konzellmann, Peter and Laura (McCain) Jensen of Creekside, and Paul Speck of Henry of Pelham.
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 7:46 AM
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