Recent acquisitions drive new opportunities for winemaking excellence at multiple estates
With a focus on winemaking excellence, Arterra Wines Canada has repositioned its leading winemakers at key estates, following its acquisition last May of two wineries in the Beamsville Bench: Kew Vineyards Estate Winery, and the new home to Le Clos Jordanne, Domaine du Clos Jordanne (formerly Angels Gate Winery).
The expansion in acreage and premium vineyards is creating new opportunities for some of Canada’s most talented winemakers. Phillip Brown will make the move from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Beamsville Bench and take on the role of winemaker for KEW Estate Vineyards and Associate Winemaker for Domaine du Clos Jordanne. Philip has worked closely with Thomas Bachelder on the Le Cos Jordanne project since its rebirth in 2017 and his passion for terroir-driven wines has inspired him to continue the journey at Domaine du Clos Jordanne. Thomas Bachelder will continue to be the winemaker for Le Clos Jordanne.
Phillip Brown will lead Kew Estate Vineyards and will be associate winemaker at Le Clos Jordanne.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey with Phillip,” said Bachelder. “His passion and expertise promise to invigorate our winemaking process, and I look forward to many years of collaboration and craftsmanship together.”
Moving into the position of estate winemaker at Jackson-Triggs is Chris Holman. Holman has completed the Winemaking and Viticulture Diploma at Niagara College, and he has a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Oenology and Viticulture from Brock University. Since graduating Chris has completed multiple vintages across Canada, including both the Okanagan Valley and Niagara Peninsula, as well as Harvests in Australia in both Tasmania and McLaren Vale.
Nabil Goher is moving into the sparkling and white winemaking role at Niagara Falls Cellars. He has held the role of red winemaker since 2017 and has contributed significantly to a range of brands at Arterra. The move for Nabil shows his desire to continue to push his winemaking talents and broaden his knowledge in winemaking.
“We’re excited to foster new opportunities for our talented winemakers at Arterra,” said Levi De Loryn, director of winemaking. “It’s a testament to our dedication to excellence. By enhancing our winemaking capabilities and production, we’re not only strengthening Canada’s position as a producer of world-class wines, but we’re also providing our winemakers with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.”
Arterra is the country’s leading producer and marketer of award-winning, globally recognized Canadian and imported wines. With roots dating back to the original Niagara Falls Wine Company in 1874, Arterra’s family of wines has grown to include over 100 wine brands, including seven of the top 20 brands in Canada: Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Sawmill Creek, Wallaroo Trail, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Ruffino and Kim Crawford.
In the last five years, the company’s portfolio has received over 1,500 accolades and awards in national and international wine competitions. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Arterra operates eight wineries across the country, with over 1,700 acres of premium vineyards in Canada’s wine regions.
