The enterprising Niagara vintner learned the best way to produce great wine was to use the right grapegrowing techniques
It is with heavy hearts that Niagara’s wine community bid farewell to a true pioneer and luminary of the Canadian wine industry, Paul Michel Bosc. The founder of Chateau des Charmes and an instrumental figure in shaping the landscape of Niagara wine country and the Canadian wine industry as a whole, it was announced by the winery on Saturday that Bosc passed away peacefully. He was 88.
A visionary and trailblazer, Bosc leaves an indelible mark on the world of Canadian wine. Born with a passion for viticulture, he dedicated his life to elevating the quality and reputation of Ontario wines. In 1978, Bosc established Chateau des Charmes, a winery that would become synonymous with excellence and innovation – earning numerous accolades and convincing his fellow peers in the Canadian wine industry that certain grape varieties could, indeed, thrive in Ontario’s climate.
His contributions to the advancement of the Ontario wine industry would eventually result in several distinctions, including the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, honorary doctorate from Brock University and countless others.
Paul Bosc founded Chateau des Charmes in 1978.
Beyond his role as a vintner, Paul Bosc was a beloved patriarch, a guiding force within his family, and a pillar of support for the Niagara wine community. His unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability set a standard for the industry, earning him the respect and admiration of peers and the hospitality industry alike.
Paul’s impact reaches far beyond the vineyards. As a mentor and advocate, he played a pivotal role in advancing the Ontario wine industry, fostering growth, and championing the unique terroir of the region. His vision helped shape the trajectory of Canadian wine, and his legacy will continue to influence generations to come.
To his family, he was not only a patriarch but a source of inspiration and strength. To Chateau des Charmes, he was the heart and soul of a legacy that will endure. To Niagara wine country and the Canadian wine industry, he was an irreplaceable figure, leaving an everlasting imprint on the terroir he so dearly loved.
We celebrate a life well-lived—a life dedicated to the pursuit of vinous excellence and the enduring spirit of the vine. In his memory, we raise a glass of Ontario wine, cherishing the fruits of his labour and toasting to the legacy of a true icon.
Paul Bosc’s spirit and influence lives on through the legacy he built.
Update: The Bosc family has shared the following funeral information for anyone wishing to attend:
Funeral mass will be held at Lady of the Scapular at 11am on Thursday, December 14. The church is located at 6557 Thorold Stone Road, in Niagara Falls. All are welcome.
