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
Our Story
Makers of the Impossible
When critics called it impossible, we put Canadian wine on the international map.
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
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.
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.
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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