Tawse Winery

Tawse Winery began in 2001 when Moray Tawse purchased the Cherry Avenue property in the Niagara Peninsula. The winery building opened in 2005 and quickly established itself as a leading Ontario estate. Recognition followed swiftly, with Canadian Winery of the Year awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2016. Winemakers Paul Pender and Rene Van Ede have played a central role in shaping the estate's reputation for quality.

• Cherry Avenue property purchased in 2001; winery opened 2005
• Led by winemakers Paul Pender and Rene Van Ede
• Four-time winner of Canadian Winery of the Year
• Annual production of 30,000 cases

Tawse farms all five estate vineyards exclusively using organic and biodynamic practices, holding Ecocert organic certification across the portfolio. This commitment makes Tawse one of the largest organic wine producers in the Niagara region. The estate's limestone clay loam and red clay soils, combined with a cool climate on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, provide the foundation for its terroir-driven style.

• All 5 estate vineyards hold Ecocert organic certification
• Biodynamic farming practiced exclusively across the estate
• Soils are limestone clay loam and red clay
• One of the largest organic wine portfolios in Niagara Peninsula

The Tawse winery building is a landmark of sustainable design in Canadian wine. Its six-level gravity-flow architecture allows wine to move through production without pumps, minimizing intervention and preserving fruit integrity. A geothermal system reduces the winery's traditional energy consumption by 80 percent, reflecting the estate's broader commitment to environmental responsibility.

• Six-level gravity-flow winery design eliminates pump handling
• Geothermal system cuts traditional energy use by 80%
• State-of-the-art facility opened 2005
• Sustainable design aligned with organic and biodynamic farming philosophy

Tawse grows a wide range of varieties across its 200-plus acres, with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling at the core of its identity. The estate is particularly celebrated for Burgundy-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting the cool-climate conditions of the Niagara Escarpment. The portfolio also includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Gamay, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, and Sauvignon Blanc, spanning sparkling wines, dry whites, and reds including Meritage blends.

• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the flagship varieties, made in a Burgundy-inspired style
• Riesling is a key white, well suited to the cool climate
• Reds include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Gamay
• Portfolio covers sparkling wines, dry whites, and red Meritage blends

Tawse's vineyards sit across the Twenty Mile Bench and Vinemount Ridge sub-appellations within the Niagara Peninsula VQA. The lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment provide the elevation, air drainage, and temperature moderation that define the cool-climate growing conditions. Limestone clay loam and red clay soils contribute structure and minerality to the wines, aligning well with the Burgundy varieties that are the estate's calling card.

• Vineyards span Twenty Mile Bench and Vinemount Ridge sub-appellations
• Situated on lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment
• Limestone clay loam and red clay soils
• Cool-climate conditions favor Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling