Back 10 Cellars is a small 10-acre vineyard located between Beamsville and Vineland that is producing small-batch wines made from low-yielding vines planted in the red soils of the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation
Back in 1999
Andrew and Christina Brooks were working in a Calgary Alberta restaurant where they started to experience wine tastings. One wintery afternoon enjoyed a wine tasting with a small vineyard owner as part of our ongoing wine education. He spoke of his passion for wine, how he had attained a small parcel of land and started his little winery. We were immediately smitten.the idea of owning a winery began to grow. The hunt began. They travelled to Italy, France, Kelowna, BC. and South Africa, but these places were too far out of reach and too costly.
While in his Sommelier class, Andrew’s instructor asked each student; “why do you want to be a Sommelier and what are your plans”. Eager students answered “I want to start a wine agency”, or “I want to work at such and such restaurant”. When Andrew answered enthusiastically, “I want to have my own vineyard one day”, the students burst out laughing.
It was on a trip to Niagara (where Christina grew up), that they found a ten acre property in between Vineland and Beamsville. To make ends meet as they developed their winery,
they started up a business called Crush on Niagara Wine Tours. It was on a cold January day that a Realtor showed them a derelict 10 acre property in Beamsville, that they could barely afford. “We will take it”, they said…and the rest is history. Back 10 Cellars started with a big dream , pure will, gumption and determination. “
They took possion of the property in 2002 after wandering through the house and vineyard they reliazed they need to start from scratch. They were committed to nurturing our environment and having the least invasive footprint as possible.
We went the extra distance when planting the vineyard with under draining (vines don’t like wet feet) and chose hearty rootstocks that were ideal for our heavy clay conditions. It was also extremely important to us to grow these grapes as naturally as possible, no pesticides or herbicides.
Dave Johnston is the winemaker. They produce Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and a tasty rosé.
The Tasting room
The outdoor experience has been enhanced at the winery with the Smitten House. The Smitten Siphouse outdoor covered patio is now available for private celebrations. Available for Flight Experiences, cocktails, charcuterie , lunches & corporate events. 11:30-5:00 or after hours as a private venue rental for weddings or larger events.
Smitten Peach Fritter cocktails
Charcuterie plates and othe treats are avaible to enjoy.
In 2016 Christine published her first book to build a vineyard.
