Featured Winemaker
Lydia
Lydia Tomek is currently the Head Winemaker at Ravine Vineyards. She is intelligent, fun loving, beautiful and charming lady; and an excellent winemaker!
Lydia’s professional winemaking journey began at the age of 23 when she accepted a winemaker contract at one of Canada’s most reputable wineries, Hillebrand Estates (now Trius Winery). After completing her contract with Hillebrand Lydia also worked an assistant winemaker position at the prestigious Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate and later moved on as Chief Winemaker for Hernder and Harvest Family Estate Wines. Working at a Family Estates for 10 years, allowed Lydia to further develop her craft but also work in all aspects of the winery (oenology, viticulture, marketing, PR, management).
Burning Kiln 1709 Front Rd, Norfolk County, Ontario
At the young age of 18 Lydia enrolled in the Prestigious Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture (CCOVI) Program at Brock University. During her studies she received many scholarships and awards and finished her 5 year degree graduating top of her class. Eight years later Lydia’s hard work, community efforts and wine accolades paid off as she was selected as one Brock University’s of 50 Most Distinguished Alumni. She also became one of the faces for the University representing CCOVI and featured into their National Recruitment Marketing Campaign.
burning kiln winery
In choosing their name the winery pays homage to the tobacco industry that once flourished in the county. Situated on a former tobacco tract, the picturesque winery has been built to preserve the historic charm of its original wooden structure while allowing visitors to view much of the operation from behind giant, contemporary glass walls. Inside, a wonderfully functional, modern working winery shares its secrets of the complete winemaking process while maintaining the warmth of the original wood structure.
Their philosophy is all about respect for the fruit. Respect for the way it is hand picked at harvest, hand-sorted twice over and ultimately, meticulously coaxed to liquid form.
Burning Kiln Winery Cab Franc 2012 won a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines
Photo by Megan Muir (Robert Nowell photography)
The Robert Nowell photographer wrote " She was so great to work with, beautiful, funny and a bit of a tomboy if you can believe it."
Lydia is a strong supporter of the community and in her words doing things with love makes life beautiful
Update
In June of 2019 Lydia joined the winemaking team at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, a Family-owned farm since the 1860s
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is biodynamic and organic winery opened in 2008. The winery is owned by the Harber family. Also known as the Upper Lowrey Farm, the family has milled, farmed and canned fruit at Ravine for 5 generations. The farm is known to be one of the first commercial grape vineyards in the area with 500 vines planted in 1869.
Located on a lush rolling hillside farm in the Village of St Davids. There is a rich history to be told about the farm and the buildings of Ravine Estate. The home in which the tasting room and hospitality centre of Ravine Vineyard is located is considered to be one of the top fifty most architecturally significant houses in all of Canada. The winery is housed in a heritage home that dates back to 1815. The building has been painstakingly restored and is set amidst our lush rolling vineyards.
"welcome new Head Winemaker Lydia Tomek , who will work closely with Assistant Winemaker Eden Garry to execute the day-to-day operations. In her new role, Lydia will be involved in key strategic decisions and practices in our winemaking program. These include but are not limited to: grape picking and fermentation decisions, barrel selections, blending and stylistic directions."
Norma Jane (Lowrey) Harber grew up on this farm and has always been sensitive to the subtleties of its terrain. Ever since her great-grandfather David Jackson Lowrey bought the upper farm in 1867, it has been a source of pride for the Lowrey family. This pride has been fostered within our winemaking team. Martin Werner and Ben Minaker have a deep desire to lovingly preserve and maintain our amazing property.
Other featured pages:
~ Featured Winemakers
~ Featured Wine
~ Featured Winery
~ Women of Wine
~ Robert's Selections
