13th Street Winery

The year 2018 marks their 20th year of producing wine in Ontario. The boutique winery is set amongst 25 acres of estate vineyards and is located just minutes west of St. Catharines and the QEW (exit at Seventh Street). They specialize in handcrafted Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wines

Originally started by four amateur winemaker friends the winery was purchased in 2008 by the current owners: John & June Mann and Doug & Karen Whitty. Both families have deep roots in the Niagara community.

Doug Whitty is the president of 13th Street Winery and of Whitty Farms, representing the third generation of the Whitty family and over 100 years of family-operated stewardship over Niagara soil. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, Doug traveled extensively: as a member of the internal youth expedition in Japan and the Rotary Group Study Exchange in Central America. Following his return to Niagara, Doug consciously cultivated the family fruit farm with sustainability in mind. Eventually, Doug would go on to be selected as the president of the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

Doug Whitty was named the 2017 Grape King!

Beyond agriculture, Doug is a renaissance man with a deep affinity for abstract art, local musical talent, and authentic Canadian cuisine (i.e. butter tarts).

Karen Whitty is Doug’s wife and the General Manager of 13th Street Winery. With a degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University, Karen started her career working for the federal government with Agriculture Canada. Following eighteen years and several scientific publications, Karen left her Vineland Agricultural Research Station in 2005 to devote her time and energy to facilitating the growth and excellence of Whitty Farms. Upon her introduction, Karen implemented and directed administration, marketing, processing and value added initiatives at Whitty Farms. Congruently, Karen excels at these same responsibilities as General Manager at 13th Street.

Jean Pierre Colas is the talent winemaker from France. He believes that great wines come from the best grapes grown in the best vineyards, whereas winemaking techniques are only utilized to supplement and capture the very essence of the grapes’ provenance and character. With this philosophy in mind, JP excels at crafting high-quality red wines paramount to the Niagara peninsula: Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Likewise, J.P. guides the production of exceptional white wines, including world class Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztramine.

13th Street Winery has to one of the prettiest wineries along the Niagara Escarpment I think. Not only is there a spacious tasting room with floor to ceilings windows, but upon entry, the long spectacular table gives it an art gallery feel. The bakery farmhouse next door also makes it a worthwhile stop for lunch or to grab an outstanding butter-tart.