We’re down to No. 7 in my Top 10 favourite wineries to visit in Niagara. Malivoire was No. 10, Back 10 Cellars took the No. 9 spot and Ravine Vineyard claimed No. 8.
No. 7, however, is quite unlike anything else in the top 10….or the province, for that matter. I mean, there are palm trees out front!
Rising from St. David’s Bench in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Colaneri Estate Winery was designed in a Romanesque Italian villa style—its sprawling 31,000 square-foot structure fashioned in a ‘C’ shape to represent the family name, while its picturesque arch windows face westward to take in the sunsets.
“On a clear day, we can see our friends in Toronto!” the winery notes.
The retail store, meanwhile, allows visitors to take in another view—that of the production area and its huge tanks below.
The view from the tasting room.
But it’s hard to beat the wonderful vineyard views through the huge windows of the tasting room.
The winery was founded by Joseph and Maria Colaneri, who emigrated from Italy in 1967. Joseph and Maria had two sons, Mike and Nick, who married sisters—Angiolina (Angie) and Liberina (Betty). Children Tara, Michael, Nicholas and Christopher followed.
Given the passionate Italian traditions of the Colaneri family, it’s no surprise that many of their wines are produced in the “appassimento” style (where grapes are dried on racks, their dehydration concentrating the unique varietal character of various grapes, making for fuller-bodied, full-flavoured wines).
As for pricing, the whites are fairly affordable—with the exception of sparkling and sweet wines, they’re all under $28. The entry-level red is the Ripasso-styled Corposo for $21.95, although most of the red wines are in the $45-$65 ballpark.
You’ll notice each wine has its own unique label, symbolizing characteristics of a particular family member. The Visione (Visionary), for example, signifies co-owner Nick. It’s a brilliant, bold Syrah featuring the illustration of an eagle to signify strength, protection and vision.
Each bottle bears a unique label—with a great story behind it.
But the best label story belong to their Pinot Grigio. Named Cavallone (Horse), it honours the nickname of Angie, who passed away in 2009. “Horses were very highly revered in Italy, so (the nickname given to Angie by her mother) was quite the compliment,” the winery recounts. “Angie was a strong yet caring mother figure, very hardworking, dedicated, loyal, great endurance, perseverance, all combined with a free spirit. Her two children are depicted on the horse’s back. Tara was not ready to let her mother go, so she is tenderly yet firmly holding on to her. Michael is reaching to heaven for her. The rock below represents her husband Mike, who she referred to affectionately as her rock that kept her firmly grounded.”
Check out all of TheLushLife.ca’s Top 10 Niagara Wineries:
#1: Domaine Queylus
#2. Creekside
#3. Tawse
#4. Kacaba
#5. Southbrook
#6. Vineland
#7. Colaneri
#8. Ravine
#9. Back 10
#10. Malivoire
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