Pelee Island Winery

About Pelee Island Winery

As Canada’s southernmost private estate winery, Pelee Island is home to our Winery Pavilion and 750+ acres of vineyards. Our mainland facility is found in Kingsville. Both offer tours, tastings, wine shops, live entertainment and casual fare offered seasonally.
History, sustainability and sense of place permeate all we do at Pelee Island Winery. Beginning with the first plantings of grapes for wine on Pelee Island in 1854 to present day, this southernmost Canadian jewel is a natural habitat for Vinifera grape growing. From the first international accolades awarded at Paris World Fair 1878, to recent prestigious international awards, we continue to share with the world the unique terroir of the Canadian South Islands sub-appellation through Vinifera varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Merlot. Crafted from vine to wine by a winemaking and viticultural team devoted to quality and authenticity, it is our pleasure to share our passion for wine and our region with you in every glass.

Representative Biography

Walter Schmoranz, President & Vintner

Considered one of Canada’s winemaking pioneers, Walter Schmoranz was born in Ruedesheim, Germany; one of the world’s finest winemaking regions. In 1986, he joined Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s southernmost estate winery with 700+ acres of vitis vinifera vineyards on Pelee Island. His experience and skills have led the winery to winning hundreds of awards around the world. After 35 years, he is still passionate about the winery and producing exceptional wines in an ecologically conscious manner that exceeds expectations.

“Our Chardonnay definitely benefits from a longer growing season on Pelee Island, creating a marvelously dense, intense and vibrant buttery frame and finish.”

Why We're Cool

The vineyards of Pelee Island Winery are located just below the 42nd parallel north, comparing to Mendocino County (California), Rome (Italy) and Madrid (Spain). From a climatic perspective Pelee Island has a unique combination of the greatest accumulation of heat units anywhere in Canada, along with being one of the regions with the most frost-free days. The moderating lake effect prolongs our growing season by keeping the island warm and protects the harvest from extreme weather fluctuations well into November.
The extended growing season of Canada’s most southern inhabited island allows our grapes to reach their full potential and maturity. Along with the island’s unique microclimate, most of the island is below lake level. The vineyards are located in the centre of the island where deeper soils ensure the root systems can become effectively established while grown according to sustainable vineyard practices. The factors of sun, soil, climate and southern latitude sum up to help create an internationally recognized viticultural region.