Join us at Pillitteri Estates Winery for a slice of Niagara’s wine country charm.
Our Story
Pillitteri Estates is more than just a winery; it’s a family dream come to life. In 1993, Gary Pillitteri transformed his dream into reality, laying the foundations of Pillitteri Estates Winery. This dream was sparked into action by a single, defining moment—a gold medal for his homemade Icewine at a local competition. It was a signal to Gary: his lifelong passion for winemaking could indeed become more than just a hobby; it could be a legacy.
From humble beginnings in Sicily to a new chapter in Canada, Gary’s journey was not just about creating wine but weaving the rich tapestry of a family legacy. Pillitteri Estates Winery didn’t just grow; it flourished, deeply rooted in the values and traditions Gary cherished.
As the winery blossomed, so did its heart—the Pillitteri family. Gary’s children, and later his grandchildren, inherited his passion and dedication, infusing the winery with fresh ideas and innovative approaches while honoring the tradition that started it all. This generational dance of respect for the past and excitement for the future propelled Pillitteri Estates onto the global stage.
Today, Pillitteri Estates Winery is not just a name; it’s a symbol of family, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The wines, celebrated in over 35 countries, carry with them stories of a family’s journey, a testament to Gary’s dream and the generations that nurtured it. Each bottle is a chapter of a story that spans decades, continents, and countless vineyards, a story of a family united by love, land, and the timeless art of winemaking.
Join Us for a Tour or Tasting
We invite you to join us at Pillitteri Estates Winery for an unforgettable experience where the world of winemaking comes to life! Dive into the heart of our family’s story with one of Canada’s most engaging winery tours. Savor the opportunity to taste our globally celebrated wines right where they are born, surrounded by the beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wines, Pillitteri offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can discover the art, tradition, and passion that goes into every bottle. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the land, the people, and the stories behind our award-winning wines. Come, be part of our family for a day and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
BarrelHead Wine Pizza Patio
This summer, we’re welcoming everyone to our outdoor BarrelHead Wine Pizza Patio. Tucked among our cherry trees, it’s the perfect spot for wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and of course, our famous wines and Icewine cocktails. Enjoy live music, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Click here to see the menu and plan your visit. We can’t wait to welcome you and share a piece of our story at Pillitteri Estates Winery. Come for the wine, stay for the pizza, and enjoy the company.
Bring Us Home
After your visit, your journey of discovery of our wines does not end. We’re excited to offer FREE SHIPPING to all our wine club members. Click here to check out our selection and get your favorites delivered straight to your door.
Hours
Winery Retail Store:
Daily 10am to 6pm
BarrelHead Pizza Patio:
Thursday to Friday 11am to 9pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm
WINEMAKER PROFILE
Aleksandar Kolundzic, our wine maker joined the Pillitteri team at the beginning of the 2010 harvest and brings with him 20 years of experience and expertise in wine making. Previously, he has worked with Vincor Canada as a VQA Winemaker since June 2004 and previous to that with Hillebrand Winery as a Winemaker and Lab and Cellar Technician commencing in 1996.
Aleksandar received his Bachelor of Science at the University of Zagreb, Croatia and his Honours Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at Brock University. Aleksandar’s proficiency in HACCP and his ISO program knowledge is also valuable for Pillitteri to continue with the production of secure and quality VQA wine making.
Alex has instituted an austere and meticulous policy for monitoring and classifying wine produced at Pillitteri. In combination with his talents to sample and blend wine, Alex and his team utilized a set of strict criteria to classify wines to designations. Alex and his team adhere to these criteria based on three key influencers of wine quality. The key criteria consists of; the growth of the grape in the vineyard, the pressing and fermentation of the wine in the press house and the ageing and blending of the wine in the cellar.
