One of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s founding family wineries, established in 1982 by The Reif Family, and later fulfilled by Klaus W. Reif. Today, Reif produces wines from its 125-acre vineyard first planted in 1977 and is in the Niagara River sub-appellation where sun-loving grape varieties grow most excellently. A long growing season is refined by the river, as air currents hinder early spring and late fall frosts.
Our vineyard is planted in Ontario’s warmest sub-appellation which is ideal to produce rich full-bodied wines. Our farm is also home to some of the oldest vinifera plantings in Canada—a benefit to growers in cooler climates like Ontario, as mature vines ripen earlier. They also produce wines that reflect the ‘terroir’, so when you taste our wines, you will taste the essence of our vineyard.
Reif Estate Winery boasts one of the most sophisticated, educational tasting room experiences in Niagara, complete with themed flights, blind tastings, food pairings and a sensory wine garden.
Hours
April – October
10 am – 6 pm
November – March
10 am – 5 pm
WINEMAKER PROFILE
One of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s founding family wineries, established in 1982 by The Reif Family, and later fulfilled by Klaus W. Reif. In 1987 Klaus graduated from Geisenheim with a Winemaking degree from a top German institute. After graduating Klaus moved to Canada to take over the winery. In 1989 Robert Didomenico graduated from Guelph University and joins the winemaking team at Reif estates. Both Klaus and Robert work together and have brought home some of the most coveted awards in Canada and the International stage.
This includes, In 1997 Roberts Meritage ” Tesoro” takes gold at the International Wines and Spirit Competition. In the 2000’s we were granted the coveted award “Grand Gold” at the Vinitaly for our 1998 Vidal Icewine. In 2002, Klaus accepted both the best dessert wine and best Canadian winery at the Wine and Spirit International Competition. In 2003, Robert is recognized by his peers and awarded Best Red Wine for his 2002 Meritage. In 2007, Robert brings home the Best Sweet wine and Best Meritage at the Cuvée Wine Awards for Vidal Icewine and First Growth Cabernet Merlot and again in 2008 for Vidal Icewine. In 2009, Klaus was recognized by The Ontario Wine Association for his contribution to the industry and awarded the Lifetime achievement award. Fast forward to 2017, Robert and Klaus take home both the best dessert wine and best Canadian winery at the Wine and Spirit International Competition for the second time! In 2018 we take home 8 International awards for our Icewine portfolio another coveted award. In 2020, we received gold in the Decanter Wine Awards for our 2018 Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine!
We have a rich history and if your interested in learning more, visit our website for more information.
