Thirty Bench embraces a less-is-more approach to small-lot winemaking. Their award-winning Rieslings and single varietal reds are coveted by collectors and wine lovers alike. Winemaker Emma Garner invites guests to enjoy critically acclaimed estate wines during a seated tasting or a wine and bites pairing experience. Winter visitors can also explore the vineyards by snowshoe or winter hike on weekends.
Hours
Monday & Thursday | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED
The winery is open on all holidays except for Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1). Hours are seasonal and subject to change.
WINEMAKER PROFILE
Emma Garner’s passion for great wine and food was fueled by travel to Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and British Columbia while completing Brock University’s Oenology and Viticulture program. Upon graduation, she focused her continued hands-on learning in the vineyards and cellars of Niagara.
In 2005, Emma embarked on a small journey west from her position at Trius Winery to Thirty Bench Wine Makers. After spending five years getting to know the nuances of the Beamsville Bench, Emma was thrilled to become Winemaker for this one-of-a-kind winery that had won a special place in her heart.
Emma’s approach to winemaking, which is based on allowing the vineyard to express its own voice by making wine with minimal intervention, has caught the attention of the Canadian wine community. In 2015 she was awarded the coveted distinction of Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards. That same year Thirty Bench Wine Makers was recognized by WineAlign as Canada’s Best Small Winery.
Emma particularly enjoys working with Rieslings. Her signature method of fermenting at low temperatures creates enhanced aromatic compounds in wines that burst with complexity and intensity. Emma’s meticulous winemaking craft is on full display with her Red wine portfolio as well. Thirty Bench is the one of the most awarded winery in Canada, winning many gold and platinum awards from national as well as international competitions. Just recently, the 2015 Small Lot Cabernet Franc won the coveted Best in Show distinction by Decanter Magazine, the first Canadian winery to win this award for a premium wine.
