that first year to help Sherry get through that vintage. Knowing she needed someone on a permanent basis, she reached out to Derek Barnett, a well-known winemaker, and friend of Richard’s. Both Derek and Richard had made names for themselves in the Canadian wine industry. Sherry describes both as “winemakers of the palate, not the numbers. They use their palate to determine the taste, not the chemistry.” Derek came on board in 2015. Understandably, there was some turmoil when Richard passed away, and it took a while to get their feet back under them, but Karlo Estates is back to producing award-winning wines.
The Wines & Vegan Certification
When developing their wines, they focus on estate-grown fruit, other fruit from the County, and some grapes from Niagara for varietals they produce; however, these are not grown locally. Initial varietals planted were Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a first for an Ontario winemaker, Frontenac, a hybrid variety well suited for frigid regions.
Amongst a list of award-winning wines is the VanAlstine White. It is a fortified, port-like wine that won Gold in an international competition, usually won by the Portuguese, where port originated. Karlo Estates not only produces award-winning wines, but the wines are also the world’s first Vegan Certified Wines. This certification is based on the belief in the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, on health and environmental welfare. Everything that comes in contact with the wine is from the earth. The proof is in the glass, and in the number of people who are now discovering their wines
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MARCH 2018