Welcome to Pillitteri Estates Winery
Since arriving in Niagara on the Lake, Canada in 1948, the Pillitteri family has been committed to creating a legacy for generations to follow. Now, over six decades later, Pillitteri Estates Winery proudly continues a family tradition of viticulture and winemaking excellence. With three generations actively involved with our winery’s operations, we can truly say that each bottle of wine we make is a product of our family’s passion. We are proud to be able to share the fruits of our labour with wine enthusiasts around the world, and consider each person that enjoys a glass of Pillitteri wine to be a part of our family.
Family
Family is at the heart of our business. The winery
was started as a family endeavor and that spirit will
continue to define the business.
Quality
Quality is our goal. With every grape we grow, every
guest we receive and every bottle we sell, the focus is
on a quality product.
Tradition
Starting with Gary’s experience tending vines on his
Grandfather’s vineyards in Sicily, tradition has played
an important role in reminding us of our heritage.
Winery Tours and Tastings
Open to the public for walk-in tours and tastings daily.
Public Winery Tours at noon, 2pm and 3pm (approx. 45min)
Guided tour includes tasting of a red, white and Icewine and is $15
Tasting flights available starting at $15
Wine by the glass or bottle available on our Pizza Patio
ADDTIONAL TOUR AND TASTING OPTIONS AVAILABLE HERE
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
Winery Open 7 Days a Week
SUMMER HOURS (June 1 – Sept 30)
10am to 8pm
WINTER HOURS (Oct 1 – May 31)
10am to 6pm
Pizza Patio Hours
Pillitteri offers wood oven pizzas, salads
and wine cocktails throughout summer.
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
Friday, Saturday 11am to 9pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm
Committed to Local Farming and Sustainable Winemaking
As family farmers, Gary and Lena know the importance of buying quality and locally sourced products. It supports the economy of your local community and it provides the best opportunity to purchase a quality product at the best price. That is why Pillitteri Estates Winery has chosen to produce 100% locally grown wines that come from grapes grown right here in our community.
Carretto Series
A Carretto or Sicilian Cart was the only real method of transportation used in Sicily up until the end of the second world war. They could be large enough to be pulled by donkey or oxen, to transport a family and their belongings, or small enough to be pulled by hand to bring wares to market. Gary and each of his brothers received a Carretto as a token of their Sicilian family heritage.
Classified by Vintage
These wines express the essence of Pillitteri’s mission statement; “To produce the finest wines possible from the highest quality Niagara Peninsula grapes.” Single varietal red wines are only produced in quality vintage years.
Carretto Gewurztraminer Riesling, aromatic and crisp – $13.95 ORDER HERE
Carretto Series
A Carretto or Sicilian Cart was the only real method of transportation used in Sicily up until the end of the second world war. They could be large enough to be pulled by donkey or oxen, to transport a family and their belongings, or small enough to be pulled by hand to bring wares to market. Gary and each of his brothers received a Carretto as a token of their Sicilian family heritage.
Classified by Vintage
These wines express the essence of Pillitteri’s mission statement; “To produce the finest wines possible from the highest quality Niagara Peninsula grapes.” Single varietal red wines are only produced in quality vintage years.
Carretto Gewurztraminer Riesling, aromatic and crisp – $13.95 ORDER HERE
Market Collection
The Market Collection of wines showcases the history and heritage of “Gary’s Fruit Market”. Depicting the history of the market from the first roadside cart in the 1960’s, the first market building, built in 1975 and the market at the opening of the winery in 1993. The market is still a part of Pillitteri Estates Winery and when in season, fresh fruits are sold in the original market area of the winery. Each bottle of Market Collection wine celebrates this history, it is fitting that the Market Collection of wines are approachable, food friendly, easy to pair wines. The wines go well with a wide variety of meals and have broad appeal.
Market Collection Lucia’s Rose, fruity and floral – $16 ORDER HERE
Winery Open 7 Days a Week
SUMMER HOURS (June 1 – Sept 30)
10am to 8pm
WINTER HOURS (Oct 1 – May 31)
10am to 6pm
Pizza Patio Hours
Pillitteri offers wood oven pizzas, salads
and wine cocktails throughout summer.
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
Friday, Saturday 11am to 9pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm
Winery Open 7 Days a Week
SUMMER HOURS (June 1 – Sept 30)
10am to 8pm
WINTER HOURS (Oct 1 – May 31)
10am to 6pm
Pizza Patio Hours
Pillitteri offers wood oven pizzas, salads
and wine cocktails throughout summer.
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER
Friday, Saturday 11am to 9pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm
World’s Largest Estate Producer of Icewine
Pillitteri Estates Winery is proud to produce one of nature’s most exquisite gifts — Icewine. Harvest of the Icewine grapes occurs when temperatures have reached -8*C or colder. When pressed, these naturally frozen grapes yield a juice with an intense concentration of sugars, acids, flavours and aromas.
Pillitteri Estates, takes great pride in producing Icewine within the strict VQA standards — a recognition of the highest level of quality attainable. Pillitteri Estates Icewine has been recognized at wine competitions throughout the world, earning some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
Reserve Icewine
For an Icewine to reach reserve classification it must meet a minimum of 38 degrees Brix at harvest. In addition, reserve Icewine meets strict winegrowing and winemaking standards: residual sugar, acidity and alcohol must be balanced in perfect harmony.
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine, jammy and lush – $70 (375ml) ORDER HERE
Carretto Series Icewine
Icewine is a Pillitteri flagship product. Half of the wine produced at Pillitteri is Icewine. Typical aromas of Icewine include apricot, honey and citrus for whites and cherry, strawberry, and chocolate for reds. Icewine makes an excellent dessert wine and pairs with many savory foods. Pillitteri Estates Winery is the world’s largest estate Icewine producer.
Carretto Vidal Icewine, smooth and velvety – $40 (375ml) ORDER HERE
Icewine Cocktails
Icewine is a popular addtion to many premium cocktails. Recently it has been featured in world renowned cocktail competitions around the world, including Japan, Germany and Korea.
Try adding Icewine to a classic Old Fasioned, Cosmopolitan or Martini.
CLICK HERE FOR COCKTAIL RECIPES
Carretto Series Icewine
Icewine is a Pillitteri flagship product. Half of the wine produced at Pillitteri is Icewine. Typical aromas of Icewine include apricot, honey and citrus for whites and cherry, strawberry, and chocolate for reds. Icewine makes an excellent dessert wine and pairs with many savory foods. Pillitteri Estates Winery is the world’s largest estate Icewine producer.
Canada Collection Late Harvest
Late Harvest is a sweet dessert wine with slightly less sweetness than Icewine. It is actually the second pressing of the Icewine grapes. Once the Icewine grapes are pressed the grapes are allowed to rest and thaw over a few days.
Once rested the grapes are re-pressed, the resulting juice is still rich and intense with flavours but is not as intensly sweet as Icewine.
The Canada Collection of Late and Select Late Harvests are made to celebrate our winemakign connection to Canada. We celebrate the unique climate and culture of Canada with these wines and they make a great gift for those wanting to share a little of bit of Canada with the world.
Canada Collection Riesling Select Late Harvest, crisp and fruity – $20 (375ml) ORDER HERE
Official Wine Partner of the Canadian Olympic Team
Pillitteri is proud to produce the official Team Canada Wine Collection and offer the collection of Red, White and Icewine available across Canada. One dollar from the sale of each bottle of Team Canada wine goes directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation to support Canadian athletics and our athletes dreams of competing at an Olympic Games.
