Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario- Pillitteri Estates Winery, Farm Credit Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival are pleased to announce that Jamie Slingerland of Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the 2015 Grape King.
“It’s really been a team effort to succeed as Grape King. Everyone has given 110% this year I am expecting a very good vintage for 2015.” Jamie Slingerland, Director of Viniculture.
The Slingerland family has been farming in Niagara-on-the-Lake since 1783 and Jamie was raised on the family grape and tender fruit farm. The grape and wine industry runs deep in the family with father-in-law Gary Pillitteri crowned Grape King in 1981. Jamie is Director of Viniculture at Pillitteri Estates winery and his wife Connie and son Richard are also part of the management team. Daughter Rachel is a lawyer with Martens Lingard.
“We are delighted to have Jamie selected as 2015 Grape King to serve as ambassador for Ontario’s grape growers. Jamie is a dedicated grower who believes that great wine starts in the vineyard,” says Grape Growers of Ontario Chair, Bill George. “The annual crowning of the Grape King is recognition of the best that Ontario’s grape growers have to offer,” Debbie Zimmerman, CEO of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
Pillitteri Estates Winery is a family owned and operated business founded in 1993 and is situated on 110 acres of vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It currently exports to 35 countries and is the largest estate producer of Icewine in the world. Pillitteri has won over 750 international and domestic awards, reflecting the winery’s commitment to produce premium VQA wines.
For additional information on Pillitteri Estates Winery, please visit www.pillitteri.com
Twitter: @pillitteriwines | Facebook: Pillitteri Estates Winery
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