Largest Estate Icewine Producer

Gary started out with an interest in making Icewine.  In 1988 he produced an Icewine made from Vidal grapes that would later achieve a gold medal award in amateur wine competition.  Who knew that today Icewine would be considered such a rare and unique Canadian luxury.  We have been revolutionary in producing some of the world’s most rare Icewines.  In 1999 Pillitteri Estates was the first producer to create a successful Merlot Icewine.  In 2004, we created the world’s first Shiraz Icewine, 2007, we created the world’s first Sangiovese Icewine and in 2008, we created the world’s first sparkling Cabernet Icewine.  Today we produce over 13 different styles of Icewine, far more than any other winery in the world.

Within 10 short years, Pillitteri Estates Winery has proudly earned the status of being the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine.  In a good vintage, close to half of our production is focused on Icewine.

Harvest of the ice wine grapes occur when temperatures have reached -8*C or colder. The grapes have evolved to a beautiful golden colour.  We take great pride in producing our ice wine within strict VQA standards.  Our commitment to be the best has lead Pillitteri to earn some of the most prestigious wine awards in the industry, including a Gold ‘first overall’ in France’s Effervescents Du Monde  for our 2008 Sparkling Cabernet Icewine.