Discover Niagara’s best kept secret
Welcome to Kirby Estate! A boutique winery celebrating the unique terroir nestled along the 4 Mile Creek in the Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellation. We’re inspired by mother nature’s beauty, fertility and energy which is captured in every berry and bottle for your enjoyment, by our artisanal team of dedicated, experienced professionals.
Who we are
"LIVING YOUR DREAM"
The idyllic beauty, pastoral environs, and favourable climate led Maria and Scott Kirby to the Niagara Peninsula in 2017. Upon visiting Kirby Estate for the first time it was obvious that the former peach farm turned vineyard in the 1990s was a special place - rich soils, bounded by 4 Mile Creek on the east and north, and overflowing with tender fruit and nut trees, and a plethora of birds and wildlife.
Acres of vines with mature red and white vinifera varieties stood proudly like soldiers in the fertile soils, as if to challenge the Kirbys in a call to stewardship. Seeking a lifestyle change, they embraced the challenge with optimism and a hint of trepidation and have journeyed down the road less travelled becoming grape growers and vignerons – living the dream, truly blessed.
Under their stewardship, they have partnered with the best industry professionals with expertise in vineyard management and artisanal wine making resulting in remarkably high quality, small-lot, single-vineyard merlot, chardonnay, and soon to be sparkling wines. They are inspired by other quality wine makers who also seek to release the magic in their terroir grown grapes which showcase the authentic rich flavours of Niagara Lakeshore’s award winning wines.
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Offerings
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Online store coming soon
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Vineyard
The Kirby Estate is situated in the regional appellation of Niagara -On-The-Lake, sub-appellation Niagara Lakeshore and is approximately 2.7 km south of Lake Ontario. The location between the escarpment and the lake fosters convection breezes which ventilate the vines and moderate winter and summer temperature extremes, while extending the growing season into late October and early November allowing for exceptional fruit maturation.
Historically the property lies in the shallows of former Lake Iroquois, now receded, but leaving behind clay tills and sandy loams. Additionally, the east half of the property is contained within an historic floodplain of a former tributary of the Niagara River (now 4 Mile Creek) which has over 17,000 years deposited calcareous sediments eroded from the escarpment resulting in additional alkalinity in the silty and sandy soils. This soil condition is highly desirable for resulting acidity in the wine. The area temporarily floods annually in the spring resulting in natural fertilization.
The vineyard has 5 red varieties: gamay noir, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot; and 2 white varieties: pinot blanc and chardonnay, totalling approximately 10 acres planted.
Coming soon
Membership
As we thrive in our region's unique soil and climate, we are driven by a deep-seated desire to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The love for our land and its character is encapsulated in each bottle we craft.
As we thrive in our region's unique soil and climate, we are driven by a deep-seated desire to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The love for our land and its character is encapsulated in each bottle we craft.
Coming soonTasting
As we thrive in our region's unique soil and climate, we are driven by a deep-seated desire to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The love for our land and its character is encapsulated in each bottle we craft.
As we thrive in our region's unique soil and climate, we are driven by a deep-seated desire to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines. The love for our land and its character is encapsulated in each bottle we craft.
Coming soon
The Kirby Connection
As a labor of love, Kirby Estate is the embodiment of Maria and Scott Kirby's desire to share their select wines with discerning enthusiasts who savour Niagara's finest offerings – vibrant, high-quality wines teeming with flavour. Should our passion resonate with you and stir your curiosity about Kirby Estate, we invite you to join our subscription list. Here, you'll receive periodic updates on our vineyard's journey and be the first to know about our upcoming releases.