description Inniskillin Overview
Inniskillin is a Canadian winery located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, founded in 1975 by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser. It was the first winery to receive an estate winery license in Ontario since the era of Prohibition, distinguishing itself by exclusively using locally grown grapes. Inniskillin gained international recognition for its Vidal Icewine, establishing Canada as a prominent producer of this specific style of sweet wine.
help Inniskillin FAQ
Who founded Inniskillin, and why is 1975 important?
Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser founded Inniskillin, and on July 31, 1975, they received the first winery license in Canada since Prohibition. The license was issued through Ontario's LCBO, whose previous licensing era ended in 1929. [source](https://www.inniskillin.com/our-story/)
Why is Inniskillin famous for Icewine?
Inniskillin harvested naturally frozen Vidal grapes for its first successful Icewine in 1984. Karl Kaiser's 1989 Vidal Icewine won the Grand Prix d'Honneur at Vinexpo in France in 1991. [source](https://www.inniskillin.com/our-story/)
Where does the name Inniskillin come from?
The name was inspired by the former landowner's connection to the Inniskilling Fusiliers. Inniskillin's first vinifera vineyard was planted in 1974 near what is now the Niagara Estate winery. [source](https://www.inniskillin.com/our-story/)
Does Inniskillin operate only in Niagara?
No. The brand has a Niagara Estate in Ontario and an Okanagan Estate in British Columbia. Its official history presents both locations as part of the Canadian winery's estate operation. [source](https://www.inniskillin.com/our-story/)
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