February’s MW Cellars Subscription Box

Hey Everyone,

It’s Marty!

February calls for wines that hold their own against the cold—something with a little more body, a little more texture, and a whole lot of character.

This month’s subscription is all about focus: wines that bring warmth, richness, and the depth you want while settling in by the fire or pairing with a hearty winter meal.

Each bottle in this lineup has a story—and, as always, great people behind them.

Let’s get into it!

🍷 Paramour Gamay: Aged to Perfection

This is one of MW Cellars’ oldest wines, and it’s drinking beautifully right now.

The fruit comes from St. David’s Bench, one of Niagara’s most distinctive sub-appellations. This vineyard, located behind Château des Charmes, is planted on a steep slope that yields small, concentrated clusters of Gamay grapes—a key factor in the wine’s intensity and aging potential.

What makes it special? Two friends—Michael Godel and Scott Zebarth, both top-tier wine pros in Toronto, helped me blend this vintage, shaping it into something ageable, structured, and totally unique. Scott even designed the label, giving it a bold, artistic edge that fits the wine inside.

Flavour-wise, expect earthy tones, dark fruit, and soft spice—this one isn’t your typical chill-able Gamay. Let it breathe a little, serve it at room temp, and enjoy and let it evolve.

It's a romantic month, make is special and pair it with roasted mushrooms, duck, or a cozy night in.

*Note: This is a special one. We don’t have much of it, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you’ve fallen for this wine, I’m giving you exclusive access to grab a little more.

🍾 Reserve Chardonnay: A Winter White with Depth

My friend Carter Snow and I made this in 500L puncheon barrels, a move that softens the oak impact while adding layers of creaminess and weight.

The fruit comes from 30-year-old vines on Lakeshore Road, an area that benefits from Lake Ontario’s moderating influence, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complexity. These older vines dig deep into the soil, bringing out mineral-driven character that adds another layer to this wine.

If I had to describe this wine? It’s a ‘Marty Chardonnay.’ Not necessarily screaming ‘Niagara’ or even ‘2022 vintage’—but instead, it’s my own take on the grape. We struck a balance between bright acidity and warm, buttery complexity, making it perfect for winter sipping.

Aging potential? Absolutely. But if you pop it open now, pair it with roast chicken, creamy pastas, or a cheese board, and you’ll see why I love this style of Chardonnay.

🍷 Cabernet: Niagara-on-the-Lake in a Bottle

The fruit comes from two fantastic vineyards: Matt & Melissa Kilkenny’s site in St. David’s and Johnny & Charles Neufeld’s vines on Lakeshore Road.

The St. David’s Bench vineyard, is known for its dense, well-draining soils that allow for slower ripening, producing deep, structured wines.

Meanwhile, the Lakeshore Road site benefits from warmer daytime temperatures and a long growing season, ensuring optimal ripeness even in challenging vintages.

2022 was a tough year for Bordeaux reds in Niagara—but this wine is proof that hard work in the vineyard pays off.

It’s rich, structured, and just jammy enough to feel lush, even in a leaner vintage.

Get big with it! Try it with some braised short ribs, hearty stews, or anything straight out of a slow cooker.

Recap: Why These Wines?

When I sat down to choose the February subscription package, I wanted wines that represent everything MW Cellars stands for: innovation, community, and a deep connection to Niagara.

Paramour Gamay highlights a steep-slope vineyard and an aged, structured take on Gamay, shaped with the insight of two top Toronto wine professionals.

The Reserve Chardonnay is a personal expression of the grape, made with careful barrel aging and sourced from some of Niagara’s oldest Chardonnay vines.

Cabernet Blend brings together two standout vineyard sites, proving that even in a leaner vintage, Niagara reds can deliver depth and structure.

Each of these wines represents collaboration, patience, and the unique terroir of our region—and I’m excited for you to experience them.

Special Shout out to the Gallery

While I’ll be sending love from France, John and Suzie will be there, pouring some of the MW Cellars greatest hits.

Come by, taste, chat, and soak in the space—it's always better with a glass in hand.

Cheers,

Marty

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for day-to-day updates, harvest photos, and more—we’ve got some fun stuff coming your way!