Inside the October Harvest at MW Cellars

October 10, 2025

Hey Everyone,

Harvest is rolling along beautifully here in Niagara. The skies have stayed dry, the mornings crisp, and the fruit? Chef’s kiss.

It’s shaping up to be an incredible Chardonnay year! Bright acidity, beautiful sugars, and balance that already has Marty grinning ear-to-ear.

Unlike some years, there’s been zero drama in the vineyard. No downy mildew. No ladybug pressure. Just clean fruit and calm nerves.
Which, if you’ve ever worked a harvest, is saying something.

Most mornings start around 7 a.m. (8 if there’s heavy dew). By noon, the fruit is back at the winery; by 1 p.m., the press is humming. Two rounds later, the team scrubs down, hangs up the hoses, and calls it a night.

White varieties and Pinot Noir have officially been harvested.

When it comes to deciding when to pick, Marty keeps it simple: taste, chew, and trust your teeth. If the seeds are still green and cling to the pulp, it’s not time. If they’re brown and separate cleanly, and the skins don’t dry your mouth out like a tea bag, it’s go time.

Between all that work, we did manage to sneak in some play. The MW crew hit Cave Springs, Hidden Bench, and Twenty for a little staff adventure (and “research”).

Big shout out to the staffs who were absolutely incredible and spoiled us big time!

At The Shed, we loved seeing so many familiar faces drop by for a Friday glass or raise a stein during Oktoberfest. You made the season what it was.

Next up? Our December Shed Weekend. It’ll be our last hurrah of the year. A little bit bittersweet, but a lot of fun.
Keep an eye on your inbox for details coming up soon!

And if you’re just starting to explore Niagara wines? Marty’s advice:

“Keep an open mind. You don’t have to like everything - but you’ll never know what you love until you try it.”

🦃 Thanksgiving is Here! Do You Have Everything You Need?

Whether you’re hosting the whole family or sneaking away for a quiet dinner, we’ve got the bottles to make it memorable.

The MW Brut is the ultimate Thanksgiving wingman! Crisp, easy-drinking bubbles that pair with everything from turkey to takeout.
We’re officially moving into the 2023 vintage of our Cab Franc but there are just a few cases of 2022 Cab Franc left. These are available only at The Shed while supplies last. So run don't walk!
The 2024 Chardonnay officially drops next week. Bright, balanced, and beautifully structured. Keep an eye on our socials for the official release!

Order online or stop by The Shed to stock up before the long weekend (and maybe sneak a taste while you’re here). text field. Add and edit content here.

Marty’s Monthly 6-Pack Draw - A Thank You!

Every month when we launch a newsletter, we do a draw for a 6-pack handpicked by Marty.

It’s not a contest. It’s just a thank you for reading, showing up, telling your friends, and being part of this thing we’re building.

🎉 This month’s winner: Valerie DeSouza

You’ll get an email from us soon. Enjoy the bottles, Valerie!

Have a friend who’d love this too?

If you’ve got someone in your life who’d dig what we’re doing, send them our way.

Whether they’re curious about local wine, love a good cellar story, or just want to stay in the loop, they’re welcome here.

They Can Sign Up Here

Cheers to clean fruit, full glasses, and the friends who make harvest worth it.

As always, thanks for being part of the MW Cellars community.

Can't wait to see you at the Shed!

Cheers,

The MW Cellars Team

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!

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