February at MW Cellars❤️

Hey Everyone,

Winter in the vineyard can look quiet from the outside but behind the scenes at MW Cellars, there’s a lot happening.

Before we get into that, we want to start with a genuine thank you.

December’s Shed closing party was one of those days that reminded us why we do this. Seeing friends bumping into friends, familiar faces reconnecting, was really special.

The holidays are busy, and time is tight, so the fact that people chose to come down, share a glass, and spend time together meant a lot to us. Creating space for that kind of connection is something we’re proud of.

We’re also especially thankful for our wine subscription members. Winter is the slower season here, and your support truly helps carry us through these months and gives us the breathing room to stay thoughtful and patient with the work.

We can't wait to see you for our 2026 Mother's Day Season opener.

Mark your calendars!

And just a reminder: even though the Shed is closed, you can still have your MW favourites shipped to you, or you’re always welcome to pick up at our office, just a stone's throw from the Shed every Saturday between 10am-4pm!

🌿 In the Vineyard: While the Vines Rest

Winter is also when we think about what the past growing season gave us. One thing that never stops surprising us is just how different Niagara sites can be. Fruit from St. David’s Bench and the Lakeshore can behave completely differently. One leaning toward acidity, the other toward structure.

Every year, the balance changes, and from 2020 through 2025 it’s been a real learning curve figuring out which vineyards take the lead in a given vintage.

Looking ahead, the 2025 wines are shaping up to be something special. Higher tannin structure, acidity, and alcohol point toward wines with more weight and serious aging potential. This is the kind of vintage winemakers get excited about.

We can’t wait to see how they develop over time.

🍷 In the Cellar: The Long Work

Right now, we’re deep into the unglamorous (but very important) work: that means scrubbing everything down after harvest, resetting the space, and starting to taste through the 2024 red wines as they begin to show their early personalities.

With expressive white wines, you’re always walking a fine line: making sure the wine is stable without stripping away what makes it interesting. It’s careful, detailed work, but it’s where so much of a wine’s character is protected.

🙌 Thank you to the Team

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

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

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

🎉 This month’s winner: Sharon Vanee!

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

Know someone who’d be into 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!

If you’re discovering MW Cellars for the first time this month, our hope is simple: that however you enjoy the wine, with friends, over dinner, or on a quiet evening, and that you taste something great!

Something that reflects Niagara-on-the-Lake, and delivers more than you expected.

Thank you for being part of this community, especially during the quieter season.

We’re glad you’re here.

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!