The First MW Wine Subscription Boxes Have Shipped!

Marty here. I’m so excited to welcome you to the MW Cellars Subscription!

This is more than just wine in a box—it’s a connection to Niagara, the vineyards, and the people who make it all happen.

For our first subscription package, I wanted to bring you three wines that capture the heart of MW Cellars: The 2023 Pinot Blanc, LOF Sparkling, and the 2022 Syrah. Each one is a reflection of the unique terroir, the community, and the approach that defines us.

🍇 Pinot Blanc: A Niagara First

Pinot Blanc in Niagara is like a bridge between Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. It has the crisp acidity of Riesling but also leans into tropical and floral notes more commonly found in Sauvignon Blanc.

We ferment it wild in large 600L barrels, which gives it a textured, mouth-coating feel—a bit like biting into a juicy pear or apple.

Why include it in the subscription? Because it’s perfect for someone familiar with Niagara wines but ready to step outside the usual profiles.

It’s a wine for the curious drinker, someone looking for something fresh yet grounded. Pair it with seafood, creamy pastas, or even roasted chicken, and let it show you why we’re so excited about this grape.

🍾 LOF Sparkling: A Celebration in a Bottle

We’ve known each other for over 20 years, and at some point, we’ve all played hockey together. This wine is our way of celebrating that bond and our connection to this place.

LOF is a Charmat method sparkling rosé made with predominantly Vidal grapes, lightly pressed for their neutral, fresh qualities. To achieve the gorgeous rosé color, we blend in a touch of red juice from Cabernet Franc harvested later in the season. The result is a light, fun wine with aromas of apricot, peach, and rose petals—a crowd-pleaser perfect for sunny afternoons or holiday celebrations.

This wine also took a bit of a vacation—it was finished in Prince Edward County at Hinterland Winery, where my friend Jonas helped me perfect the Charmat process. It’s got a local story, a great artisanal label by a local artist, and a flavour profile that screams "good times with family and friends."

🍷 Syrah: Small Batch, Big Impact

This Syrah reflects the unique conditions of Niagara. Our vineyards are close to Lake Ontario, which provides the tempering effect needed to grow Syrah consistently in a region that can have cold winters. The 2022 growing season was especially challenging due to cold spells, which reduced the number of fruiting buds. But that smaller crop led to accelerated ripening and incredible concentration in the fruit.

In the glass, you’ll find red fruits like strawberries and plums, balanced by notes of cedar, eucalyptus, and a hint of white pepper. It’s velvety, lush, and completely unfiltered, giving it depth and richness that pairs beautifully with lamb, steak, or anything hearty.

A quick shoutout to the Buis family, who’ve been growing this fruit for 15 years and consistently deliver some of the best Syrah in the region.

Recap: Why These Wines?

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

Pinot Blanc brings something new to the table—a unique varietal crafted with texture and elegance.

LOF Sparkling celebrates friendship, community, and the spirit of coming together.

Syrah shows what Niagara is capable of when everything—from the vineyard to the cellar—aligns perfectly.

See You in February!

Thanks for letting me share these wines with you. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

Here’s to good wine, great stories, and the community that makes it all possible.

Cheers,

Marty

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for day-to-day updates, harvest photos, and more! Let’s keep the conversation going!