Norman Hardie Winery
On a clay limestone hill in Prince Edward County, my passion for fine wine is put to the ultimate test. I have chosen select sites in Prince Edward County and Niagara with a magical combination of clay and limestone. These mineral driven sites are ideal and allow me to craft Pinot noir, Chardonnay and other cool climate varieties of exceptional quality and elegance. My wines tell a story of place developed from my passion and experience.
My Journey
In my early twenties I earned my sommelier certification from the esteemed wine program at the University of Dijon in Burgundy and then put my skills to work as a sommelier for Four Seasons Hotels for seven years. In 1996 I traded in my Hugo Boss and Armani suits for farm clothes, work boots and a backpack. My insatiable thirst to master the art of winemaking led me on a six year journey apprenticing for the very best producers/winemakers of cool climate varieties in Burgundy, South Africa, Oregon, New Zealand and California. In 2003 I put roots down in Prince Edward County by planting 12,000 Pinot Noir vines and in 2004 planted an additional 3,000 Chardonnay and 2,000 Pinot Gris vines.