3 minute read
Megalomaniac Winery
A Legacy of Excellence in Niagara
Within Ontario’s Niagara region, in the heart of wine country, Megalomaniac Winery stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition.
Established in 2009 by the Howard family, the pedigree here is strong, with a wealth of experience in the industry that dates back more than 30 years, including prior ownership of Vineland Estates Winery from the early ‘90s. And it’s always been a family affair – patriarch John Howard now serves as chairman, with the daily operations at Megalomaniac now led by his daughter, Erin Mitchell.
In recent years, the winery has undergone a transformative journey, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. With a renewed focus on consumer experiences and product offerings, the winery has seen significant enhancements across all facets of its operations. From the interior redesign of the winery and advent of the Megalomaniac Food+Drink Restaurant, to the introduction of new experiences like Insta-worthy Vineyard Walks, Megalomaniac is committed to providing guests with unforgettable moments and exceptional wines.
Speaking on those Insta-worthy vineyard walks – which are offered during spring, summer and early fall months – Erin Mitchell says, “We feel we have one of the most scenic properties in Niagara, so this gives guests the best chance to take in the stunning views. It is appealing to both guests who want a lovely outdoor experience and some great photos as well as those who are interested in learning more about the farming side of the wine business.”
In 2021, the aforementioned Megalomaniac Food +Drink opened, offering a diverse menu of seasonal dishes designed to complement the winery's portfolio of wines. With a full onsite kitchen and collaboration with food partner Revalee, Megalomaniac Food+Drink provides guests with a unique dining experience overlooking those picturesque vineyards.
“Regardless of season, we always offer a variety of snacks and small plates for those who are looking to enjoy a glass of wine with some nibbles, along with entrees for those who are looking for a more fulsome meal,” adds Mitchell. “Our offering is also unique in that we offer daily brunch, Wednesday to Sunday, with dishes designed to be matched with a glass of sparkling or a variety of mimosas – to highlight our portfolio of sparkling wines.”
Which brings us to the heart of Megalomaniac's success: its commitment to crafting fine wines. Now headed by Italian-born winemaker Marco Piccoli, whose career includes a tenure at Jackson-Triggs, Megalomaniac's winemaking team is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Niagara region. With a focus on signature varietals such as riesling, cabernet franc, and pinot noir, as well as an expanded sparkling wine collection, Megalomaniac continues to push the boundaries of winemaking excellence – highlighted with their distinction of being named the number three winery in Canada at the National Wine Awards of Canada.
Situated on the Bench of the Niagara Escarpment, Megalomaniac's 72-acre vineyard was planted in 2005 to varieties including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay. The vineyard is an obvious source of pride for the winery, yielding grapes of exceptional quality year after year.
With its tagline “Original. Bold. Audacious,” Megalomaniac has become synonymous with innovation and creativity in the wine world. Known for its bold wines with tongue-in-cheek names like “Pompous” and “Narcissist,” the winery brings a sense of whimsy to the traditional wine experience. Supported by premium packaging and a focus on estate-grown grapes, Megalomaniac's wines offer quality and value for wine enthusiasts of all levels.