Nestled along the Niagara River Parkway, Lailey Winery stands as one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s pioneering vineyards. Founded in 1970 by Donna and David Lailey, the 23-acre estate is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the region. Many of these vines, planted in the 1970s, continue to produce grapes today.
The winery’s history includes significant changes over the years. While the Laileys initially sold their grapes to local wineries, they began producing their own wines in 2000 with winemaker Derek Barnett. In 2015, the property changed hands when John Chang and Allison Lu purchased it. More recently, in fall 2021, Faik Turkmen acquired Lailey Winery and merged it with Stonebridge Vineyards.
Turkmen’s vision focuses on returning Lailey to its roots in fine winemaking. The revitalization process began immediately after the purchase, with an emphasis on producing high-quality, artisanal wines that showcase the unique Niagara terroir.
Chardonnay has become a key focus for both Lailey and Stonebridge labels. The winery uses multiple Chardonnay clones (95, 96, 548 & 76), which are harvested and fermented separately. Their approach typically involves barrel fermentation with 30-35% new oak and aging on lees for added complexity.
Notable Chardonnay wines from the estate include the 2019 Stonebridge Chardonnay Reserve East and West, the 2020 Stonebridge Blanc de Blanc, and the 2022 Lailey Chardonnay. Wine enthusiasts have evaluated vintages from 2017 through 2021.
The winery embraces a minimal intervention approach, focusing on preserving terroir expression through sustainable farming methods. Their small batch, single vineyard principles often include wild fermentation using indigenous yeast for the Stonebridge series. The estate’s commitment to sustainable farming methods has been integral to their winemaking philosophy since establishment.
Recent developments include replanting vineyard blocks in 2022 and 2023, with the first crop expected in 2024 and full production anticipated from 2025 onwards.
However, Chardonnay from Stonebridge Vineyard won’t be available until 2028-2029 due to winter damage.
The journey of Stonebridge Vineyard reflects the resilience and vision found throughout Niagara’s wine country. Explore more updates from local businesses on Marketplace Niagara.
