About Us

Maelstrom winery began in 2009 when the Landsborough family planted a test plot of vines to see if they would survive Huron County’s cold climate. To their delight the vines not only survived but thrived and so in 2010 they planted 2 more acres of vines. The vineyard now has over 8 acres of grape vines - Vitis vinifera and hybrid varietals. The winery is nestled in the crook of land between the south Maitland river and the Bayfield river. This inner region of the County boasts a very diverse topography with hills and valleys that rise and fall and which drain water and cooler damaging temperatures down to their river bed. To the north of Maelstrom is the Hullett Provincial Wildlife area - a 2200 hectare terrain of open water, marsh and swamp which creates an exceptionally bio-diverse ecosystem. These 2 water systems and the accompanying vast ecosystem provide for a very healthy and vibrant terroir. The vineyard itself was chosen because of its good natural drainage and combination of sandy and clay loam soils - ideally suited to growing premium quality grapes and producing structured red wines like Marquette, Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc. The white wines produced at Maelstrom also demonstrate a unique expression of terroir - both Chardonnay and Frontenac Blanc exhibit more acidity which has proven to produce more tropical fruit flavours and more enhanced aroma than in less cold areas. The region is proving to be very good for both red and white wines.  

The Name  - A Maelstrom is a powerful tidal current or whirlpool. In literature a Maelstrom is almost always used metaphorically to depict adversity and the hidden opportunities presented by that hardship. We chose the name to reflect our belief that challenges give rise to opportunity and, as is the case in Edgar Allen Poe's descent into the Maelstrom, sometimes opportunity comes in the form of a wine barrel.