The Watson family has deep roots in Niagara-on-the-Lake grape growing, with a legacy spanning generations. John Watson planted the family’s first Vidal vines in 1979 and was named Grape King in 1989. His son, Kevin, carried on that tradition, becoming the second Watson to receive the prestigious title.

Kevin took over the farm in 1995, doubling its acreage and expanding production to 13 grape varieties, including some of Ontario’s earlier plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc. Together with his wife, Cathy, Kevin continued to build the family operation and a reputation for producing high-quality, sought-after grapes.

Today, that legacy continues into a third generation, with Kevin’s son Connor taking on a greater role in running the farm. Kevin remains closely involved while also serving the broader industry as Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario, bringing decades of hands-on growing experience and the Watson family’s commitment to Ontario agriculture to his leadership role.

Doug Whitty is a third-generation grape grower in Niagara. His grandfather established Whitty Farms in 1908, and the farm was built upon a foundation of work by many family members including Doug’s parents Joseph and Leith Whitty. Doug’s uncle, Rodger Whitty, was crowned Grape King in 1983. Today, Whitty Farms is a diversified agricultural operation including 55 acres of vinifera grapes and has expanded to include 13th Street Winery and 13th Street Bakery, all located on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines.

Born and raised in Niagara, Doug graduated from Beamsville Secondary School in 1982 and went on to graduate from the University of Guelph in 1986 with a B.Sc. in Agriculture. His wife and business partner, Karen Whitty, has a degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University and worked at Agriculture Canada for 18 years. The Whitty’s participate extensively in farm research and host community activities such as the Grapes of Wrath Mud Run in support of Canadian Cancer society Wheels of Hope program.

Together with their three sons Luke, Benjamin and Thomas, Doug and Karen approach their work in the vineyards with an ethic of stewardship as they strive for harmony, balance and sustainability of the land, vines, people and business. Every crop is produced with a clear focus on making the best wine possible.

Oxley Estate Winery is nestled on the north shore of Lake Erie, on the idyllic Country Rd 50 near Harrow, Ontario in the heart of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region. When Ann and Murray Wilson purchased their farm, it was planted to melons, eggplants, peppers, tomato and cucumber crops. Both having grown up on farms – Murray on a family farm in Chatham and Ann on a cash crop farm in Sturgis, Michigan – buying a farm was a natural fit and an idea they dreamed about and researched for several years before purchasing their 17.8 acre property in 2010. Two years later, they purchased another 20 acres with a plan to expand their vineyards.

When Ann and Murray first planted several hybrid and vinifera grape varieties six years ago, they found the terroir to be ideal for grape growing. In addition to more traditional grapes such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir, the Wilsons are proudly growing Regent (a sustainable German variety) as well as three sustainable varieties of grapes (HG-01, HG-03 and HG-04) developed for Colchester/Essex County. Their farm, perched on high sunny bluffs above Lake Erie, experiences sunny days, cool nights, breezes and well-drained Fox sandy loam soil. They farm using eco-friendly farming practices to encourage a healthy and sustainable environment. Despite the past two bitterly cold winters, their vines are healthy and producing some of the finest grapes in the region.

If the vineyards weren’t enough to keep them busy, the Wilson’s Oxley Estate Winery retail store and event centre is located in the charming renovated 1920 barn on the home farm. The two small lofts were torn out and replaced by a larger space, “The Loft”, for events and meetings. They enclosed the open lean-to (where they used to park the tractor and wagon) to create restrooms and a storage closet, and added a kitchen on the west and small entry on the east. The Barn opens to the Wine Garden with its wood-burning fireplace. A delightful, comfortable and elegant setting for events (meetings or weddings) or a simple wine tasting.

Ann manages Oxley Estate Winery and its popular restaurant and along with his duties on the farm, Murray is also C.E.O of his business Black Stone Sports and is president of the Jack Miner Foundations in both Canada and the United States. A true family affair, the younger Wilsons (there are 6 of them) round out the vineyard and winery team. Meeting the Wilsons, it’s evident they enjoy what they are doing in the warm friendly atmosphere of “The Barn at Oxley”.