The Colio Estate Wines story is one of patience, determination, and perseverance – qualities that remain today at the heart of our winemaking practices and spirit.
Southern Ontario has been home to Canada’s wine industry since the prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th century. It was here in Lake Erie North Shore, the southernmost and warmest wine appellation region of Ontario, that three Italian bricklayers
named Alfredo, Enzo and Tiberio decided to fulfill their life dream of building a world-class winery.
The bricklayers sought the help of winemaking experts from Udine, Italy to help make their dreams a reality. But they soon faced a big predicament when their winery partners pulled out. Rather than “throw in the trowel,” they worked diligently and found winemaking experts who shared their brick-by-brick determination to build Colio Estate Wines near the sunny shores of Lake Erie. Following prohibition, Colio received the first winery license to be granted in Southwestern Ontario.
Today you can enjoy the rewards of the hard work and craftsmanship that go into every bottle of our Colio wines. We continue to make expressive, refreshing white wines, and have also built a remarkable reputation for sound red wines. Our picturesque winery is located in Harrow, ON, in the heart of the Essex/Pelee Island Coast Wine Country.
Since opening its doors in 1980, Colio Estate Wines has won over 600 awards in competitions around the globe.
Allison Christ, winemaker at Colio Estate Wines, began fostering her skills in winemaking with an Honours BSc. in Chemistry/Mathematics from the University of Windsor, followed by harvest experience in both small and large winery settings, as well as a President’s position at the Windsor Essex Chapter of the Ontario Wine Society.
Allison brings her passion to all facets of cellar and winery operations with a focus on harvest, fermentation, blending and bottling.
