Experienced & Enthusiastic
Like our vines, every year our team grows deeper in understanding the business of a destination winery and all the elements to making it a success and a wonderful place for people to visit.
From the vineyards, to the winery, to the tasting room, we are all committed to producing fine wines, distinct ciders and great experiences for our customers.
We love what we do, and want to share it with you!
The Partners
Original founding partners brought significant experience to the Georgian Hills Vineyards. We are lucky to learn from John Ardiel, as a fourth generation apple grower, and Robert Ketchin with 40+ years of experience in wine and beverage marketing.
In the past ten years they have built a team of young and experienced talent that have taken over the key roles of viticulture, wine making, wine marketing, wine education, retail operations and wine events.
Recently, Greg Ardiel and Liam Ardiel became partners in the winery and cidery. We are excited to see what these young additions will bring to the management team at Georgian Hills Vineyards.
The Wine & Cidermaker
Mark Skinner
Mark Skinner is a dedicated cidermaker and now winemaker. With over 20 years of experience with food and organic farming, Mark developed a deep appreciation for quality ingredients and sustainable practices. His journey into fermentation began with a cidermaking course at Cornell, which inspired him to launch Windswept Cider along with his wife Courtney, locally here in Meaford.
Mark brings the complete package; viticulture experience, disciplined best cellar practices, a yearning to learn, and a passion to experiment and create exceptional “cool wines” made from our cold climate hardy varieties. Mark is now proudly contributing to the vision of Georgian Hills Vineyards to develop unique and exciting wines, unlike any other.
Makers Over The Years
Ky Tynan – Winemaker
Niagara College graduate, Ky followed in the footsteps of Vanessa. Ky continued the vision of evolving our regional wine taste profile using local grown cool climate grapes and experimenting with new yeasts and cellar techniques.
Thomas Bachelder – Chief Wine Advisor
We've been very fortunate to have Thomas Bachelder’s expertise in the development stage of the Wild & Inspired Vinifera Series. Thomas has been instrumental over the years, advising us on all aspects of the sourcing premium Niagara vinifera grapes, site selection, grape purchasing, “wild ferment” wine making and final assemblage.
Vanessa McKean – Winemaker
Vanessa was Georgian Hills' first winemaker, setting the stage for our cool climate wines for 10 years. Another Niagara College graduate, Vanessa is now the head winemaker at Adamo Estate Winery. We wouldn't be where we are now if not for Vanessa's valued contributions in the early start up years.
The Retail Team
At Georgian Hills Vineyards we have a spectacular staff, and it is a true reflection of the quality we strive for in every strain of our business.
From greeting and guiding, to decorating and serving, each member of our retail team is as enthusiastic about providing outstanding experiences as they are about wines.
Our staff is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we're hosting an event, a quiet lunch for two, or packing an online order, we bring the same level of service and attention to detail to every interaction with our valued customers.
