Welcome to
A Hillier Vineyard
Estate-grown grapes. Triple-distilled spirits. Patient hands.
Explore Our ProductsOur mission is to encourage the enjoyment of quality alcohol in moderation, complemented by delicious food pairings.
Good grape is the essence
of quality beverage
The vineyard was developed using professional viticulture practices. All vines were purchased from reputable nurseries, and we pay close attention to each block to ensure quality grape every year — a strategy for the long-term success of our estate.
Three planted blocks, each a deliberate choice of varietal and vintage — together the foundation of every bottle that leaves the estate.
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Block #1 · 2009
European Grape
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Block #2 · 2010
Hybrid Grape
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Block #3 · 2014
Frontenac Blanc
We are planting an additional 10.5 acres, bringing the estate to a total of 22 acres.
Arak & Brandy
Two spirits, both distilled from grape. Each carries the soil, the season, and the time we give it.
Arak Dawalee
Crafted from refined Frontenac Blanc, distilled three times in traditional copper stills with the finest anise seeds for an exceptional flavour.
Spirit of P.E.C. Brandy
Careful selection of high-quality grape, precise fermentation, triple distillation, and maturation in Canadian oak — at least 2 years (V.S.), 4 years (V.S.O.P) or 10 years (X.O).
Low-Alcohol Wine
Two years of research with Niagara College yielded a formula for a low-alcohol wine that keeps the character of the fruit. Bottling soon.
Through Time
From a first visit to Prince Edward County in 2005 to a working distillery and active R&D pipeline today.
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Continuous improvement 2024Working with IRAP and Loyalist College to improve brandy production.
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Research milestone 2022Developed a formula to produce a low-alcohol wine — the result of a nearly two-year research program with Niagara College.
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Licensed & built 2019Obtained Excise Tax licences to produce wine and distilled spirit. The on-site processing facility is completed.
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Arak research 2016Research conducted with IRAP and the University of Toronto, comparing herbs and oils to improve arak quality.
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Block #3 planted 2014Block #3 planted — 2.44 acres of Frontenac Blanc.
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A new direction 2013Feasibility study for arak production identifies a strong niche market.
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Block #2 planted 2010Block #2 planted — 3.25 acres of hybrid grape.
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Block #1 planted 2009Block #1 planted — 8.31 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Riesling.
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Incorporated 2008
A Hillier Vineyard Inc. is incorporated. Land is acquired and prepared for planting.
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Wine appellation 2007
Prince Edward County is designated a wine appellation by the Government of Ontario.
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Origins 2005
First visit to Prince Edward County. The vision begins: a piece of land, grapes to grow, quality wine to make, and a calmer life away from the city.
From the Vineyard
Research & Development
We appreciate the values of science and innovation. Research plays a crucial role in our achievements. Each year, a dedicated budget is allocated to enhance raw materials and equipment, ensuring continuous improvement of product quality and competitiveness. Beyond arak and wine, we are actively developing two additional beverages: brandy and a low-alcohol wine.
Special thanks to all individuals from IRAP, Loyalist College & Niagara College for their continued support to improve our product’s quality. We also acknowledge the support of all levels of government — Federal, Provincial, Local and Municipal.
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A Hillier wines?
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Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you
Hillier, ON K0K 2J0