The Story of Reif

One of Niagara-on-the-Lake's founding family wineries, established in 1982 by The Reif Family, and later fulfilled by Klaus W. Reif. Today, Reif produces wines from its 125-acre vineyard first planted in 1977 and is in the Niagara River sub-appellation where sun-loving grape varieties grow most excellently. A long growing season is refined by the river, as air currents hinder early spring and late fall frosts. 

 Our vineyard is planted in Ontario’s warmest sub-appellation which is ideal to produce rich full-bodied wines. Our farm is also home to some of the oldest vinifera plantings in Canada—a benefit to growers in cooler climates like Ontario, as mature vines ripen earlier. They also produce wines that reflect the ‘terroir', so when you taste our wines, you will taste the essence of our vineyard.
Grandparents_Lina_and_Willy_1936

1936

Willi & Linda Reif - Klaus' paternal grandparents are married and become the 11th winemaking generation.
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1937

Ewald Reif, Klaus' uncle, is born in Germany and would later move to Canada, founding Reif Estate Wineyard.
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1959

Locals work together to harvest the vineyard
Grandparetns_on_Right_1960

1960

Willy and Lina Reif pictured on the right with a neighbour.
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1960

Wine break for Klaus' grandfather, Willis, on the farm
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1963

Klaus Willi Reif is born in Lachen-Speyerdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
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1965

Klaus' grandmother pictured on the farm pictured in the centre.