LoginThe Story of Reif
One of Niagara-on-the-Lake's founding family wineries, founded in 1982 by Ewald Reif and later acquired by nephew Klaus W. Reif. Today, Reif produces wines from its vineyard first planted in 1977. Our 125 acre farm is located in the Niagara River sub-appellation where sun-loving grape varieties grow best. The easterly facing slopes and long growing season are moderated by the river as air currents ward off early spring and late fall frosts.
Our vineyard is located in Ontario's warmest sub-appellation, ideal for the production of rich full-bodied wines. But time matters too. 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.
1936
Willy and Lina Reif
Klaus' paternal grandparents are married becoming 11th generation winemakers
1937
Ewald Reif is born in Germany
Ewald Reif would later move to Canada founding Reif Estate Vineyards
1959
Harvesting
Locals work together to harvest the vineyards
1960
Willy Reif
Wine break for Klaus' grandfather on the farm pictured on the right
1960
Willy and Lina Reif
Willy and Lina Reif pictured on the right with a neighbour.
1963
Klaus Willi Reif is born in Germany
Klaus is born in Lachen-Speyerdorf, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
1965
Lina Reif
Klaus' grandmother pictured on the farm pictured in the centre.
1965
Ruth Reif and Angelika
Ruth Reif (Aunt to Klaus Reif, Sister to Ewald Reif) in the cellar with neighbour Angelika.
1966
Klaus Reif
Klaus at age three on the family tractor.
1966
Eli and Marion Reif
Klaus' mother and sister in the family vineyard.
1967
Eli Reif with Juergen Reif
Klaus's mother with Juergen, cousin to Klaus.
1968
Lina Reif
Grandmother Lina.
1968
Klaus and Marion Reif
Klaus with his cousin Marion.
1970
Ruth (Reif) and husband Karl Heinz
Ruth Reif (Aunt to Klaus Reif, Sister to Ewald Reif) on the farm with husband Karl.
1973
Ruth & Karl
Ruth Reif (Ewald’s Sister) and her husband Karl Heinz
1977
Vineyards founded by Ewald Reif
Ewald Reif arrives in Canada and purchases Riverscourt Farm and plants vinifera vines.
1980
Ewald Reif
Ewald grows grapes for new Ontario winery, Inniskillin.
1982
Winery Opens
The 1870's Coach House of the Riverscourt Estate is refurbished.
1982
New winery tanks
Gunther Reif ships new tanks to Canada.
1982
German Barrels Restored
Gunther Reif re-assembles German Barrels shipped from Germany.
1982
German Barrels In Place
Ewald Reif inspecting German Barrel Cellar.
1983
Brothers Ewald and Gunther Reif
New winery opens in partnership.
1983
Gunther Reif
Klaus' father, brother of Ewald Reif pictured in new winery offices.
1983
Ewald Reif
Ewald Reif pictured in new winery offices.
1985
Ewald Reif, John Boese and Gunther Reif (L-R)
Founding brothers with previous farm owner, John Boese.
1985
Toronto Wine and Cheese Show
Cynthis Reif, Gunther Reif and Ewald Reif (L-R).
1987
Klaus graduates Geisenheim
Klaus gradutes with winemaking degree from top German institute.
1987
Gunther Reif
Tasting wine in the German Barrel Cellar.
1987
Klaus moves to Canada
Klaus takes over the winery reigns for his father Gunther.
1987
Accolades from Robert Parker Jr.
Vidal Icewine hits top ten wine list of the year.
1988
Klaus’ first Icewine harvest
Gewurztraminer Icewine harvest.
1989
New Winemaker Roberto DiDomenico
After graduating from University of Guelph Roberto joins the team.
1990
Toronto Wine and Cheese Show
Klaus Reif and Daniel Gehres.
1994
A new partnership is forged reuniting the past
Grand Victorian Mansion from the original Riverscourt Estate becomes home to winery weddings.
1997
Tesoro takes International Gold
Roberto's 1995 Meritage wins gold at International Wine and Spirit Competition.
2000
Grand Gold awarded at Vinitaly
1998 Vidal Icewine granted coveted and presigious award.
2002
Best Dessert Wine and Best Canadian Winery Trophies at International Competition
Klaus travels to England to accept coveted awards at Wine and Spirit International Competition.
2003
Winemakers’ Selection for Best Red Wine at Cuvée Wine Awards
Roberto's 2002 Meritage is recognized by his peers.
2004
Gold at Cuvée Wine Awards
2001 First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon takes top honours in its category.
2005
Best Sweet Wine Trophy awarded at Cuvée
2002 Vidal Icewine wins coveted trophy.
2005
Wine of the Year at Ontario Wine Awards
2002 Vidal Icewine steals the show.
2007
Three Gold’s presented at Ontario Wine Awards
A hat trick - Gold for 2006 Chenin Blanc, 2002 First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon and 2002 First Growth Merlot
2007
Best Sweet Wine Trophy and Best Meritage Award at Cuvée Wine Awards
2004 Vidal Icewine and 2002 First Growth Cabernet Merlot bring it home for winemaker Roberto.
2007
Wine Sensory Garden opens to Mark Milestone Anniversaries
Celebration of 25 years of winemaking and 30 years of grape growing.
2008
Wine Spectator gives top Ontario red scores for two First Growths
88 for the Reif Estate First Growth Cabernet Merlot and a score of 87 for Reif Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon.
2008
Grand Opening of New Wine Boutique
A new home for visitors with chic Sensory Wine Bar.
2008
Legislative Assembly of Ontario Red of the Year
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a home in Legislature for the year.
2009
Klaus receives Lifetime Achievement Award
The Ontario Wine Society recognizes Klaus' contributions to our industry.
2013
Old World Stone Fountain installed
Custom Stone Wine Barrel built by Master Artisan Stone Masons.
2014
Klaus receives Established Enterprise Award
Klasu is recognized at the Niagara Entrepreneaur Awards Ceremony.
2014
Gold at International Wine Challenge
2012 Vidal Icewine upholds a tradition of awards of excellence.
2014
Gold at International Wine and Spirits Challenge
2012 Vidal Icewine is recognized again at prestigious International Competition.
2015
Vineyards planted in Niagara Falls for future winery location
A new parternship is forged with the Carmelites.
2016
River Road Collection is launched
New wine collection celebrates the bounty of our regional appellation.
2016
Outdoor Kitchen opens in Sensory Garden
Visitors are invited to spend a bit more time enjoying food and wine.
2017
Monastery Cellars Opens
New Winery location will be the first of its kind only steps away from majestic Niagara Falls.
2017
Best Dessert Wine and Best Canadian Winery Trophies at International Competition
Klaus and Roberto travel to London, England to receive covetted awards for a second time.
2017
Eight International Awards for Reif Icewine
A total of eight medals were awarded to our Icewine portfolio at three of the most prestigious wine competitions; the International Wine Challenge, International Wine and Spirits Competition, and Decanter World Wine Awards
2017
Pinot Grigio selected for Legislative Assembly of Ontario
2016 Pinot Grigio has been selected as the official VQA white wine of 2018 for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
2018
Gold at International Wine Challenge
2015 vintage of Grand Reserve Riesling Icewine wins GOLD at the International Wine Challenge in London, England.
2020
Gold at Decanter Wine Awards
2018 vintage of Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine wins GOLD at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, England.
