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Whitewater O'Brien Winery Opens Ontario’s Northernmost Operation

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In August, 2023, the first winery in Renfrew County opened its doors to the public. Located in Ontario’s Whitewater Region, The Whitewater O'Brien Winery first planted the vineyards nine years ago. Winemaker Jason O’Brien explained that, as the northernmost wine producer in the province, the vintner selected hardy, cold weather grape varieties that can withstand temperatures of -22 degree Fahrenheit.

O’Brien also noted that a location on the Canadian Shield known also as Laurentian Plateau, which is an expansive, winter-exposed, wilderness region, produces unique flavor characteristics. Colder than the US border-adjacent Niagara region, it yields varieties such as Frontenac, Petite Pearl, and Marquette. The latter is a hardy red grape variety developed at the University of Minnesota in 2006 and known for its disease resistance. It combines complex earthy aromas with notes of cherry, black pepper, spice, and berry, on the nose and palate.

As O’Brien describes it, the winery provides a new tourist location in a part of the Ottawa Valley that is known primarily as a destination for rafting and other outdoor pursuits.