Closson Chase Vineyards
"Wine is part of life, it reminds us of the past as we enjoy the present and think about the future" - Keith Tyers
Closson Chase is a quality-driven producer that has helped spearhead the birth of the Prince Edward County wine industry. Since 1999, it has been committed to creating distinctive wines that rival the world’s finest. Set in Hillier, Ontario, the estate is over 30 acres of south facing limestone-rich soil under vine; planted high density to the classic Burgundian-varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with small yields, French-inspired vinification and careful barreling in 100% French oak.
The Terroir
The soils of the County provide some of the best grape growing conditions favouring Vitis Vinifera. Closson Chase’s decision to produce two early ripening varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, reflect a deep understanding of the site’s possibilities.
Specifically, the Hillier clay loam at Closson Chase is well to moderately draining, with a shallow layer of top soil consisting of organic matter and crumbled limestone rubble situated on an understructure of fractured limestone plates. The soil retains moisture within its depths which encourages deep root penetration of the vine.
The fractured limestone plates also facilitate root penetration. The calcareous nature of the soil, created from millennia of crustacean deposits, has a high pH – 7.9 to 8.1 – an ideal environment for grape vine roots, while the reflective pale gray rubble supports production of fruit colour and ripening.
The climate of Prince Edward County, virtually an island, is greatly moderated by Lake Ontario. This massive body of water allows Southern Ontario to grow its fruits.
Closson Chase Vineyard experiences a fast start in the spring, with higher risk of spring frost, but full ripening before the shorter, cooler fall season. Closson Chase’s south facing slope adds to the early warming ability of the site, as well as aiding in water drainage and airflow. Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir break bud early and require one of the shortest growing seasons of all vinifera wine grapes to fully ripen. The nature of the soil, the site and the nature of the varietals are perfectly married, giving Closson Chase the opportunity to achieve world class wines.
Closson Chase, in addition to its estate grown wines, produces both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from premium vineyards it leases in the Niagara Peninsula.
WINEMAKER | KEITH TYERS
"I want to capture what Mother Nature grows in a bottle"
Keith Tyers grew up in nearby Kingston, where he developed a keen interest in wine and food. A move to Toronto fueled his passion for wine and led him to take the International Sommelier Guild program at Humber College. After a few years as part of the big city restaurant scene, Keith decided he wanted to be closer to home and enjoy a quieter lifestyle. His journey took him to Prince Edward County where he settled on Closson Road with his wife Cassandra to raise their young family. Keith began his winemaking career as a Vineyard Hand in 2003, soon after his arrival in the County. This quickly led to an Assistant Winemaker position, where he worked under Deborah Paskus for several years. After a brief period in wine consulting and sales, Keith returned to Closson Chase and took over as Winemaker in 2015. Since then he has continued the tradition of excellence in Chardonnay and has also followed his passion of producing exceptional Pinot Noir. Keith’s philosophy is to capture what Mother Nature grows in a bottle, creating the best possible expression of local terroir.
| Address | 629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0 |
|---|---|
| Wine Maker | Keith Tyers |
| Country | Canada |
| Region | Ontario |
| Appellation | Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County |
From this Winery
While Closson Chase is located in Prince Edward County, they also make wines from an old-vines planing in the Niagara River sub-appellation of Niagara, on the land where General Isack Brock successfully defended against the American invasion of Canada in 1812. The 'Brock' Chardonnay commemorates this historic moment in Canadian history!
Florals, unripe cranberry, spice tones, poached pear, cedar & blood orange pith round out the nose. Mouth is full and slightly creamy, showing balance between fruit and acidity. Nice acidity cleanses the palate, and leading to a nice wet stone like finish.
While Closson Chase is located in Prince Edward County, they also make wines from an old-vines planting in the Niagara River sub-appellation of Niagara, on the land where General Isack Brock successfully defended against the American invasion of Canada in 1812. The 'Brock' Chardonnay commemorates this formative moment in Canadian history!
Brimming with energy and elegance, our 2024 Ridge Pinot Gris captures the pure essence of their vineyard. Aromas of white peach, crisp pear, and delicate florals rise over a core of wet stone and seashell, with a whisper of beeswax and honey adding inviting depth. On the palate, bright, lively acidity lifts a silky, rounded texture, carrying rich layers of ripe fruit and a subtle stony minerality. Cool stainless-steel fermentation preserves every vivid note, finishing with a clean, refreshing snap of freshness. A pure and vibrant expression of Ridge Vineyard — perfectly balanced, beautifully textured, and irresistibly drinkable.
The Closson Chase Hillier Pinot Noir 2023 captures the signature elegance of County-grown fruit — where mineral-rich limestone soils and cool breezes shape wines of finesse and intensity. Elegant yet powerful, this red wine reveals depth and harmony.
Aromas of dark red fruits, cocoa nibs, bright florals, and subtle earth tones rise from the glass, creating a bold and expressive nose. The palate is full and rounded, showing impressive concentration and a balance of softness and structure. Layers of ripe fruit, floral complexity, and spice unfold gracefully, leading to a long, evolving finish that’s both powerful and elegant.
From the region called 'Burgundy's long-lost cousin' - Prince Edward County - comes a beautifully aromatic and fleshy Pinot Noir that has all the charms of classic Pinot Noir!
A delicate nose showing cherries, florals and spices mixed with strawberry compote, earth and herbs. Bright red fruits and integrated earth tones carry over to the palate, followed by refreshing acid and solid tannic structure on an evolving finish.
Slightly dark to black fruit greets your nose. Red fruits are lifted off the sides of the glass, followed by spices, dried flowers, forest floor and mushrooms rounding it out. Mouth follows with lush fruit, bacon fat, round fine tannins, balanced acidity and texture galore! The finish is long and complex with chunkier tannins showing through.
The nose is loaded with toasted nuts, candied fruits, spices and floral tones. The mouth is round and defined, with fruit playing with the barrel to display a great seam of acidity. Finish is persistent and ever-evolving.