Tastemaker Profiles
Niagara’s Tastemakers, Growers & Producers
Wherever you are in Niagara, there’s a good chance you’re not far from a craft brewery or a local pub serving up craft creations infused with local charm and flavour. We are pleased to introduce you to the makers, growers and producers right here, on the Niagara Ale Trail. Discover over 25 craft breweries, cider producers and craft beverage inspiration to fill your glass!Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Richie Roberts
Wine & Cider Maker at Fielding Estate Winery
Notes & Noteworthy Moments
I grew up in Niagara and love it here. After attending Brock University’s CCOVI program, I became a winemaker. It is a great fit for me as every day there is something different, new challenges, and creating wines that people seek out to enjoy is really satisfying.
All Fielding wines and ciders are made from locally sourced grapes and apples – we are really trying to show what great potential we have as a region reflecting both the year and location they are coming from. The original cider is my favourite to make because it showcases the amazing apples we grow in Niagara without anything added!
When Im not drinking Fielding Ciders and wines, I love what Bench, Grist, Dragan, Decew Falls and Cold Break are making right now, plus they are all fun spots to stop in for a pint!
You can’t go wrong this BBQ season with a Hopped & Hazy cider paired with spicy sausage on a toasted bun with whole grain mustard! For more cider pairings and recipes, check out Fielding Lifestyle Recipes and enjoy!
James Woodruff
Brewmaster at Decew Falls Brewing Company
After years in the finance industry, I decided to follow my true passion and pursue a career in craft brewing after years of home brewing. I graduated from the Brewmaster program at Niagara College in December, 2015.
It’s important to care about what you do, and I believe that shines through in our beers. We have 7 core brands – Morningstar Cream Ale, Sir Isaac’s APA, North Street Lager, Merritt’s Wheat, 32K IPA, Copper Beech Red Ale, and Shipman’s Stout, as well as 3 rotating taps that reflect seasonal offerings and exciting classic styles.
When Im not enjoying a pint of Decew Falls, our neighbour, Coldbreak, has a great tap lineup that has something for everybody and the Black Lager from Silversmith is a classic, and Sinister Minister from Brimstone is always calling my name!
Words to live by: Life is too short to drink lousy beer!