WHO WE ARE

This post was most recently updated on March 23rd, 2023

The Stocked Cellars story

Do you believe Canadians have been deprived of independent, locally focused wines and ciders for too long? I’ve thought that for far too long, Canadians had been denied independent, locally focused bottles, and we just wanted to do something extraordinary for beverage lovers and producers. Pour yourself a big glass of something tasty and settle in-

Diane was excited to strengthen the presence of VQA small-batch wineries and cideries to all Canadians and share her recommendation. Bailey was a business, sales, and marketing graduate who wanted to help his mom create an online niche presence that helps boutique producers connect with consumers looking for new and exciting beverages.

We shared a belief to make all Canadian demographics aware of their wine and cider choices, and in the spring of 2017, no doubt after a few vinos, we decided to start a business together. The following spring, Stocked Cellars was born.

It’s all about sharing good beverages, having fun, and keeping it local.

Wine and cider producers were excited to have their beverages in front of the Stocked Cellars Community. We wish to assist the makers in sustaining and growing their businesses to keep making good wines and ciders.

With the LCBO focusing increasingly on importing wines, we’re facing the future decline of good wines with provenance, character and stories.

Real wine means many people won’t be able to experience good wine, and many great producers will go out of business. This is not what the drinkers want or what the makers want, and we at Stocked Cellars don’t intend to let that happen.

Have you ever walked into an LCBO store and felt lost, unsure of whom to talk to for the best wine recommendations? I feel that I have started a great wine adventure and made terrific friends with some of Canada’s producers and wine personalities.

I enjoy travelling and have had the opportunity to work as a Flight Attendant for the last few years internationally. The experience of helping others that may be anxious or first-time flyers fit my character so well, as I love to serve others.

You won’t find anything mass-produced here. I’m about the local guys, the stories behind the beverages, the terroirs and the towns.

After all, that is what distinguishes exceptional beverages from ordinary beverages. The details, the passion, and the people make the difference.

My must-have wine from the SC portfolio is, and I have not one but two bottles that are my must-have pours.

The first is the 2020 Pinot Noir from Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. A charming family has produced it for the last 30 years; they have been committed to growing world-class premium VQA grapes along the shores of Lake Erie in the bountiful  EPIC wine region. Expect dark cherry fruit and a hint of vanilla and earth to grace the senses. The deep colour and forward tannins amplify the rich body in this modestly oak-aged Pinot Noir. It’s an absolute gem of a wine from a great family.

The second would be the 2020 Chardonnay by Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery. It’s a premium small-batch winery in the historic village of St. Davids, Ontario, creating world-class wines. Why do I love this wine? It is a bright and cheery creamy aroma of butterscotch and shortbread, and It mixes the best of the smooth buttery barrel with the fresh fruit and sharp Chardonnay grape’s backbone. The finish is soft and silky, with hints of luscious, concentrated apple, stonefruit and crisp citrus flavours. There’s heaps of complexity there.

I’m a bit of a grazer, so when I’m home with friends and family, I Charcuterie with my go-to Pinot Noir, and when planning a dinner party, a pastry-crusted cod dish with my go-to Chardonnay.

Thank you so much for reading. You must be thirsty. Here are a few more smash-able selections yet.

Speaking with a charming purity and a feeling of location, this light-bodied Gamay hovers between earthy and sweet dark cherry fruit flavours. Throughout, there are hints of black pepper and forward tannins amplifying the rich body of this modestly oak-aged Gamay. If you could taste magic, this is it!

For those celebrating their love for wine by the case, 2020 provided perfect conditions for wine grapes and has produced some excellent wines from Ontario. The concentrated blends that have emerged from 2020 are living up to the hype in Niagara. This 2020 Lokaal Red is true to Canada’s cool climate roots, vibrant freshness, a jammy nose of bramble, cherry, and a hint of smokiness. Cherry and raspberry flavours on a rich and juicy palate with a long, flavourful finish.

Remember, have fun!

After all, it is wine; if you’re not having fun, we’re not doing it right.

Diane