Stratus Cabernet Franc

Located in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratus Vineyards is a gravity flow winery, distinguished by its LEED-certified facility, its commitment to sustainability and wines of outstanding quality. The winery, like our signature assemblage wines, is a composition – a whole greater than the sum of its parts. On their own, the individual elements are distinctly unique – a diversely planted vineyard with unusually rich soil; a sustainable facility that unites tradition and science to serve the winemaker’s art; and a retail gallery with adjoining tasting rooms that are both chic and welcoming. Working together, they create wines and experiences that are truly memorable. “We had a vision – to make wines of outstanding quality right in our own backyard in Niagara. We wanted a wonderful environment, so that people who visited our winery to taste our exceptional wines would have a total experience that was out of this world. And we wanted the winemaking process, the winery and the rest of our facility to operate in accordance with the most sustainable and environmentally friendly practices possible.” – David Feldberg, President and CEO, Stratus Vineyards and Teknion Corporation

J-L is open to fresh ideas and believes in the future of traditions. At Stratus, you’ll find many new approaches to grape-growing and winemaking. Judged by the age-old standard of “what works best,” these innovations help J-L pursue a very traditional goal – outstanding, age-worthy wines that capture the essence of vintage and vineyard. Known as one of Niagara’s winemaking pioneers, J-L brought his vision of creating premium New World wines through the Old World art of assemblage to Stratus. Using the vineyard as his palette, he creates complexity through diversity by blending several grape varieties into one layered and richly textured wine. J-L crafts his wines to have powerful aromatics, a round mouthfeel, complexity, significant length and the capability of aging at least seven to 10 years. This allows wine lovers to taste the benefits of patience and time.