Hidden Bench Chardonnay

Founded in 2003 by Harald Thiel and family, Hidden Bench’s varietal focus is Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. In addition we also produce limited quantities of our white meritage, Nuit Blanche, and our red meritage, Terroir Cache and a traditional method sparkling wine, Natur. Our 3 estate vineyards permit a current total production of approximately 120,000 bottles. Due to strong ongoing demand and a limited supply, most of our wines are on limited allocations. We are very fortunate to be located in the heart of the Beamsville Bench sub-appellation, which is home to many of the best wines produced in Ontario. As both grape growers and wine makers, we believe that the limestone rich, clay based, glacial till soils of our three estate vineyards, all situated on the Beamsville Bench itself, permit us to produce complex and mineral driven wines. Our old-world style wines are age worthy and have a definitive sense of place and time.

Following an inspiring food and wine trip to Canada’s west coast in 2002, Jay returned to Toronto with one thing in mind: Leave the software industry behind for a life in vines and wines. Since then Jay received his formal wine education through Niagara College’s Viticulture & Winemaking program, graduating in 2005. Jay was a part of the Hidden Bench team previously, and we are thrilled to welcome him back as our winemaker. Passionate about cool-climate varietals, with their finesse and their delicacy, Jay feels back at home to be focused on Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay in the HB estate vineyards. With a deep passion for terroir, a desire to farm our vineyards to their greatest potential and a profound respect for cellarwork, Jay is extremely excited to be returning to the Hidden Bench family. When he isn’t in our vineyard, he is often found as a defensive player for Hamilton United Old Timers soccer team, or cheering on the Arsenal Football Club with his wife and two boys.