Will Roman and Rosewood Estates Winery and Meadery are approaching their 91st anniversary. The farm was founded in Nobleton, ON by Will’s grandfather. Originally, they produced honey exclusively. Will’s father made the expansion into grapes and the move to their current location in Lincoln, ON.
They have also expanded into lavender in support of their bees, and to manufacture their own line of soap. Nowadays, Will describes their operation as a “complex web” of timing between their various crops. For example, grape harvest takes place from September-November and enough tanks must be clear for grape wine fermentation over the winter.
Tanks are cleared at various times throughout the spring to then make room for honey wine fermentation in the summer. Based on the grape varietal, the wines are bottled and aged for different lengths of time. Balancing tank allocation between grape and honey wines, the timing of harvest and fermentation, and caring for their three major crops (honey, grapes, and lavender) has molded Rosewood into a tightknit operation by necessity.
Fortunately, Will is the third generation of Romans in the game. He has a plethora of knowledge on wine-making and regenerative agriculture. The sweet story at Rosewood Estates Winery and Meadery keeps unfolding.
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