Unreserved Wine Talk

What was it like being part of the budding Niagara wine scene? Why are wineries so well-suited to be family-owned? How does the terroir of the Niagara bench influence what you taste in Henry of Pelham wines? Why is Henry of Pelham so well-known for their Baco Noir? What hidden message can you find on the label of Henry of Pelham Family Tree wine?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Daniel Speck of Niagara's Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.

• How was Daniel's experience as a child and helping with the family winery?
• What was it like being an active part of the budding Niagara wine scene?
• How did a particularly long day with the vines shift Daniel's perspective on his work in the vineyard?
• What was Daniel's least favourite aspect of growing up at the family farm and winery?
• What differences can you find between family-owned and corporate wineries?
• Why would you find that wineries are well-suited for being family-owned?
• Are there aspects of a winery that you'd find a bad fit in the corporate world?
• How does the terroir of the Benches influence what you taste in the wines produced in the region?
• What can you expect in a tasting experience with Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay and Sibling Rivalry?
• What hidden message can you find on the label of Henry of Pelham Family Tree wine?
• What price point range will you find when shopping for Henry of Pelham wines?
• Why do you know Henry of Pelham for Baco Noir from Niagara?
• How does the evolution of Baco Noir translate to what you taste in the glass?
• Why should you try the Baco Noir version of a "tequila shooter"?
• What history is behind what you experience with the Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red?

Daniel is co-owner and one of three brothers who, as children, shovel planted the modern-day vineyards that became Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery in Niagara’s Short Hills Bench. The Speck brothers founded the winery with their parents, a family venture which began in 1984.

Daniel spent the years from age 8 to 22 in the vineyards. He studied philosophy, math and science at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, then returned to work on the farm/winery upon graduation. After fourteen vineyard-years he migrated from the farm to the marketplace when a key salesperson left the company. Today he is Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Daniel actively promotes and sells his family’s wines while still participating in determining each wine’s final composition with his two older brothers and the winemakers.

Daniel has received partnership awards from the LCBO; has sat on various sales and marketing committees with the Wine Council of Ontario, and is now a member of the CCOVI Outreach Committee at Brock University helping determine future educational needs for the wine industry. Daniel actively promotes and sells his family’s wines but determines each wines final composition with his two older brothers and the winemakers.

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/99.