Farm Feature Interview: Holland Marsh Wineries

Holland Marsh Wineries

This month we have the good fortune to catch some wisdom from Narek and the team at Holland Marsh Wineries.

In one paragraph, share with me the story of how Holland Marsh Wineries came to be…

They say Armenia was the birthplace of wine, as archeologists have found a 6,000-year-old winery in a mountain, not too far from the country’s capital. Our family lineage originates from a small winemaking town just a stone’s throw from that historical site. So, for everyone in the Nersisyan family, one could simply say “it runs in the blood” – three generations to be exact. After arriving to Canada in the early 90’s, it was only a matter of time until we were back to staining our hands with grape juice.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

Waking up every morning with the same excitement as when we started! This never feels like work.

Technology is rapidly changing the agricultural landscape. How are you incorporating technological advancements into your operation, and do you feel these technologies are accessible to farmers of all sizes in Ontario?

With the advent of the internet, we recognize the community support and information sharing is now on a global stage and we have the ability continue these discussions instantly across the world.

What's one quirky farming superstition you secretly (or not-so-secretly) believe in for a good harvest?

One quirky farming practice our winemaker holds true is to “listen to the grapes, they will tell you when they are ready”

Let's be honest, what's the weirdest thing you've ever found growing in your fields that definitely wasn't supposed to be there?

We have never come across something in our vineyard that wasn’t meant to be there, we are constantly in our fields looking, listening, and tending to the grounds.

What's the biggest change you've seen since you started, and how have you adapted to it?

Changes are a constant in any industry, having the ability to adapt to any situation is the key to success.

What's one common misconception about winemaking or the wine industry that you wish more people understood?

Varietals express the terroir of the region; one single varietal can have different expressions and styles based on the area grown and post-harvest process.

What's a subtle, almost imperceptible detail in your winemaking process that you believe makes a significant difference in the final product?

One major imperceptible detail would be yeast selection; some others are a family secret!

When you have spare time, what do you like to do to unwind?

When not at work, we spend time with our families and friends doing what we love, gathering over good food and good wine.

some delicious red wine being professionally poured

Thank you, Narek and your team, for sharing about Holland Marsh Wineries and your wine-making endeavours!