Vermont, USA

Domaine La Garagista took root in 2007 with their first vintage in 2010, and today are one of the most rich and intriguing projects in all of North America. Residing across Mount Hunger in the Châteauguay Forest, and on Lake Champlain in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, Deirdre Heekin and the Gruppo Garagista (aka all of the astounding women who help care for and make wine from the domaine) are not just making waves, they are an entire sea of POWER and tide-shifting knowledge. They grow alpine wine, ciders and co-fermentations of all kinds, with a focus being on cold-hardy hybrid grapes. Vines are selected intentionally for their ability to thrive in the climate and terrain, and include: La Crescent, Marquette, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, Frontenac Noir, Brianna & St. Croix (varieties we should all be paying due attention to!). The absolute definition of stewardship, their work in the field and cellar is inspired by the energy of forest edge ecology, guided by regenerative agriculture and biodynamic practices, all in the service of letting every organism involved speak its own unique language. We are honoured to be able to bring this outlier, highly developed, utterly delicious & intentional wine perspective to Ontario for the very first time.