Every winery is dependant on two key factors that contribute to its success. Firstly, the grapes used must be of the highest quality, produced from vineyards that have a terroir that reflects the unique character of the Niagara Peninsula, and thus provide a window through which to experience the soil and climate of the region. The next crucial element lies in the skills of the vintner, who through their experience, innovation and natural talent, can deliver the juice that becomes a wine which captures the essence of the region, while exhibiting the classic characteristics that have made the grape variety famous for centuries.

CHIEF WINEMAKER LIUBOMIR POPOVICI
"There is so much more to winemaking than just making wine. To me it is a passion as well as a challenge. After all the labour that goes into creating a wine, the greatest reward is having people enjoy it." - Liubomir Popovici

Liubomir Popovici brings to Stoney Ridge Estate Winery his unique winemaking style as well as a true passion for the wine industry. Born in his native land of Romania, Liubomir attained a Chemistry Degree at an early age from the impressive Faculty of Technological Chemistry and was recognized by the Romanian Institute from Vine and Wine as an authorized wine and spirit taster; thus winemaking was a natural path that Liubomir chose to follow.

Liubomir began his winemaking career with the country's largest wine and spirits producer, Vinalcool Timis S.A. as Chief Winemaker from 1995 until 1999. An educational partnership between Vinalcool Timis and Alahovin Puutarha O.U. in Kortejoki, Finland offered Liubomir the privilege to lead the winemaking team of the 10,000 case fruit winery for six months in 1996.

Arriving in Canada in February of 1999, Liubomir immediately joined the Stoney Ridge winemaking team headed by Jim Warren as Assistant Winemaker. With the 1999 harvest being his first Canadian vintage, Liubomir's creative flair and craftsmanship shone through in his wines.

By March of 2000, the Stoney Ridge winemaking torch was confidently passed on to Liubomir by former Chief Winemaker, Jim Warren. One of the youngest winemakers in the industry, Liubomir was to oversee all winemaking and lead the production team to meet consumer demands by increasing production to new thresholds while maintaining Stoney Ridge's high levels of quality. Liubomir quickly proved his abilities in this area by winning one of the most prestigious award in the Ontario wine industry: The 2000 Cuveé Award for Best White Wine. From a triumphant start Liubomir has continued to achieve as a leading winemaker. Liubomir won gold at the 2003 Ontario Wine Awards 2003 for his Bench Pinot Grigio as well as silver medals at the 2003 Cellars of the World international wine competition for the 2002 Bench Cabernet Franc, 2002 Reserve Merlot and the 1999 Barrel Fermented Gewürztraminer.

Liubomir's annual reserve series focuses on the traditional character found in premium varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. With each vintage these wines continue to achieve critical acclaim as excellent representations of the grape variety they represent.

FOUNDER JIM WARREN
While teaching Latin and French at a Hamilton high school wine enthusiast Jim Warren got his first chance at actually making wine when his wife bought him a home winemaking kit for Christmas in 1970. The wine it produced was terrible but the creative seeds had been sown, and Jim began making wine on a regular basis. After winning his first entry in an amateur winemaking contest, Jim drove to Niagara's vineyards to source grapes. In the early 1970s, Concord was King, but Jim discovered Chardonnay grapes and his fate was sealed. Over the next several years, Jim was named Ontario Amateur Winemaker of the Year three times, and Canadian Amateur Champion three times.

In 1985, Jim and fellow wine club member Bryce Weylie, who had a farm in Vinemount, Ontario, decided to process grapes and sell juice to other winemakers. They spent $10,000 on equipment - a miniscule sum compared to winery start up costs today - and began their venture. Stoney Ridge Cellars was born. Jim's wines passed the initial LCBO criteria and impressed wine critics and writers. After a move to a larger facility at Puddicombe farms in Winona the winery rapidly grew. By 1995, Stoney Ridge became Canada's most decorated winery, winning awards from Cuvee to Vinexpo.

In 1998, Stoney Ridge Cellars moved to Vineland and took on new partners. Jim retired from the winery in 1999.

Over the last two years, Jim has consulted at a variety of Ontario wineries too numerous to mention. He also founded, and is executive director of, the Fruit Wines of Ontario association. Revisiting his teaching roots, Jim also recently became involved in the Niagara College Winery & Viticulture program as an instructor of Canada's first teaching winery. Jim has collected a devoted following of wine lovers over the past 30 years. An outspoken critic and knowledgeable wine expert, he has also become an consumer advocate, taking on the issues and challenges facing the province's grape and wine industry.

Now, with the new Founder's Signature Collection, Jim has returned to Stoney Ridge. His wine series will represent a collaborative effort with Chief Winemaker Liubomir Popovici, and together the two talents will craft a unique series of wines that will continue the tradition of excellence at Stoney Ridge. The inaugural vintage of the Founder's Series was an instant source of acclaim for Stoney Ridge winning numerous awards and wine critic accolades. Many wine enthusiasts eagerly anticipate future releases of this series.