Yes. Winexpert, based in St. Catharines, Ontario, says every step of making its kits, from product development to manufacturing, happens in Canada. The juice itself comes from wine regions around the world, named on each kit, and the limited-release Merlot Niagara is made with grapes from Niagara.
Where does the juice in a Winexpert kit come from?
Each kit is named for the grape region its juice comes from, and most are outside Canada. At Island Wine Experts, the Classic Pinot Grigio is from Italy, the Reserve Grenache Rosé from Australia and the Private Reserve Super Tuscan from Tuscany. Winexpert's own wording is that it sources ingredients "from top grape-growing regions around the world," then develops and manufactures the kits in Canada.
Which Winexpert kit is made with Canadian grapes?
Merlot Niagara, a limited release in Winexpert's Reserve range, is made with Niagara grapes. Winexpert describes it as a classic Merlot with blackberry and cherry flavours, sweet spice, soft vanilla and velvety tannins, and credits the region's long growing seasons and the lake's moderating effect.
| Detail | Merlot Niagara |
|---|---|
| Range | Reserve, limited release |
| Style | Dry red, medium body, medium oak |
| Alcohol | 13% |
| Time to bottle | about 6 weeks |
| Price at Island Wine Experts | $138 per kit, about $4.75 per bottle made at home |
| Bottles | about 29 |
Does Merlot Niagara stay on the shelf?
No. It is a limited release, so it can be ordered only while the shop has kits, and the kit's page on the Island Wine Experts website shows whether it is available.
Who makes a Winexpert kit into wine?
Independent wine making shops across Canada sell Winexpert kits, and customers either take the kit home or have the shop make it. At Island Wine Experts in Charlottetown, the shop makes any kit for $81.50 plus HST. Just for the final stage: bring your bottles in for bottling.
See Merlot Niagara and order it for pickup at 238 University Ave, Charlottetown, or browse every Winexpert kit the shop carries.
Related guides: Classic, Reserve or Private Reserve: Which Winexpert Kit Should You Choose? and How Winexpert Limited Edition Pre-Orders Work.