* How do you create different flavors for blending beyond different grape varieties?

* How do you continue to evolve your winemaking while still respecting tradition?

Located just outside the historic and postcard-esque town of Niagara-on-the-lake, Stratus Vineyards is located just far enough from Lake Ontario to get warmer growing conditions for red varieties during the summer and just close enough to get protection from winter frost.

Stratus vineyards produces wines that showcase the art of assemblage or blending. With over 16 varieties planted to the estate, 10 red and 6 white, this wide array of grape varieties gives Stratus a wide palette of flavor profiles to use in their signature blends.

In this episode we discuss how “kaizen” or constant small improvements have played a role in Stratus better understanding its vineyards, its land, its wine, and improving with each vintage. This is exemplified in the episode’s featured wine, the Stratus red, an evolving blend of red grapes to create a wine of elegance and complexity. Each vintage is different, reflecting Stratus’ latest understanding of its land, its vines, its grapes, the year, and how to best ferment and blend each parcel.

In Japan, find Stratus Vineyards wines at Heavenly Vines:

https://heavenlyvines.com/winery/winery_detail.cfm?lang=JP&dmnID=1793&srsltid=AfmBOoouUNbbllhpo3eWEYd2LTLOZQEyDbNwuOK0i4l5xJaPdyNGmPST

Or look for their wine in your local area on wine searcher:

https://www.wine-searcher.com/merchant/15605-stratus-wines

Be sure to follow Stratus Vineyards on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stratuswines?igsh=MW9rNnA4d3NjZmdybw==

Many thanks to Stratus Vineyards for their incredible hospitality during our stay and to Dean Stoyka (@lordofvines) for his time during the interview and tour. Also, a huge thank you to Brent Toda (@brentwithglasses) for taking amazing photos during our interview!