The Foreign Affair Winery

What The Foreign Affair Winery does

The Foreign Affair Winery is a privately held Canadian winery operating from a single estate at 4890 Victoria Ave N in Vineland Station, Ontario, within the Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. The winery is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corby Spirit and Wine Limited (part of the Pernod Ricard global affiliate network), with its registered corporate address at 225 King Street West in Toronto. The portfolio is built around appassimento winemaking — a traditional Italian technique of partially or fully drying grapes for approximately 30 days before fermentation to concentrate sugars, flavors, and structure — culminating in the flagship L'eredità, a 100% appassimento red priced at $110. The winery also produces a Traditional Method sparkling (minimum 12 months on lees, robotic riddling) and a Charmat Method sparkling rosé, alongside range wines spanning Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir rosé, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blends, including a Whisky Barreled Cabernet Sauvignon finished in Pike Creek barrels sourced from parent Corby.

Revenues are generated across five streams: direct-to-consumer e-commerce on Shopify (Purolator shipping to all provinces except Quebec, free shipping on Ontario orders over $100), an on-site tasting room and boutique (open 7 days a week, $25–$30 guided flights), a Wine Club subscription (3 bottles every other month, six shipments annually), provincial retail distribution through LCBO in Ontario and SAQ in Quebec, and a B2B/onsale licensee channel served by a dedicated sommelier (Ed Haddon, email [email protected]) with a one-case minimum. The company also sells branded merchandise (Quarter Zip Sweater, Soft Shell Jacket), gift sets, and eGift cards. In 2025, the winery launched its Sip & Share Rewards loyalty program and accumulated 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals at the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, including 95 points for L'eredità 2023 from Rick Vansickle.

The customer base is a hybrid of individual wine consumers (DTC and wine club), wine tourists and experience seekers visiting the Niagara region, licensees (restaurants, bars, hotels), and the two provincial liquor monopolies. The winery is privately held with no disclosed revenue, no public funding history, and a small production footprint (e.g., Chardonnay 2025 limited to 250 cases). Winemaking is led by Rene Van Ede, who took over in April 2024 following a predecessor transition.

Name

The Foreign Affair Winery

Legal name

The Foreign Affair Winery Limited

Website

https://foreignaffairwinery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Foreign Affair Winery is a Canadian boutique winery in Niagara's Vinemount Ridge, owned by Corby Spirit and Wine (Pernod Ricard affiliate), specializing in appassimento Italian-style wines sold via DTC e-commerce, a wine club subscription, on-site tasting room, LCBO/SAQ retail, and B2B licensee channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Winery / Wine Production

NAICS

Wineries (312130), Grape Vineyards (111332), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF), Wine Retail (Bottle Shops & Wine Merchants) (CRANABAB), Fine Wine & Luxury Spirits Retail (CRANABAE)

Keywords

• Appassimento red wine
• Niagara VQA wines
• Sparkling wine production
• Wine club subscription
• Winery tasting experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Vineland

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct Wine Sales (E-commerce): The winery sells wines directly to consumers through its Shopify e-commerce storefront. Consumers can browse the online catalog, add wines to cart, and have orders shipped across Canada (excluding Quebec due to provincial legislation). Orders are delivered via Purolator courier. Free shipping is available on Ontario orders over $100. The winery also sells at its on-site boutique.
2. Wine Club Subscription: The winery operates a recurring Wine Club subscription model. Members receive 3 bottles of limited wines every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). Members can choose between 'Let Us Choose' (winery-curated selection) or 'Pick What You Love' (self-selected). Wine Club Members receive free shipping on all Ontario orders. The club ships across Canada excluding Quebec. Annual membership provides predictable recurring revenue.
3. LCBO and SAQ Retail Distribution: The winery distributes select wines through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ). The Sparkling Rosé Brut and other wines are available at LCBO locations. Quebec residents can also shop Foreign Affair wines through the SAQ catalog.
4. Tasting Experiences: The winery generates revenue from guided wine tasting experiences offered 7 days a week from 11 AM to 4 PM. Flights of 4 wines are priced at $25-$30 per person (not waived with purchase). Reservations are recommended and handled through the Explore Tock platform. The winery also hosts special ticketed events such as winemaker dinners.
5. eGift Cards: Digital eGift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100. They are delivered by email and can be redeemed against online or in-store purchases at the winery. There is no expiry date.
6. Branded Merchandise: The winery sells branded merchandise including Quarter Zip Sweaters ($49.95), Soft Shell Jackets ($120.00), and Bubbles Gift Sets ($30.00, including Sparkling Rosé Brut and a branded clip cap) through its e-commerce platform.
7. Licensee / B2B Wine Sales: The winery sells wines to licensees (restaurants, bars, hotels) across Canada. Orders are placed by email with a minimum of 1 case. A new account form is required for first-time buyers. Payment is by credit card or terms (select accounts). Delivery is via courier within 2-3 business days. Mixed cases are permitted.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Foreign Affair Winery produces and sells premium Niagara VQA wines — sparkling, white, rosé, and red — with a specialty in appassimento-style and whisky barrel-aged reds made from the Crispino Estate Vineyard in the Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation. The winery sells direct to consumers via a Shopify e-commerce storefront and a Vineland Station tasting room/boutique, operates a recurring Wine Club subscription, runs guided tasting experiences and ticketed winemaker dinners, and distributes through LCBO, SAQ, and licensee accounts (restaurants, bars, hotels). It also sells eGift cards and branded merchandise.

Product overview

The Foreign Affair Winery is a Niagara-based winery specializing in wines crafted using the appassimento technique (partially or fully dried grapes), inspired by Italy's Amarone winemaking tradition. The product portfolio spans multiple wine categories including Sparkling (Traditional and Charmat method), White (Chardonnay, Riesling), Rosé (Pinot Noir), and Red wines (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, blends). The winery operates a tiered product structure: everyday accessible wines (Conspiracy, Dream, Sparkling Rosé), premium single-varietal wines (Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay), and ultra-premium appassimento wines (L'eredità flagship, Whisky Barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon). Supporting products include Wine Club subscription service, eGift Cards, gift sets, and branded merchandise. The winery ships across Canada with a presence in LCBO and SAQ retail stores.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sparkling Rosé Brut Ontario sparkling rosé made using the Charmat method in Niagara's Vinemount Ridge, crafted from Riesling and Pinot Noir. Clean, dry style with persistent effervescence featuring cherry, raspberry, and cranberry flavors at 11.0% ABV. Available at LCBO and through DTC.
• Cabernet Franc 2023 Award-winning Ontario Cabernet Franc from Crispino Estate Vineyard in Niagara's Vinemount Ridge. Medium- to full-bodied red with raspberry aromatics, leather, cardamom, and Herbes de Provence. Scored 92 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025) and 91 Points (Global Fine Wine Challenge 2025).
• Dream 2023 Approachable Ontario red blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot crafted with 15% appassimento-dried grapes. Plum, blueberry, and violet notes with 13.5% ABV. Scored 91 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025); popular everyday red with 119 customer reviews.
• Sussreserve Riesling 2025 Crisp, refreshing Ontario Riesling traditionally fermented then blended with appassimento Riesling juice. Lemon-lime and mango notes in an off-dry style. Certified sustainable by the Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Program. 9.6% ABV.
• Conspiracy 2023 Smooth, dry Ripasso-style red blend from Niagara's Vinemount Ridge. Approachable, food-friendly, and fruit-forward at 12.8% ABV. Awarded 90 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025). One of the portfolio's most popular everyday reds.
• Chardonnay 2025 Small-lot, barrel-fermented Ontario Chardonnay from Niagara Peninsula VQA. Limited to 250 cases, vegan, aged 8 months in 100% French oak (60% new) on the lees. Full-bodied with butter, toast, and tropical fruit notes at 12.3% ABV.
• Amarosé 2025 Dry Ontario rosé from 100% Pinot Noir grown in Niagara Peninsula VQA. Gently pressed to capture pale pink color and bright aromatics. Ripe cherry, raspberry, and crisp red apple notes at 12.2% ABV.
• Syrah 2023 Cool-climate Ontario Syrah from Niagara's Vinemount Ridge in a Northern Rhône style with perfumed red and dark fruit and signature white-pepper lift. Cherries, strawberry, and forest floor notes at 93 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025) and Silver Medal (WineAlign National Wine Awards 2025).
• Whisky Barreled Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Niagara VQA Cabernet Sauvignon finished in Pike Creek Whisky barrels from parent company Corby Spirit & Wine, layering ginger molasses and blackberry notes on a classic Cabernet structure. Bold, distinctive premium red at 14.9% ABV. Scored 92 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025).
• L'eredità 2023 Flagship 100% appassimento red from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon at Crispino Estate Vineyard in Niagara's Vinemount Ridge. Named 'Legacy' in honor of founders Len and Marisa Crispino. One of Canada's premier Amarone-style reds with raspberry, vanilla, and cassis notes at 15.9% ABV. Scored 95 Points (Rick Vansickle, September 2025) and Silver Medal (WineAlign National Wine Awards).
• eGift Card Digital gift card delivered by email for purchasing wines online or in-store. Available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100. Redeemable online or in-store with no expiry date.
• Bubbles Gift Set - Rosé Holiday gift set including a bottle of Sparkling Rosé Brut and a Foreign Affair branded clip cap. Arrives wrapped and ready for gifting at $30.00.
• Foreign Affair Quarter Zip Sweater Branded apparel made with 3-end fleece for thicker, loftier fabric. Ring-spun yarn with 100% cotton facing for softness. Available in sizes X-Small through XX-Large at $49.95.
• Foreign Affair Soft Shell Jacket Branded soft shell jacket available in Women's (Small through XX-Large) and Men's (Small through XX-Large) sizes at $120.00.
• Wine Club Membership Subscription wine club delivering 3 bottles of limited wines every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). Members can choose 'Let Us Choose' (winery-curated) or 'Pick What You Love' (self-selected). Ships across Canada excluding Quebec, with free shipping on Ontario orders.
• Guided Wine Tasting Experience Guided tasting experience at the Vineland Station tasting room, featuring flights of 4 wines priced at $25-$30 per person (not waived with purchase). Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to 4 PM with last seating at 4 PM. Reservations are recommended and booked via the Explore Tock platform.
• Winemaker's Dinner Annual ticketed multi-course dinner with curated wine pairings, prepared by a guest chef. The 2024 event was priced at $225 per person ($200 for Wine Club Members), plus HST and gratuity. Held at The Foreign Affair Winery.
• Licensee Sales Program B2B direct sales program for licensees (restaurants, bars, hotels) across Canada. Orders placed via email with a minimum 1-case order requirement, mixed cases permitted, and delivery within 2-3 business days via courier. Sommelier Ed Haddon is available to meet licensees and taste through the portfolio.

Quantifiable outcome

• L'eredità 2023 awarded 95 Points by Rick Vansickle (September 2025)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Fat RabbitminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2024Fat Rabbit, a local food vendor, provided BBQ dishes at the Bubbles, BBQ & Big Bold Reds event held July 28, 2024 at Vineland Research. The partnership provided culinary offerings to complement the winery's sparkling and bold red wines.
• Tide and VineminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2024Tide and Vine, a local food vendor, provided fresh seafood offerings at the Bubbles, BBQ & Big Bold Reds event held July 28, 2024 at Vineland Research. The partnership provided seafood pairings to complement the winery's sparkling wine lineup.
• PrivEAT (Chef Scott Riepert)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2024Chef Scott Riepert from PrivEAT prepared the multi-course menu for the Winemaker's Dinner 2024 event held April 27, 2024. The chef curated dishes designed to pair with the winery's wine portfolio during the exclusive ticketed event.
• Pike Creek Whisky (Corby Spirit & Wine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPike Creek Whisky barrels, owned by parent company Corby Spirit & Wine, are used to finish the Foreign Affair's Cabernet Sauvignon, creating the distinctive Whisky Barreled Cabernet Sauvignon. This cross-brand collaboration leverages Corby's spirit portfolio to create a unique Canadian wine product.
• CHZ PLZ (Food Service Partner)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHZ PLZ provides a lunch menu (charcuterie-focused) available Thursday through Sunday at The Foreign Affair Winery's tasting room. The partnership enhances the wine tasting experience with food pairings. The winemaker blog and tasting experience pages reference CHZ PLZ as the on-site food partner, including during the holiday Blind Tasting Flight experience.
• LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe LCBO retails select Foreign Affair Winery wines (e.g., Sparkling Rosé Brut) through its provincial store network in Ontario. This provides mass-market visibility and distribution beyond the winery's direct channels.
• SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe SAQ retails Foreign Affair wines through its catalog and stores in Québec. This is the only legal channel for Quebec consumers to purchase Foreign Affair wines, as direct winery shipping to Quebec is prohibited by provincial legislation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights12 records

Direct peers

• Inniskillin Wines: Iconic Canadian winery founded in Niagara in 1974, now owned by Constellation Brands. Production focuses on premium VQA wines including icewine, sparkling, and table wines. Directly comparable as a Niagara premium winery with multi-channel distribution, tasting room, and DTC e-commerce.
• Stratus Vineyards: Premium Niagara winery on the Beamsville Bench with a focus on assemblage-style wines and sustainable viticulture. Comparable as a premium Niagara winery with tasting room and DTC channels.
• Pillitteri Estates Winery: Family-founded Niagara winery specializing in premium VQA wines including icewine and appassimento-style dessert wines. Direct peer in the Niagara appassimento space with similar DTC and tasting room focus.
• Tawse Winery: Boutique Niagara winery known for premium, biodynamic wines and a strong tasting room experience. Comparable as a small-to-mid premium Niagara winery with award-winning portfolio and DTC focus.
• Trius Wines & Restaurant: Niagara winery owned by Andrew Peller Limited with a strong wine tourism offering (on-site restaurant) and premium VQA portfolio. Comparable as a multi-channel Niagara winery combining DTC, hospitality, and tasting room experiences.
• Flat Rock Cellars: Jordan, Ontario boutique winery on the Beamsville Bench producing premium VQA Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling. Comparable as a small-batch Niagara premium winery with DTC, tasting room, and award-winning portfolio.
• Peller Estates: Major Niagara winery owned by Andrew Peller Limited, offering premium VQA wines, icewine, and a significant wine tourism operation. Comparable in scale, multi-channel strategy (DTC, tasting room, restaurant), and VQA premium positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Corby Spirit and Wine Limited: Parent company of The Foreign Affair Winery and a publicly-traded Canadian spirits and wine company. Comparable as the broader corporate parent that provides distribution, capital, and Pike Creek barrel access — relevant to understanding TFW's strategic position within its portfolio.

Emerging players

• Benjamin Bridge: Nova Scotia winery specializing in traditional method sparkling wines and cool-climate varietals. Comparable as a Canadian premium winery with méthode traditionnelle sparkling production and strong DTC/critical acclaim.

Regional players

• Mission Hill Family Estate: BC Okanagan premium winery owned by Mark Anthony Group, with award-winning wines, architecture-led tasting room, and broad distribution. Comparable as a Canadian premium winery with strong wine tourism and multi-channel distribution, though operating in a different region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ForeignAffairWinery
• Instagraminstagram.com/foreignaffairwine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-foreign-affair-winery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Foreign Affair Winery