Paul Minaker. (Darren Brown, OBJ)

"I wonder if I should grow Pinot Gris grapes?" ponders Paul Minaker, owner of 33 Vines, as he sips on a glass of Italian white wine made with this grape variety.

Deciding which grapes to plant is undoubtedly one of the most crucial decisions in the start-up phase of a winery. The grapevines at 33 Vines were planted two years ago and this fall will mark their first harvest. Growing Pinot Gris grapes could be a wise business decision as the market research company ACNielsen, recently reported that sales of Pinot Grigio wines (known as Pinot Gris outside of Italy) increased by 18.6 percent in 2005.

33 Vines is located on the historic Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33) enroute to Ontario's newest wine region, Prince Edward County. The vineyard comprises 14 acres "under vine" of Chardonnay, Reisling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc grapes. In May 2007, plans include the opening of a tasting room in the red CN caboose located on the property and the first release of premium wines.

Mr. Minaker is no stranger to building from the ground up. The Ottawa-based telecommunications network designer has worked on numerous client projects throughout his career where he has designed, developed and managed corporate networks. His interest in wine came haphazardly. While working at Systemhouse Ltd (SHL) in the 1980s, Mr. Minaker spent a year onsite at a client's call centre in Napa, Calif. "I had no idea where Napa was," he remembers.

Immersed in the culture and the lifestyle of California's highly acclaimed wine region, he became a self-taught wine enthusiast. 'Wineries catch your imagination and spirit. I went to California as a beer drinker, and came back wanting to start my own winery. I could envision my own winery and began looking for the ideal property in Prince Edward County."

The County, as it is referred to, is receiving plenty of attention from the Canadian wine industry. It has even been coined 'the modern day gold rush' with winemakers immigrating from Europe, restaurateurs opening fine dining establishments, premium B&Bs, local amateur winemakers turning professional and investors backing new business ventures. Why?

As a well-established agricultural centre with farms and fruit orchards as its cornerstone, Prince Edward County holds promise for growing grapes. It is on the same parallel as Burgundy, France – a renowned wine region for Pinot Noir grapes. Considered a cold climate grape growing region, Prince Edward County, like the Niagara wine region, benefits from the "lake effect" of Lake Ontario moderating the temperature during the hot summers and cold winters. However, it still has harsher winters. To protect the vines, grape growers find it necessary to practice the labour intensive process of "hilling up" by burying their vines underground after the harvest and replanting in early spring.

Despite the challenges, 33 Vines is a business venture come true for Mr. Minaker. During the week he manages corporate networks and on his weekends you will find him in his vineyard tending to his vines. His eyes light up when he speaks about his property overlooking Lake Ontario. "I am devoted to growing great grapes. I selected Dan Sullivan to be my winemaker as he has a reputation for turning great grapes into premium wines." This decision will be critical to the success of 33 Vines.

Mr. Sullivan is the owner and winemaker at Rosehall Run Vineyards. This past April, he made an impression in Prince Edward County by collecting three gold awards for his Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer wines at the Artevino County Wine Competition.

33 Vines does not have wines to offer to wine enthusiasts or visitors to the wine region...yet. But, the 33 Vines team is offering the general public the opportunity to become part of the winery with the "Founder's Circle" membership program (a $150 one time membership fee). Members of the Founder's Circle will receive first purchase options on future wine releases, VIP invitations to special events, the winery's grand opening, wine tastings, and acknowledgement of their support with their name inscribed on the 33 Vines Founder's Circle wall.

The next VIP event for Founder's Circle members will be held on Saturday June 10 with a BBQ in the vineyard, followed by a private concert with music by the Jim Cuddy Band.

"This is a great way to get members together to visit and see how the winery is growing. They can roll up their sleeves and take part in the planting of more grapevines, or enjoy the picturesque scenery of the vineyard with a glass of wine in hand. The private concert is just one way to celebrate our hard work," says Mr. Minaker. "A similar event was such a success two years ago, I have organized it again to bring the initial and new members together to share with them the excitement that is building around the winery."

This unique approach of building a community while the grapes grow attracts people from all corners of the world. For the June 10 celebration, members from as far away as England, Texas and Washington, along with people from Ottawa, Kingston and Toronto, will be at the vineyard.

To learn more visit www.33vines.com

By Debbie Trenholm

Special to the Ottawa Business Journal

Debbie is an accredited sommelier and owner of The Savvy Grapes