6 questions to Diamond Estates
1. Please tell us a bit about Diamond Estates. When was the company founded? How did it become what it is today and what are your tasks within the company?
Peter Tom's: Diamond Estates was founded in 2000 and started with the purchase of a wine shop in Beamsville and a small investment in Lakeview Cellars. Over the years, the company has joined forces with several other wineries and has become one of the largest wine producers in the region. I myself started as a sales representative in 2001 and am now Director of Export.
Karen Bordynuik: I started out as a tour guide in our wine shop in 2013 and am now a manager for the retail business and marketing of the winery in Ontario. Diamond Estates brings together special wines under one roof, such as the EastDell and Lakeview brands.
2. Could you tell us a bit about your brands and how they differ from each other?
Peter Tom's: Both EastDell and Lakeview started out as small businesses in Beamsville. At the beginning, in 1991, Lakeview focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and other full-bodied red wines as well as fresh, bright white wines. EastDell started producing cuvées in 1999, making our Black Cab a characteristic composition that immediately became a bestseller.
3. What does Taste of Canada mean to you?
Peter Tom's: Tough question. Canada itself is so big, and I believe that the various wines also embody that.
We make wines that suit just about every wine lover, from light white wines to strong, full-bodied red wines that mature for years. It's fun to discover all the new wines!
4. If you could invite a special guest to dinner at the winery, who would it be? And which Canadian-inspired dish would you serve?
Peter Tom's: The food is simple, I'm a bison lover, i.e. a bison steak on the grill surrounded by locally grown vegetables and a glass of Lakeview Cabernet Sauvignon. And I'd invite an ice hockey legend, maybe Ron Ellis or Bobby Baun, both from the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs team who won the Stanley Cup.
Karen Bordynuik: I would invite Ryan Reynolds, the Hollywood star, to enjoy a huge poutine together paired with EastDell Pinot Noir.
5. The grape harvest will start soon. Please tell us what is special about this time for you? And what makes for a good year?
Peter Tom's: At harvest time, the wine country comes to life. The vines are loaded with plump fruits that are just waiting to be harvested, the smell of crushed grapes is in the air, the wineries are busy and there is an exciting atmosphere throughout the region. After a long warm summer, we are looking forward to the taste of the upcoming wines.
Karen Bordynuik: For me, harvesting is a new start. Such energy is created when the grapes come in, the winemakers and winemakers work around the clock to start producing exciting new wines. In addition, the vineyards look the most beautiful at this time.
6. Do you have a favorite wine in your portfolio?
Peter Tom's: I have a few but a glass of EastDell Chardonnay with a few friends on the patio is always a favorite. When it's time for a barbecue, a bottle of EastDell Black Cab is certainly not far away.
Karen Bordynuik: Lakeview Sauvignon Blanc is my favorite wine on a lovely sunny day, and in the evening I like to switch to Lakeview Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy a delicious meal with good friends.
