The Winemaker

Jamie Macfarlane

A graduate of Queens University (’78) in Ontario, Jamie Macfarlane began his winemaking career in Côte D'Or, France. Upon his return home, Jamie joined the team that created the first Niagara commercial Icewine. Throughout his 25 years as senior winemaker with Canada’s largest wineries, Jamie produced countless award-winning wines before fulfilling his dream to establish The Ice House in 2005.

Jamie’s passion, knowledge, and scientific training provides him with the unique ability to take the best grapes of Niagara and transform them into Icewines that have world class standing. He is the acting director of the Canadian Society of Oenology and Viticulture, and has taught winemaking at George Brown College, an internationally recognized school for sommeliers in Toronto. Globally, Jamie Macfarlane is considered to be the world’s most experienced Icewine maker and is an international business consultant for winemaking.

" There is magic and romance about wine," says Jamie, "as people come together with wine and food to enjoy each other's company. Over the years I've often been asked, What is the best wine you've ever tasted ? And, my answer is The best wine is always about where I am and who I'm with. The wine business, and certainly our love of this industry is about celebrating and truly enjoying those special moments in life. Northern Ice™ is Canada's toast to the land."

“ Take time to notice everyday miracles and moments of bliss.” 

                                                                                                        Jamie Macfarlane
                                                                                                                     Winemaker