KIN Vineyards

We spent some time this weekend at the KIN Vineyards in Carp, Ontario. While there, we enjoyed the opportunity to explore the fields, and to taste (and to purchase) some of the wine varietals grown and produced at their Carp vineyard.

KIN Vineyards, which celebrated their 1st anniversary in July 2018, is a ~100 acre vineyard located in Carp, Ontario (just outside the city of Ottawa). The KIN Vineyards are nestled along the Carp Ridge, adjoined by the Carp River, and resting upon the grey limestone of the Ottawa Formation.

KIN believes that “As stewards of 100 acres of land (16 under vine), and as practitioners of truly sustainable viticulture, our pursuit of winemaking perfection begins with the soil.” As a result, they incorporate biodynamic practices into their winemaking. Recently, KIN announced that their 30kW solar project is now operating and is producing >2x their power consumption. KIN now lays claim to being the Ottawa-area's First Net-Zero Energy Vineyard and Winery.

There are two distinct blocks within the vineyard: the Carp Block and the Kinburn Block. Currently Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown on the Carp block of the vineyard, while the Kinburn block includes Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and includes plantings of Muscat Ottonel, Vidal Blanc, Marechal Foch, Marquette and Frontenac.

The KIN tasting room and store is open during the week (and on Saturdays). KIN wines are VQA certified, but not available at the LCBO - they can, however, be ordered online and shipped via Canada Post.