Raise a glass of Riesling to Len Pennachetti, co-founder of Cave Spring Vineyard. At the close of 2020, the Governor-General named him to the Order of Canada, citing “his key role in developing the Ontario wine industry and for fostering tourism in the Niagara Peninsula region.”
It's a well deserved honour after learning the trade from the ground up. He’s pruned and tied grapevines along with his father and grandfather, putting deep roots into the Beamsville Bench. The Cave Spring Vineyard was founded in 1974. Four years later, they made their first vinifera plantings of Riesling and Chardonnay.
A pivotal decision was partnering with winemaker Angelo Pavan and building a winery in Jordan. On The Twenty Restaurant was opened in 1993, Inn On The Twenty opened in 1996, and a new spa facility was added in 2003. A local landmark, the Jordan House tavern and hotel was renovated in 2005.
Pennachetti has been a driving force for the entire grape and winemaking region, serving as president and chair of the Vintners Quality Alliance from 1994 to 2005. He has also served as a director of the Wine Council of Ontario, now known as Ontario Craft Wineries, and of the International Riesling Foundation.
Source : The Grower