Our Wine Makers Our wines are hand crafted by owner/winemaker John De Sousa and consulting winemaker Andre Lipinski.   About John De Sousa

John is a third generation winemaker, learning the craft from his father, John De Sousa, Sr.  He passed away in 1997.  John's father learned about wine from his grandfather who, in Portugal, earned a living selling wine to bars ("Lojas" in Portuguese).  He delivered the wine by horse and buggy.  John's father came to Canada in 1961.  In 1979, he bought the first 22 acres of the Beamsville property and planted vitis vinifera vines.  The family later bought adjacent land to bring the acreage to 88.

John applies the ancient art of Portuguese winemaking as he lovingly hand-crafts the Dois Amigos series and all table wines.  Over the years, he has compared notes with many Niagara Peninsula winemakers and applies some of the best new world techniques as well.  John also oversees the efforts of Andre Lipinski.

About Andre Lipinski

Consulting winemaker Andrzej (Andre) Lipinski started winemaking at Vineland Estates winery, Vineland, Ontario. Andre was Assistant Winemaker there. He began working for Vineland in 1994 and was soon recognized to be a skilled winemaker.

His 1998 Chardonnay received a Gold Medal at Vinitaly. Andre's contribution to De Sousa Wine Cellars is to help produce the finest premium wines available anywhere. All De Sousa Reserve wines are made by Andre. His wines are recognized for their exceptional quality. Under his care, the 2001, '02 and '03 vintages have produced beautiful whites and reds through application of both old-world and new-world winemaking techniques. He has visited and studied the techniques of the French master winemakers and ensures that the best of their tradition, creativity and artistry is applied at De Sousa as well.  Andre insists on hand-sorting and gentle handling of the grapes. His perfectionism continues through the entire process of crushing, fermentation and aging.

We especially recommend the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. These Reserves are superb - with finesse, tannins, complexity and balance.