Beyond Ice Wine: Andrea Kaiser on Legacy, Labels & the Future of Canadian Wine

When people think of Canadian wine, one word usually comes to mind: ice wine. But Canada’s wine story is much richer than frozen grapes and sweet golden nectar. In the latest episode of FineWineToMe – the wine business podcast, I sat down with Andrea Kaiser, owner of Drea’s Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, to talk about her family’s pioneering role in shaping Canadian wine and how she’s now forging her own path.

A Legacy Born in Niagara

Andrea’s father, the late Karl Kaiser, co-founded Inniskillin Wines in the 1970s and is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern Canadian winemaking. Dissatisfied with the quality of bread and wine when he first arrived from Austria, Karl set out to understand why Canadian wines lacked finesse. His scientific curiosity and experimentation with European vinifera grapes changed everything, culminating in global recognition when Inniskillin’s 1989 Vidal Icewine won Best of Show at Vinexpo in 1991.

That moment didn’t just put Canadian ice wine on the world map – it signaled that Canada could compete with the best.

Carrying the Torch, Writing Her Own Chapter

Andrea admits she didn’t initially set out to follow in her father’s footsteps. Her career path wove through restaurant management, local politics, and consulting before she launched her own wine brand, Drea’s Wine Co., in 2017 as a tribute to her father’s legacy.

But while legacy inspired her, Andrea is determined not to trade solely on her family name. Her wines stand on their own. In fact, when Jancis Robinson MW stumbled across her striking labels at a London tasting, she praised them as “their own master and like no other” — unaware of Andrea’s heritage. That moment gave Andrea confidence that she was creating something authentic and distinctive.

The Art of Labels & The Challenge of Perception

Speaking of labels, Andrea’s wines are instantly recognizable — bold, artistic depictions of fruit that reflect the flavour profile inside each bottle. They’re eye-catching, but they also spark debate. Some consumers mistake them for fruit wines, yet others find that the imagery enhances their tasting experience. It’s a reminder of how packaging doesn’t just sell wine, it shapes perception.

From Sauvignon Blanc to Sparkling Ice Wine

Andrea’s portfolio now spans multiple wines, from Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc to a daring Dornfelder Rosado. Yes, Dornfelder – a grape that divides opinion, but one Andrea loves for its vibrant fruit and deep colour. She’s on a quiet mission to show the world its potential.

Another standout is her Sparkling Ice Wine, a style first pioneered by her father. The effervescence lifts the sweetness, making it fresh, playful, and dangerously easy to drink. For Andrea, it bridges heritage with innovation – a sweet Canadian classic with a modern twist.

Beyond Ice Wine – The Future of Canadian Wine

While ice wine remains an important part of Canada’s story, Andrea and many others in Niagara are keen to showcase the country’s cool-climate strengths: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and yes, even Gamay. With warm summers, unique soils, and moderating lakes, Ontario has the ingredients to produce elegant, world-class wines that stand alongside Burgundy, Oregon, and Germany.

As Andrea puts it, the future lies in being unapologetically Canadian: making wines true to the region rather than imitating others.

Final Pour

Talking with Andrea, it’s clear she embodies both heritage and forward momentum. Her wines pay homage to her father’s pioneering spirit while carving out her own voice in the Canadian wine landscape. And whether it’s Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling ice wine, or the Dornfelder, Andrea is showing that Canadian wine is about far more than just frozen grapes.

Curious to taste beyond ice wine? Check out Andrea’s wines at Drea's Wine Co. and watch the episode on YouTube or listen to the full episode of FineWineToMe podcasts on Spotify or Podbean