Heritage Wine Cellars finds its home in a restored 18th century barn, nestled in the heart of the Lake Erie grape country. We produce over 50 different varieties of wine, all of which are fermented and bottled in-house. We strive to meet the taste of every wine lover.
In this wine region, it is easy to see that Lake Erie plays a major role in the wine industry. It creates a natural phenomenon that makes this area perfect for grape growing.
In the spring, cold winds off the thawing lake discourage early budding at a time when the buds run the risk of being killed by frost. During the summer months, gentle breezes generated by the lake provide air circulation throughout the vines and inhibit disease.
In the autumn, the lake, having been warmed by the summer sun, postpones the first frost and allows the grapes to ripen to maturity.
It is notable to mention, Lake Erie bestows along its shore line a frost free growing season up to 30 days longer than that of inland areas that are just a few miles south.
Heritage Wine Cellars reflects in its name; the Bostwick Family's traditional commitment to the wine and grape industry. This tradition of quality viticulture is carried on by the 6th generation owners, Matthew & Joshua under the direction and tutelage of their father, Master Winemaker Robert C. Bostwick.
The Bostwick Family has been involved in the grape and wine industry for over 150 years. Harvey Hall purchased the original 100-acre fruit farm back in 1805. There he grew an assortment of fruits including grapes. His daughter, Attila Hall, married D.C. Bostwick. He was a farmer and builder who construct bridges in the late 1880's. D.C.'s great love of wine inspirited him to found the Great Lakes Wine Company; however, with the onset of prohibition, this and the other wineries in our area were closed.
In 1910, his son, George Bostwick, married Gertrude McCord and continued the family tradition of farming. George and Gertrude had two children, Kenneth and Catherine. Kenneth Bostwick, following in his father's footsteps, inherited the farm in 1946. Using the advanced techniques of farming that he learned while studying at Rutgers University for his masters in Agricultural Engineering, he took the farm in a new direction by converting the farm for grape production. Prior to this, there were mainly fruit trees and very few grapes.
Kenneth and Julia ran the farm until 1978 with the help of their four boys. From 1978 to 1981 Kenneth leased the farm to his eldest son, George. In 1982, George left to open up a computer store and the remaining three sons; William, Michael and Robert ran the farm. In 1985, the youngest son, Robert C. Bostwick began managing the farm. With the help of his father, Robert founded Heritage Wine Cellars in 1976. Robert continued the family tradition by teaching his sons, Matthew and Joshua, the family tradition of winemaking and farming.
Today, Matthew and Joshua Bostwick manage the winery. In addition to the winery, Matthew took over tending his grandmother, Julia's vineyards in 1999. He is currently looking forward to planting many new varieties worthy of wine production.
