Sue-Ann Staff: Award-Winning Female Winemaker in Canada

The Staff family has farmed this land since the early 1800s — five generations on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. That deep connection to the land informs every wine Sue-Ann makes, from her celebrated Niagara Rieslings to her award-winning Icewines.

Sue-Ann completed an Honours degree in Horticulture and Biotechnology at the University of Guelph (OAC '94), becoming the first Canadian to achieve the Top Undergraduate Research Paper awarded by the American Society for Horticultural Science. She followed with a Graduate Degree in Oenology (1996) from the University of Adelaide, South Australia — one of the world's premier winemaking institutions — and gained practical experience at Simon Gilbert Wine Services in the Upper Hunter Valley, Australia.

After returning to Niagara, Sue-Ann served as Winemaster at Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, building her reputation as one of Canada's most talented and innovative winemakers before launching her own estate in 2009.

Located at 3210 Staff Avenue in Jordan, Ontario, the winery produces high-quality VQA wines from estate-grown grapes — exceptional Rieslings, opulent reds, delightful rosés, festive sparkling wines, and seductive Icewines.

• 2025: King Charles III Coronation Medal
• 2018: Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence
• 2014: Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year — Emerging Business Award
• 2002: Ontario Wine Awards “Winemaker of the Year” — first female and youngest ever
• Top four Women in Wine in the World — International Wine and Spirits Awards, London (twice)
• 600+ national and international wine awards

The iconic Robert's Block Riesling, Howard's Icewine Vidal, and Wisteria Tree Cab Franc Icewine consistently earn medals at Decanter, International Wine Challenge, TEXSOM, Ontario Wine Awards, and Finger Lakes International, among many others.

Sue-Ann has contributed to the Twenty Valley Tourism Association (President), Tourism Partners of Niagara/RTO2, Craft Wineries of Ontario, Vineland Research Innovation Centre, and the Niagara College Teaching Advisory Committee for the Viticulture Technician Program (Chair).

Sue-Ann is a founding partner of Niagara Benchlands Wineries Inc., bringing 35 member wineries together to market the wines and destinations of West Niagara. Explore our Niagara Benchlands Winery Guide →

The winery is open daily, with wine service available from 11 am to 5 pm. Sue-Ann is often present at the winery and occasionally hosts special tasting events.

3210 Staff Avenue, Jordan, Ontario L0R 1S0 — 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, one hour from Toronto.

Book a tasting → or call 905-562-1719 for more information.

Ontario residents can order award-winning Sue-Ann Staff wines online with delivery across the province. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more. Browse our wine collection →

A Canadian winemaker and proprietor of Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan, Ontario — one of Canada's most decorated winemakers, with over 600 national and international wine awards and the first female named Ontario Wine Awards “Winemaker of the Year” (2002).

Honours Horticulture and Biotechnology at the University of Guelph (OAC '94), followed by a Graduate Degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide, South Australia (1996), with practical experience in the Upper Hunter Valley, Australia.

600+ wine awards including the 2002 Ontario Wine Awards “Winemaker of the Year” (first female ever), twice named top four Women in Wine in the World (IWSA London), the 2018 Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence, and the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Five generations, with roots on the Jordan estate dating to the early 1800s when Robert Staff first settled the property. Explore the full family history →

Sue-Ann is often present and occasionally hosts special tasting events. Visit at 3210 Staff Avenue, Jordan, or call 905-562-1719 to plan your visit.