Sue-Ann Staff is one of Canada's most celebrated winemakers — the seventh generation to farm in Jordan, and the fifth-generation grape grower in the family, over 600 national and international wine awards, and a career defined by firsts. This page provides media resources, award history, credentials, and contact information for press inquiries.

Media Contact: Kara Wille — kara@sue-annstaff.com

About Sue-Ann Staff

A Legacy Rooted in Niagara

Winemaking was Sue-Ann's ambition from childhood, stemming from a family background in viticulture spanning five generations in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula — encompassing two "Grape King" titles.

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery is the culmination of more than two centuries of Staff family history in the Niagara Peninsula. From the first vines planted in 1899 to a King's Medal in 2025, this is the story of one family's unbroken commitment to the land.

1800: Robert Staff emigrates from Lincolnshire, England to Upper Canada, beginning the Staff family's Canadian story.

1899: The Staff family plants their first vineyard — a 3.3-acre block of Concord grapes at the corner of what is now 17th Street and Staff Avenue in Jordan, Ontario. This original block still stands today.

1967: Lavelle Staff, Sue-Ann's grandfather, is crowned Grape King — one of Ontario's most prestigious honours in viticulture.

1971: Sue-Ann Staff is born in Niagara, the fifth generation of a family with deep roots in Ontario grape growing.

1994: Sue-Ann graduates from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Biotechnology. Her father, Howard V. Staff, plants a block of Riesling in celebration — grapes that would go on to define the winery's signature style.

1996: Sue-Ann earns a graduate degree in oenology from Roseworthy College, University of Adelaide, Australia — one of the world's premier winemaking institutions. That same year, Howard V. Staff is crowned Grape King, following in his father Lavelle's footsteps.

2002: Sue-Ann is named Winemaker of the Year by the Ontario Wine Awards — the youngest recipient ever and the first woman to receive the honour.

2009: Sue-Ann launches her eponymous winery on the Staff family farm in Jordan, Ontario, in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands appellation.

2010: Sue-Ann's 2009 Robert's Block Riesling wins Gold at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Wine Competition, launching a long and distinguished record of national and international awards under the Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery label.

2014: Sue-Ann is awarded the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Emerging Business Award, recognizing her vision in building a world-class estate winery from the family farm.

2018: Sue-Ann receives the Tony Aspler Cuvee Award of Excellence, presented to the individual or institution that best furthers the aims and aspirations of Ontario's wine industry.

2025: Sue-Ann is awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution to their province, territory, region, or community in Canada.

Award-Winning Winemaker

After her formal education in winemaking from the renowned Roseworthy College (University of Adelaide, South Australia) and several vintages abroad, Sue-Ann has become one of Canada's top winemakers, winning over 600 national and international wine awards. She was acclaimed as "2002 Winemaker of the Year" by the Ontario Wine Awards — the first female and youngest ever to receive the honour — and named one of the top four "Women in Wine" in the world by the International Wine and Spirits Awards of London, England, twice. These accomplishments were achieved while serving as Winemaster at Pillitteri Estates Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery

Today, Sue-Ann is Proprietor and Winemaker of Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, located on her family's two-hundred-year-old estate in Jordan, Ontario. She produces high-quality VQA wines from grapes grown on the Niagara Escarpment property. Sue-Ann's wines are bold with a delicate touch — look for exceptional Rieslings, opulent reds, delightful rosés, festive sparkling wines, and seductive Icewines.

Recognition & Community

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery was awarded the "2018 Tony Aspler Cuvée Award of Excellence" for being "an articulate ambassador for the Ontario wine region on the international stage," and the "2014 Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year" Emerging Business award. In 2025, Sue-Ann was bestowed the King Charles III Coronation Medal for outstanding contribution to her community.

Sue-Ann has contributed to many organizations, including the Twenty Valley Tourism Association (President, multiple committee chairs), Tourism Partners of Niagara/RTO2 (executive & BOD), Craft Wineries of Ontario (BOD and multiple committees), Vineland Research Innovation Centre (BOD), and the Niagara College Teaching Advisory Committee for the Viticulture Technician Program (Chair). She is a founding partner of Niagara Benchlands Wineries Inc., bringing 35 member wineries together to market the wines and destinations of West Niagara.

Recent Awards & Accolades

Decanter World Wine Awards

International Wine & Spirits Competition

Ontario Wine Awards & Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Winemaking

All Canadian Wine Championship

Sue-Ann in the Media

Podcasts

• Rock and Grapes Presents: Meet Sue-Ann Staff
• 'Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' — Episode 47 (Dec 2019, 49 min)
• 'Read Between the Wines' — Episode 18

Media Contact

For press inquiries, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact:

Kara Wille
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery
kara@sue-annstaff.com

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