November 21, 2019
“Our Roots
The story of Pillitteri Estates Winery begins generations ago in the heart of old world Sicily. Grape growing was the way of life for the Pillitteri family in Racalmuto. Growing up on the family farm, Gary was soon responsible for helping his father and grandfather with the harvest and the tending of the vines.
In 1948, Gary, at the age of 12, and his father, set off to establish a new life for the family in Canada. They settled in the Niagara area and shortly thereafter were joined by the rest of the family.
In the summer of 1957, Gary was introduced to Lena Agro, a young girl whose family was from the same town in Sicily as the Pillitteri family. On June 18 of 1960, Gary and Lena were married. Their family soon flourished. They welcomed their first born, Connie, on September 23, 1961. They welcomed their second child, Lucy, on February 23, 1963 and they welcomed their third child, Charles, on August 2, 1964.
On December 15, 1965 Gary and Lena Pillitteri settled in Niagara on the Lake to raise their family. They purchased a small fruit farm on Niagara Stone Road. The land was planted to tender fruit (peaches, cherries, pears, plums, prunes, apples, and grapes) and vegetables and in 1973 they opened Gary’s Fruit Market (which actually still operates today in the east wing of the winery).” https://www.pillitteri.com/roots/
Try making mulled wine with a bottle from Pillitteri-this is one cozy recipe!
Ingredients
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar as mixture warms. When the wine starts to steam and is very hot to touch (about 10-15 minutes), turn off the heat. Don’t let it simmer or boil. Taste and add more sugar if desired (it will depend on the sweetness of the wine – you may like to add a few more tablespoons).
Vendor List:
1.Morsels: Sweet and Savoury Pastry
2. Joy’s Wreaths!!!-First week at Market, make sure to check her out!
3.Helm Baked: Gluten Free Baking
4. La Houlette Da Vie: French Baking and Sourdough Bread
5. Liz’s Lovely Looming: Hats, Mitts, Scarves and More
6. Orchard Hill Farms: Organic Produce and prepared Salads, Sauces and Spices
7. Blanbrook Bison: Bison, Fresh and Frozen Cuts, Jerky, Pepperettes, Salami
8. Thames River Melons: Frozen Berries, Fall Produce, Squash, Leeks and More
9. Harvest Moon Trading Co.: Mostly local and organic preserves
10. Greystead Gardens: Organic Produce
11. International Bakery: Italian Focaccia and Whole Grain Bread
12. Pillitteri Winery
