Niagara Region
My father, Karl J. Kaiser was a winemaker and considered by many to be the pioneer of modern Canadian winemaking. His pursuit in creating exceptional wine was equalized by my grandmother Oka’s natural talent in the kitchen. Both somehow understood how to balance flavours perfectly for the palate. While both were of great influence to me growing up, I also seemed to have a natural affinity for understanding the importance of balance in cooking and wine, and later for pairing wine with food. Perhaps it was this aptitude that led me to a life-long career in hospitality which was cemented when my well-laid plans to go to law school were interrupted by my father’s spontaneous decision to buy a local restaurant. After ten years as a restauranteur, the world of wine did call me back when I joined a neighbouring family winery. Along the way, my appetite for learning was satiated by travel abroad and wine education including sommelier training. More recently I have delighted in sharing my passions by teaching and writing articles about what else, but food and wine. My journey continues with the launch of Drea’s Wine Company which fulfills my aspiration to carry on my father’s legacy in some small way. It is also of great significance to me as it has been made possible by my family, friends and colleagues. A very special thank you to my brother Maximilian, a graphic designer, who made my creative vision a reality and to my life partner John who nudged me forward. I am also most thankful to winemakers Roberto DiDomenico and Fernando Morales who crafted my wine in the style I love best and Klaus W. Reif who made it possible for my dream to become a reality. My first release ‘Drea’s Sauvignon Blanc’ is dedicated to my father who, along with my family, affectionately called me ‘Drea’.
