"We're committed to developing superior wines in the most environmentally responsible manner possible. Our cultivation and fermentation techniques are renowned for resulting in distinguished wines, while minimizing ecological impacts, conserving energy and relying on renewable power sources. We are proud to become the first vineyard in the Niagara region to be bullfrogpowered – a decision that is in harmony with our belief in sustainable agriculture."

Harald Thiel
Founder and Managing Director

Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery was founded in 2003 by Harald Thiel with the vision of producing world class wines exclusively from grapes grown in Hidden Bench’s own vineyards. Thiel’s belief that superior wines start in the vineyard with great terroir has led the winery to focus exclusively on the Beamsville Bench area of the Niagara Escarpment. Thiel is also implementing state-of-the-art practices to minimize the environmental impact of his winery, including implementing sustainable agricultural methods; recycling winemaking byproducts; using geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling required in the winemaking process, as well as to heat and cool the building; and now switching his winery to become bullfrogpowered.

The winery currently has two vineyards situated on the middle bench in Beamsville. The 33-acre Locust Lane Vineyard, acquired in the Spring of 2003, was planted in 1998 and has been producing excellent quality fruit and wine since 2002. In the summer of 2004 an additional 8 acres were planted in high density spacing for Pinot Noir, Syrah and Malbec.

In 2004, Hidden Bench was privileged to be given the ongoing stewardship of the legendary Rosomel Vineyard. This vineyard, considered one of the finest in all of Niagara, was originally planted in 1975 and has consistently produced international and national award-winning wines vinified by Vineland Estates, Legends, and Thirty Bench among others. Roman Prydatkewycz, the former owner of Rosomel, has stayed on with Hidden Bench as Viticulture Consultant to pass along his considerable knowledge and experience in the growing techniques that have distinguished Rosomel's fruit over the years.

www.hiddenbench.com