Derek was born in England and studied agriculture in the UK. He came to Canada to work in agriculture in 1973. In 1991, he began making wine for Southbrook Winery, just north of Toronto. Derek's passion and expertise developed over his ten years at Southbrook while he learned to express the terroir of Niagara. He earned many awards for his wine and was voted Winemaker of the Year in 2000 at the Air Ontario Wine Awards. In the fall of 2001, Derek moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake to become Winemaker and business partner at Lailey Vineyard.

With access to some of the oldest vines in Canada, planted in 1970 by Donna and David Lailey, Derek is crafting world-class wines. He is particularly talented at making elegant wines by allowing the fruit characteristics to evolve from the grapes naturally. Derek has a keen ability to recognize what arrives from the vineyard. He then goes to work developing the expression of what he has found naturally occurring in each variety and vintage.

All of Derek's winemaking efforts have the dinner table in mind. His wines show especially well with food, as he believes that wine is essential to a well-balanced and delicious dining experience.

Menu

Ceviche
BC Crab, Green Apple Guacamole, Bitter Orange

Muscovy Duck Magret
Pistachio Powder, Belgian Endive, Purple Ketchup

Wild Black Cod Sous Vide
Piperade Gel, Micro Shiitake, Black Pil Pil

Dry Aged Coleman Farm Black Angus Filet
Pomme Robuchon, Chanterelle, Wasabi Mustard

Pain Perdu Brulee
Honey Cake, Dulce de Leche, Goat Cheese Sorbet

Wines To Be Announced

Click for details about our Saturday Night Wine & Dine Getaway Package and our Weekend Gastronomy Package including this fabulous dining event!