The best is yet to come
Over the past twelve years since we opened Between The Lines, our process has been perfected through experimenting with various techniques and exploring inventive winemaking methods pioneered by our master winemaker Yannick Wertsch. The result is a distinguished portfolio of wines that posses a precise flavour and appeal to new wine drinkers and the most seasoned palates.
It all happens here in the Big Red Barn on our stunning property in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our modern-rustic space houses our cellar and acts as both a tasting room and our clubhouse. Stop by and see for yourself; come tour the grounds as we share all we know about winemaking with you.
The Wine Economist: Greg Wertsch
I knew I was destined for winemaking when I took a break from the family business to study microbiology. I learned there that my place was not in a windowless basement but rather outside on the farm, among the vines. With 19 years' experience on our family winery, I formalized my winemaking education with a degree in International Wine Economics from Geisenheim University in Germany.
My brother Yannick and I opened the doors to Between The Lines in Canada’s best winemaking region in 2010. We sought out Niagara-on-the-Lake because we knew it had global potential. With hard work and a passion for innovative winemaking, we built Between The Lines into a staple of the Niagara wine circuit.
Our vision for Between The Lines is to continue to build a winery rooted in the principles of innovation. We want to challenge the boundaries of Niagara winemaking and offer our guests and drinkers a dynamic experience. Regardless of what is going on at the winery, the best part of my day is taking visitors on tour of our property and walking them through a wine tasting. The looks on their faces when they taste that one wine they’ve been looking for is what makes this all worth it.
“We believe Niagara has its own story to tell.”
The Winemaker: Yannick Wertsch
From a young age I have been fascinated with the winemaking process and the ability to experiment and create memorable tastes. I began making wine in high school and formalized my passion by studying winemaking and viticulture at Niagara College followed by LVWO at Weinsberg in Germany.
Growing up on our family vineyard in Niagara, I grew passionate about the idea to design, finance, and build my own winery with my brother Greg. We explored regions across the globe and chose Niagara-on-the-Lake for the potential we saw in its soil.
I absorbed Niagara viticulture and developed a winemaking process that celebrated the region and its grapes. I used the Niagara grape to combine the best of two worlds, old-world winemaking traditions and new world innovation, and created something original to put our stamp on the region.
At Between The Lines, I apply what I’ve learned of various global winemaking styles to our processes. I’m always looking for new ways to innovate with our products, such as pairing new winemaking styles with regional varietals. I’ve also introduced new vines to produce different wines, like we did with our popular Lemberger Reserve. Throughout this adventure, quality and drinkability have remained the essence of what we do.
“We’re always trying new techniques to deliver our
best wines.”
Between The Lines Milestones
The Wertsch Family arrives in Niagara from Germany
Wertsch Family establishes itself in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Greg returns to Germany to study wine economics
Yannick heads to school to study winemaking
Greg and Yannick bottle their first wines
Between The Lines gets its name
Between The Lines opens to the public
Lisa Suarez joins the BTL team
Philip and Lucian join the team
The team pursues idea to can sparkling wine
Origin Sparkling Wine launches