The story of Pillitteri Estates Winery begins generations ago in the heart of old-world Sicily. Grape growing was the Pillitteri family's way of life in Racalmuto. Growing up on the family farm, Gary was soon responsible for helping his father and grandfather with the harvest and tending to the vines.

In 1948, at the age of 12, Gary and his father set off to establish a new life for the family in Canada. They settled in the Niagara area and were soon joined by the rest of their family.

In the summer of 1957, Gary was introduced to his future wife, Lena Agro — a girl from the same town in Sicily as the Pillitteri family.

On June 18 of 1960, Gary and Lena were married. Soon after, their family flourished as they welcomed their firstborn daughter, Connie, on September 23, 1961. They welcomed their second child, Lucy, on February 23, 1963, and 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 still operates today in the east wing of the winery.

Our address is:

1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, L0S 1J0

905-468-3147

Our retail store is open Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

BarrelHead is open from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday to Sunday.

We understand that many guests enjoy visiting wineries and restaurants with their pets, and we genuinely love dogs ourselves.

Unfortunately, because we operate with an open kitchen and must comply with Ontario food safety regulations, we are unable to allow pets inside our winery and restaurant spaces. Trained service animals are always welcome, as required by law.

We know this may be disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant environment for all guests.