Nyarai Cellars winemaker, Steve Byfield, is one of a small but emerging collection of highly motivated, vintner directed, brands in Niagara. Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Steve was introduced to the culture of wine during his university studies as an amateur winemaker. Fascinated by its cultural influence upon Society’s perception of cuisine and drink, Steve’s curious, artistic, mind was fuelled to explore further.

In the fall of 2000 Steve made his way into the wine industry as a product consultant with Southbrook Winery. The following year he was granted an opportunity to apprentice as a cellar hand for the 2001 vintage and subsequently was promoted to assistant winemaker shortly afterwards. Steve’s tenure at Southbrook lasted for 5 vintages with his departure in 2006 to the Beamsville Bench Region. Here he worked as assistant winemaker with Ridgepoint Wines, Calamus Estate Winery while also holding the position of winemaker / general manager at Thomas and Vaughan Estate Winery. In 2008 Steve embarked on his own project and created Nyarai Cellars with business partner Rod Ingram.

In forging relationships with conscientious wine growers, the virtual winery model was set into motion with Nyarai’s inaugural release in the spring of 2009. An unflinching commitment to quality, combining dedication to sound viticulture practices and a focus on winemaking detail, the goal of Nyarai Cellars is to convey a sense of place – The Niagara wine region.

Instagram: @nyaraicellarswine