A Taste of La Dolce Vita at Two Sisters Vineyards

In beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, where rolling vineyards meet world-class wine, you’ll find Two Sisters Vineyards—a shining example of passion and craftsmanship. Founded by sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, the estate began with its first planting in 2007 and has since grown into a premier destination for luxury wine tasting, Italian-inspired dining and warm hospitality. With over 130 acres of vines and a commitment to excellence, the sisters have created a place where visitors can enjoy the finest in Canadian winemaking, culinary excellence and warm hospitality.

The winery recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary in November, marking a decade of growth, memorable events and remarkable wines. To learn more about the story behind the vineyard and what makes it so special, we sat down with Jannine Lavoie, General Manager at Two Sisters Vineyards, who has been with the winery since its opening in 2014.

Tell us about Two Sisters Vineyards.

Two Sisters Vineyards is truly a special place. And yes, there really are two sisters—Melissa and Angela, who are the co-proprietors. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside them since day one. They are both incredibly hands-on and passionate, and that has shaped the identity of this winery from the very beginning.

What really sets Two Sisters apart is our culture. It’s at the heart of everything we do. From how we treat our team, to the way we welcome guests, to how we care for the land and vines, there’s a real sense of pride in doing things well. Whether you’re sipping a glass of wine, enjoying a meal at the restaurant, or just taking in the vineyard views, we want every part of the experience to feel thoughtful and reflect the highest standards.

Melissa and Angela always had a clear vision: they wanted guests to experience luxury but also warmth and authenticity. We’re not just making wine here. We’re creating moments. And that’s what makes this place feel more like a home than a business, for our team, and for everyone who visits.

What is the signature wine that Two Sisters is known for?

Our signature wine would have to be the Eleventh Post. It’s a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The name is actually a special part of our history.

During our very first harvest, the family brought their children out to help pick grapes. Afterward, they had a picnic in the vineyard and started dreaming about what the future might look like. As part of that moment, they each carved their names into one of the vineyard posts. When the time came to name the wine, they went back and counted. Turns out it was the eleventh post from the end. That memory inspired the name. It’s a beautiful wine, but also a beautiful story. Every bottle carries that sense of heritage and connection.

What is the most popular item on your menu?

That’s a hard one—it’s kind of like picking a favourite child! But there are definitely a few dishes that have been with us since day one and are still guest favourites.

The arancini (fried saffron rice balls) are always a hit. They’re crispy and packed with flavour. And then there’s our Margherita pizza. We’re pretty well known for our pizzas at Two Sisters. All of the dough is made in-house, and we bake them in a wood-gas fire oven. It brings out such beautiful, rustic flavours. And of course, our meatballs. They’re incredibly popular and flavourful. Each dish is made with care, and I think that really comes through on the plate.

How would you describe the atmosphere at Two Sisters?

Welcoming, without a doubt. From the very beginning, Melissa and Angela wanted guests to feel like they were stepping into their home. It’s luxurious but never pretentious. It’s about enjoying wine, food, and time together in a warm, open setting.

We host amazing events and have a wine club with about 1,200 members that we absolutely love to celebrate. But beyond that, the atmosphere really comes from the people. There’s a strong sense of family here, among the staff, with our regulars and with new visitors too. That spirit is what truly defines the Two Sisters experience.

How has Moneris helped the business?

Definitely. Being located in a more rural area, we used to run into issues with connectivity that would affect our transactions. One of the best solutions from Moneris has been the handheld terminals with cellular capability.  It really changed everything for us. Now, everything runs smoothly. For our guests, it means fast, reliable payments. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that makes a big difference in day-to-day operations.

We learned that you bank with BMO. Any specific features that have helped your business?

We’ve been banking with BMO for quite some time, and one thing we really value is how quickly our transactions get deposited, oftenthe very next day. It makes managing everything from payroll to inventory and planning a lot easier.

On top of that, their customer service has been great. Anytime we’ve had a question or needed support, they’ve been responsive, helpful and thorough.  As a business, it’s comforting to have that kind of reliable partnership.

Cheers to the next ten years!

Two Sisters Vineyards isn’t just a place to sip wine. It’s a reflection of a family’s passion, a team’s commitment, and a community’s love for great food, great wine, and heartfelt hospitality. With ten years behind them and so much still ahead, the team continues to grow, innovate and raise the bar for what a winery experience can be.

My Experience: Where Wine Meets Legacy

Tucked just off the scenic Niagara Parkway along John Street, the estate is not just a winery but a love letter to Italian heritage, Canadian terroir, and the timeless joy of sharing good wine.

Driving up the stately, tree-lined driveway feels like arriving at a private estate in Tuscany. At the end of it all stands the winery’s Palladian-style building—elegant, inviting, and unmistakably Mediterranean in spirit. Two Sisters Vineyards invites guests into that world, crafting not just wines but a memorable experience.

One of the most memorable parts of our visit was stepping into the candlelit and intimate barrel room. The smell of toasted wood and aged wine lingered in the air, and Jannine spoke passionately about the role of patience, craftsmanship, and tradition in every bottle.

After the tour of the barrel room, we made our way to Kitchen76, the estate’s restaurant. We sat on the patio, overlooking the neat rows of vines shimmering in the summer sun. 

We started with the Carciofi, these are crispy artichokes that were full of flavour, topped with a bright parsley gremolata and a handful of salty Calabrian olives. A generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano pulled it all together.

Then we tried the Arancini. The saffron-infused rice balls were perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside. They were rich, soft, and felt like a warm hug straight from Northern Italy.

Then came the Margherita pizza—a simple classic, done really well. The crust was light and chewy, topped with rich Valoroso tomato sauce, creamy Fior di Latte, fresh basil, and just the right amount of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Each bite was perfectly balanced.

We finished with the Rigatoni Bolognese, which felt like something straight out of a family kitchen. The pasta was made fresh, with each rigatoni perfectly al dente, and the Bolognese was a rich mix of beef, veal, and pork that was full of depth and flavour. 

As we wrapped up our visit, we thought about what really makes Two Sisters so special. It’s not just the award-winning wines or the incredible food (although both are unforgettable)

It’s the feeling you get from the moment you arrive—the sense that you’re part of something deeply personal. From the stunning architecture and peaceful cellar to the knowledgeable staff and thoughtfully crafted menu, every detail feels like a celebration.

Two Sisters speaks to the soul—blending tradition, taste, and heartfelt hospitality in a way that leaves a lasting impression.