A Tribute to Paul Pender

We hold hands and mourn with Ontario’s wine community. On 3rd February, 2022, the world lost Paul Pender, a celebrated and stellar winemaker, who died under tragic circumstances. Paul was director of viticulture and winemaking for Tawse and Redstone Wineries in the Niagara Peninsula.

Over the last 8 years, Kwaf has had the honour and privilege of being partners and friends with Tawse and Redstone wineries. With the 8 years that we’ve spent with Tawse and Redstone Wineries, we’ve been able to share nothing but great wines with our club members. 

Many might recall the 2016 Merlot Cabernet that we shared in the December quarterly club shipment. Some of you who’ve been here longer might even remember our Tawse wine and spirit cocktail pack back in November 2020. We even have some Tawse features in our upcoming shipments. We’ve always wanted to share them with you because we loved them so much.

Paul was born on 25th of December, 1967, to parents Mary and Mike Pender. He spent the longest time in Niagara as he raised his family there and worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker. It was not until he was 36 that he enrolled back into school. He joined the second cohort of the winemaking and viticulture program at Niagara College. This was where he found his passion. 

Fresh out of college, Paul joined Tawse Winery in 2005 and in 2006 became a winemaker. With his leadership as director of viticulture and winemaking, Tawse achieved Ecocert organic and Demeter biodynamic certification. His work was instrumental in leading Tawse to receive the Canadian Winery of the Year award in 2010, 2011, 2012, and again in 2016. Paul was even awarded Winemaker of the Year in 2011. His innovation and winemaking techniques have helped shape the Canadian wine industry over the last 17 years. 

According to his family and loved ones, Paul’s life was more than winemaking. His life was full of adventures, from camping trips, to impromptu beers and even starting a coffee roasting business. A soft-spoken and generous man, he shared his adventures and memories with his family and friends, and gave immensely to the Niagara community. 

A great loss for Canada, and one that was too soon. With mourning hearts, our condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Paul is survived by his wife, and three children.

Rest in peace Paul.