Philip Dowell – Winemaker

Winemaking experience in Australia
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Philip studied agricultural science after leaving school, with practical experience in areas as diverse as cattle breeding, pecan cultivation and farming in Norway. Through his agricultural pursuits Philip settled on a career in the wine industry and completed his wine science degree and CSU in Wagga.

He moved to South Australia in 1984 to work full time in the wine industry at the innovative Wirra Wirra in McLaren Vale. Phil subsequently moved back to Victoria to work with Domaine Chandon Australia and establish its newly acquired Greenpoint property in the Yarra Valley.

He then became senior winemaker at Coldstream Hills in 1988, where he worked with one of Australia's foremost wine writers, James Halliday. Over the next 10 years, Coldstream Hills grew rapidly and won numerous awards and considerable recognition both at home and abroad. Here Philip gained a truly global perspective on the industry, making wines for export to a variety of markets around the world.

Then to Canada
In 1998, Philip accepted the position of General Manager and Winemaker of Inniskillin in Canada at a pivotal time when the Canadian wine industry was gaining acceptance on the world stage. His responsibilities included overseeing winemaking at all Inniskillin properties in Niagara and the Okanagan.

Back to Australia
In 2003 Philip and his wife Meg celebrated the birth of their daughter Sophia, and in 2004 accepted the position as Senior Winemaker/ Winery Manager for Cumulus Wines in Orange, so that Sophia could see her family and Australian heritage. Cumulus was a very large operation with over 1,000 acres of vineyard and a 10,000 tonne capacity winery.

Back to Canada again
After two years in Australia it was time to move again.  The opportunity of developing and working with premium estate vineyards, as well developing and growing a premium brand such as Angels Gate was one he did not want to miss.  “Accepting the position at Angels Gate was an easy option.  It has a great portfolio and the Riesling is exceptional,” says Philip.  He also remarks that the wine industry in Niagara is very dynamic and its potential is yet to be realized.

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AJ McLaughlin – V.P Sales and Marketing

As a native to the Niagara region, AJ has had the pleasure of watching the Ontario wine industry blossom into one of our most important local industries.  After a short time away to study at Wilfrid Laurier University he took a government position back in the region.  After a few years, it was time for a new challenge and the wine industry called out to him.  His first experience was with the Andrew Peller family, acting as Retail Manager at  Hillebrand Estate winery.  “It was an exciting experience to see how a large winery operated,” says AJ. 

In 2002, he joined the Angels Gate team so as to better understand how a smaller winery could position itself within the industry.  At that point, the winery was still under construction so a nearby site was used to begin piecing together the workings of our guest services, retail boutique, and tasting program.  Prior to opening AJ had the privilege to be a part of both the construction and early winemaking process.  This experience helped AJ to better understand the growing needs of this industry.  In being closely involved in each step the winery has taken over the past several years, AJ has had the pleasure of aiding Angels Gate Winery develop from infancy to an industry leader.

Favourite Varietals:  Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Franc

Favourite Angels Gate Wines:  2002 Riesling, 2005 Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer, 2000 Red

Cellar Team – Philip, Tim, Chris and Wayne