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.
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
Bonnie Sneath – Retail Manager
Born and raised in rural Niagara, Bonnie developed an attachment to the land at an early age. As a young girl, she even spent some of her summers working in her grandparents’ vineyard. In her early 20’s she stumbled upon the local wine industry as a career path, and worked her way up into retail while still in university. Upon completion of her B.A. in Classical Studies at Brock University in 2000, she decided to pursue the field further.
Joining the Angels Gate team in April 2006, Bonnie brings with her approximately 10 years of experience in Winery Retail. Her resume includes the names of several Niagara wineries, and most recently management of both Lakeview Cellars and Thomas & Vaughan wineries. She is most passionate about promoting Niagara wines in general, and she looks forward to working with our new winemaker, Philip Dowell, this season.
Favourite Varietals: Beamsville Bench Rieslings, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir.
Favourite Angels Gate Wines: 2006 Riesling, 2004 Cabernet Franc, 2004 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Jeannie Dubois – Hospitality Coordinator
As a native of Thunder Bay, Jeannie has always been very enthusiastic about the abundant agriculture in the Niagara Peninsula – especially viticulture! Upon moving to the area a number of years ago, she whet her wine appetite by taking the Wine Appreciation courses at Niagara College. Needless to say, what began as a passing pursuit became a consuming passion and three years ago she joined the staff at Angels Gate Winery and has been happily immersed in the wine industry since.
In September of 2007, she graduated from Niagara College’s Canadian Association of Certified Sommelier program after a year of intense study and examination. She was also fortunate enough to win the Up and Coming Sommelier competition sponsored by CAPS and won an internship at Domaine Chevalier Pere & Fils in Burgundy during the upcoming 2008 harvest. You can also read about her adventures abroad as she is being published in the March/April edition of Niagara’s own Vines magazine.
At Angels Gate Winery, she is responsible for booking all tastings, tours, winery events, managing the licensee portfolio and our monthly wine club, ‘Angels To Your Door’. Beyond that, she is at the tasting bar most days dispensing what knowledge and encouragement she has to passing patrons, with a ready smile. But not to worry, the only thing that she expects you to know is what wine you liked best!
Favourite Varietals: Chenin Blanc, Syrah
Favourite Angels Gate Wines: 2006 Riesling, 2004 Cabernet Franc
