Ron Giesbrecht

Ron Giesbrecht has lived and worked in the Niagara Region his entire life. His love of food, fruit and science led him to receiving a degree in Biology from the University of Waterloo and a master’s degree in food science (specializing in Oenology) from the University of Guelph.

He then gained experience at various Ontario wine establishments, such as Chateau des Charmes and Brights Wines and did research at the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario.

Following that time, Ron pursued his winemaking passion at Henry of Pelham where he remained as head winemaker for 23 years, earning the nickname ‘Papa Baco’ for showcasing the often-overlooked Baco Noir grape.

Looking for more challenges, he moved to Niagara College as a wine and viticulture professor, where he taught for an additional 9 years. Retiring only from teaching in the summer of 2022, he is focusing now on this new adventure, Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery.