Harald Thiel

Since he was a young man Harald has had the dream of owning a premium quality artisanal winery. In 2003, after a successful business career in the audiovisual industry, he and his family founded Hidden Bench Estate Winery with the goal of producing premium quality estate grown wines, which Canadians could serve with pride side by side with the best wines in the world. As a hands-on fully engaged owner he is actively involved in the day to day operations of the winery from vineyard to bottle and provides the winery its strategic direction and focus. A passionate foodie and wine consumer, he is also one of the founders of the Upper Canada Cheese Company and the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Festival. A strong believer in giving back, he sits on a number of not–for–profit boards, is the current Chair of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and has spearheaded a number of local environmental causes to protect the Beamsville Bench area. In his spare time Harald loves to read, cook, fly fish and ski.

Vital Wine Stats:

Aha! Wine: 1970 Chateau Cheval Blanc
Favourite Pinot Noir Pairing: Butterflied Leg of Lamb grilled over vines
Favourite Chardonnay Pairing: Steamed Canadian Lobster with clarified butter
Favourite Riesling Pairing: Alsace Tarte/ Flammkuchen or Atlantic Oysters
Favourite HB wine: Love them all equally but differently!!!