I did not know Richard Karlo well, certainly not as well as I should have or wanted. And that’s on me.
I regret it, of course, now that cancer has claimed another victim, this time a strong man, a passionate man with the determination and will to help build the region he loved so much.
Richard’s name and winery, Karlo Estates, will always be synonymous with Prince Edward County. His mark on that Ontario region can be felt in the outpouring of grief in the wake of his shocking death this week.
Death is always shocking, but somehow we believed Richard would always be there with that booming voice, that big generous smile (on full display in the photo above by Steven Elphick) to light the way in the County forever. Richard pouring his eclectic wines, pushing the boundaries of what he could accomplish. Richard telling his glorious stories of the County. Richard and his beloved wife Sherry entertaining whoever walked through the doors of the tasting room no matter what time of day.
You could not escape him even if you wanted to.
On many trips to the County if Richard knew you were coming he would track you down on Twitter, on Facebook, with texts, with whatever, to make sure you popped by the winery to taste his newest wines.
And, of course, you always made time, he made sure you made time and he made sure he was there to greet you and lead through his new releases, pouring wine after wine, laughing, enjoying and making you feel like the most important person on Earth at that moment.
Richard Karlo was an adventurer, he worked outside the box to create a portfolio of Prince Edward County wines that appealed to the broadest spectrum of wine lovers. Oak in Riesling? He made it. Port in Ontario? He had it covered. Cherry-, hickory-, oak- and ash-aged? He’s got a wine for that.
And then this, the message on Facebook you never want to see, from Sherry Martin, above, the woman he loved so much.
“Richard passed away last night, November 26 at 8:46 pm. He is at peace. No more cancer. No more pain.
Sleep well my sweet Prince. My King Richard.”
As word spread of Richard Karlo’s passing, the tributes poured in.
From Bethany Harpur
“Richard Karlo was the kind of guy who would drop everything to help a neighbour with a tractor issue or tank problem. The kind of guy who would come all the way in from the back 40 to say hello and tell you stories about his wines. The kind of guy who was eager to make you feel at home.
I first met Richard at Savvy Company’s inaugural County in the City show. I was finally able to put a face to the Twitter handle: wide smile, strong handshake and big, room-filling laugh.
From that point on, it seemed like every time I bumped into Richard, it was like meeting up with an old friend.
There was nothing better than sitting at the tasting bar in their massive barn in Prince Edward County, impervious to the passage of time, while Richard and Sherry poured samples and chatted. His impressive portfolio of reds, whites, rosés and fortified wines stand as a testament to his genius and to his passion.
A wide range of styles and flavours, something for everyone to enjoy. His Frontenac Gris will remain my favourite; a blushing, orange-tinged rosé that smelled and tasted like nothing I’d ever had before … or ever will again.
The County lost one of its greats this week with Richard’s passage.”
From wine writer and author Billy Munnelly
“Everyone in The County, and all over the Ontario wine industry, is saddened to hear of the passing of winemaker Richard Karlo. A victim of cancer while in the prime of his life.
Richard, along with his partner and wife, Sherry Martin, ran their business from the ‘love side’ – making Karlo Estates one of the most fun places to visit in The County.
We thank him for enriching our lives. Our thoughts and condolences are with Sherry and their families.
May you have the strength of your beloved stone walls to see happier days.”
From Paul Dearborn, vice-president of the
Ontario Wine Society — Prince Edward County
“Two of the first wines that I really fell in love with in Prince Edward County were the Quintus and The 5th Element from Karlo Estates, made by Richard Karlo. I’m happy to say that the man himself was even better and bigger and friendlier and more gregarious than his wines were.
You always heard Richard before you saw him, either his booming voice or his infectious laugh. His handshakes were always firm and his hugs were enveloping. And he always had time for a chat.
I’m glad I got to know him, as a winemaker and as a person and as a friend.
We’ll miss you Richard.”
And then there was the Twitter tribute to Richard Karlo last night on Twitter, a virtual toast #ToRichard and an outpouring of heartfelt messages, photos and videos.
David Lawrason @DavidLawrason
Farewell Richard Karlo. Braveheart and friend to all. You embodied the spirit of wine. #ToRichard
John Squair @JohnatThreeDog
#ToRichard may your glass stay full and your laugh roll throughout the heavens until we meet again. Keep fermenting
Erin Traer @MamaThunder22
Sorry for your loss @KarloEstates #ToRichard may your gentle soul, & unmistakable laugh bring as much joy to heaven as here on earth. RIP
County Tidings @CountyTidings
A toast to a visionary that’ll be missed by all but has left us all with cherished memories. #ToRichard @KarloEstates
Shawn McCormick @UncorkOntario
Richard @KarloEstates was the first winemaker I got to know over dinner. Loved his laugh, infectious excitement & wines. #ToRichard
#ToRichard Karlo of @KarloEstates An inspiration to follow your love & dreams. May he be resting w/ a glass of the finest PEC Chard.
His laugh was like a big hug. He will be missed but forever in our hearts. #ToRichard
Calvin Hanselmann @TheEvilDoctorD
Your booming laugh and great presence will be missed but not forgotten. #ToRichard!
And this, from Sherry Martin:
To my love on this night while he flies with the angels. #ToRichard #princeedwardcounty
Yes, rest in peace, Richard Karlo, rest in peace.
Richard Karlo’s Service Arrangements
Visitation
When: Wednesday, Dec. 3rd. 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Ainsworth Funeral Home
288 Noxon Street
Wellington, Ontario
K0K 3L0
Closed Casket
Service
When: Thursday, Dec. 4th 5:00 p.m.
Where: Wellington United Church
245 Main Street
Wellington, Ontario
K0K 3L0
Wake at the Drake
When: Thursday, Dec. 4th 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Drake Devonshire
24 Wharf Street
Wellington, Ontario
K0K 3L0
Live music from Richard’s friends.
Hi Rick,
A lovely article about a great big lovely guy. Saying that Richard thought “outside the box” is an understatement! Whenever I asked him why he kept trying such “weird things” (my words) with his wine making, he would smile, or laugh out loud, and say “Why not? I thought it tasted pretty good!” I always admired him for having the guts to try so many different things both in the vineyard and later inside.
RIP Richard, you will be missed by more than you could ever know. #ToRichard!
Cheers,
Rick B
Great coverage of a very sad topic Rick. The outpouring of grief and support for Sherry through the “#ToRichard” virtual toast on Twitter last night covered all the things I remember about Richard that made him special: The booming voice, the infectious laugh that could be heard clearly at a crowded wine event, the generosity with his time, and of course the wines that pushed the envelope. He engaged and treated everyone with such passion that there is no doubt he touched others, and we’re all a little bit lonelier today with his death.
Hi Rick:
A lovely post for a lovely guy. Well done.
Buffi
He was one of the greats. On every trip to the County, we made sure we went to Karlo. The funny thing was Karlo didn’t mind telling you who else was making good wine and we discovered other County wineries that way. Nothing will ever equal Karlo Lake of the Mountain Reisling or Quintus, or oh that fabulous port. Goodbye Richard. We hardly knew you…
R
Three days before Richard’s passing, Sherry hosted Wassail at the winery and we made the old barn rafters ring as we sang with glasses charged with not one but two expensive Karlo ports; this generosity and joy can be tasted in their wines–spiritual terroir.