By Rick VanSickle
Tawse Estate winemaker Paul Pender died today under tragic circumstances, the owner of Tawse winery, Moray Tawse, said in a news release.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend Paul Pender, who passed away on February 4, 2022. Paul died unexpectedly under tragic circumstances. We will all miss him more than words can express. He was not just our manager but our good friend as well.”
Pender joined the Tawse team in 2005 and became head winemaker in 2006. Under his leadership, Tawse achieved Ecocert organic and Demeter biodynamic certification and was named Canadian Winery of the year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2016. He earned the title of Winemaker of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards in 2011.
A former carpenter, Paul was in the second graduating class of Niagara College’s Winery and Viticulture program. He adopted a “non-interventionist as far as possible” philosophy and was a firm believer that the start of every great wine begins in the vineyard.
A celebrated winemaker in Niagara, Pender guided both the Tawse and Redstone wineries, owned by Moray Tawse, into two of the most well-rounded, awarded and extensive portfolios in the country.
I have known Pender since he began his incredible journey at Tawse and have tasted his wines every vintage. He was soft-spoken and passionate about making the very best wines he could from organic and biodynamic grapes and tackled new ventures such as spirits and cider with equal enthusiasm. He was a brilliant winemaker and crafted some of Niagara’s most profound Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Rieslings as well as more fuller bodied red and finessed sparkling wines. He was largely responsible for building of the most awarded and widely respected wineries in the country.
Said Vineland Estates winemaker Brian Schmidt: “As all others I am in disbelief. Such a loss. I would often call Paul at random times throughout the year, he would call me. Our farms were adjoining, we looked out for each other. Paul was always up for a chat and as friends do, he shared with me and challenged me. He made me a better winemaker. It was Paul that sent me in the direction of no longer using herbicide under our vines. He bluntly said, ‘Brian, why would you think a strip of death under your vines is a good thing? Over the coming weeks, the loss for Ontario wine is what will be spoken of but more, the loss for his family is incalculable.
More reactions:
Lee Thomas Baker: “Unbelievable. A huge inspiration to me as a winemaker. Six years ago, Paul came to Keint-he to taste the first wines I producing as a head winemaker. I was so incredibly nervous. He was absolutely amazing and encouraging. He as and always will be one of the best this industry has ever had.”
From Ryan Crawford, owner of Ruffino’s Pasta Bar and Grill: “Same vintage I met Paul Pender (above photo). He was one of my best friends! We met over duck confit & Pinot. He was a trail blazer in our industry. I remember barrel tasting with him as Pascal jumped like Spider-Man from barrel to barrel. The young wine maker and the young chef started a friendship that would last decades. People might not know, but I’m ordained and married Paul and Ali in a “secret” ceremony! It breaks my heart that he was going to do the same for me and my fiancé Martha Brett. And now cannot. I’m sorry Moray, but I’ll miss skinny dipping in your pool with Paul after wine makers’ dinners at Tawse. I’ll miss our crazy shenanigans!!! Such a great human. This is such a tragic loss to our community. My heart is broken. But I know he will always be with us in our hearts! So if you have a bottle of Tawse. Crack it open. Take off your cloths. And run around naked! It’s what Paul be would want you to do! Sorry we’ll never be able to use my sauna together. But I’ll have a toast to you every time I do! I miss you. I’ll never forget you. And I’ll look out for everyone who loved you!
“Cheers Buddy, I love you!”
Chef and co-owner of Dispatch Restaurant, Adam Hynam-Smith, said: “Our hearts, thoughts and wishes, love and support go out the entire extended family and work family of Paul Pender. We are at a loss of words. RIP Paul.”
Treadwell Restaurant, said: “Shocked and saddened by the tragic news . Our condolences to his family and the team at Tawse.”
Eugene Mlynczyk, MW Arterra Wines Canada, said: “I am so deeply saddened to hear this news. Paul was an amazing winemaker and super generous with our Independent Wine Education Guild WSET diploma students, hosting us for several years every fall as a key part of our practical, in the field, viticulture and winemaking segment. We always endeavoured to bring important guests outside the region to visit at Tawse or Redstone with Paul, and they were invariably impressed. Amazing Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Sparking wines, so said my fellow Masters of Wine. Again, a great loss and I’m so sorry for the family and the community.”
Barbara Honsberger Condotta: “So very sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”
More to come …
Tragic loss and totally needless. My Condolences to the family
I am so deeply saddened to hear this news. Paul was an amazing winemaker and super generous with our Independent Wine Education Guild WSET diploma students, hosting us for several years every fall as a key part of our practical, in the field, viticulture and winemaking segment. We always endeavoured to bring important guests outside the region to visit at Tawse or Redstone with Paul, and they were invariably impressed. Amazing Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Sparking wines, so said my fellow Masters of Wine. Again, a great loss and I’m so sorry for the family and the community. Sincerely, Eugene
Paul was a wonderful human. All my love to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Such devastating news. I didn’t know Paul the way so many in Niagara do but I knew him through his wines and I knew him to be a gentle, kind person in the few times are paths crossed. My thoughts are with his family and friends who’ve lost a wonderful human being and a great Canadian.
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Paul Pender, vintner extraordinaire! I was fortunate to teach Paul at Niagara College and he was indeed one of the top students from my time there. I remember Paul as rather quiet, self-effacing, but keen. His achievements at Tawse Winery simply speak for themselves. This is a huge loss for the Ontario Wine Industry and it must not be allowed to pass by without some form of recognition. Jim Warren
It’s a profound loss for our industry as Paul was a shining example of what matters in wine. Pristine farming, respectful winemaking, pure wines with an indelible sense of place. When he came out to the west coast, we lined up to see him. Stricken especially for his loving family, his grieving friends, and all our colleagues in Ontario.
I am so shocked to hear of Paul’s passing. I have known Paul since he became winemaker at Tawse. No matter how busy, he always had time to stop and chat about wine, and wine and food. His enthusiasm knew no bounds. If I was in a large group at a Tawse function, he always made sure to say hello, though I was a customer rather than a close friend. Maybe he had tougher days, but he didn’t show it. He was always friendly and cheerful, even in the middle of crush.
This is a shock. So enjoyed all the times we got to meet on trade missions and at industry conventions. I always admired and looked up to Paul. He cut through a lot of bullshit and was a great communicator about wine and about organics. Sending love to Paul’s family, friends, and coworkers.
Central Fabricating always enjoyed the engagement and services we provided for Paul and Tawes and Red stone a great guy to work with.Im lost for words .So I will say there are No words ,No words .Henry Klassen
I simply cannot imagine Paul gone, or contain my grief. Paul was a driven individual who still managed to be kind and gentle – a rare combination of almost opposing forces of human nature. In his driven and creative mode, he was unstoppable, unflappable, and visionary. But I think that his sensitive and warm-hearted, fun-loving character was his true center or core.
Rest in Peace Paul. As someone who rarely stood still, that will be hard, but you deserve peace if anyone ever did.
What an incomprehensible tragedy. I am personally heartbroken for my dear friend and colleague Allison who Paul leaves behind at a time when they should be looking forward to a bright and loving future together. Paul will always be remembered by the wine community as more than a talented winemaker. He was a friend and colleague , generous and supportive to all of us that have had the good fortune to have crossed paths with him in our common pursuit of making great wine in Ontario. Rest In Peace Paul. Your memory lives on in all of us.
Paul was always the best part of the day when we were lucky enough to have him spend time with our teams. He was an educator and a friend to hospitality professionals at every level. Sending condolences to all loved ones and friends of Paul.
I stood in awe so many times watching Paul eschew his rightful place in Ontario VQA wine stardom to just be himself with the LCBO Product Consultants touring his beloved Tawse Winery. He was soft-spoken, fully engaging and ever-so-ebullient about his craft. I regret that I did not get to know him as much as I would like to have but I think the generosity of his spirit gave me a privileged and cherished glimpse. I am deeply saddened for his family, his winery family and our industry as a whole for losing such a bright light.
I am very saddened by this news. I met Paul only a handful of times working on behalf of my wine magazine in BC- Vitis. We attended events together in both BC and ON. I first met Paul at the winery- his passion, positivity and big heart was unforgettable. Sending healing thoughts to his family, friends, colleagues and the whole Niagara wine region.
Wow. Unbelievable. My sincere condolences to the family and everyone at Tawse and Redstone. Terrible loss.
God Bless Paul! I only met him a few times when visit Tawse Winery! RIP.
This is tragic. RiP Paul
Prayers for his family, friends colleagues and everybody who new him
Tim
Winemaker pelee island winery
Such a tragic loss of such a lovely man and hugely talented winemaker. Will always remember his kindness and generosity of spirit.
There are no words to describe this terrible tragedy. I met Paul 10 years ago and over the many years collaborating with Paul, a business relationship turned into a cherished friendship. Paul, always genuine, down to earth and inspirational in business and in life.
My sincere condolences to Paul’s family and colleagues.
I am shocked and saddened. I met Paul when he was inquiring about signing up for the wine and viticulture program at Niagara College. He ended up enrolling being a great student and evolving into an incredible winemaker. My heart goes out to his family at this tragic time.
Still in complete shock – Paul’s journey and leadership by example on behalf of the great transformation of Niagara wine country has been taken from family, friends and followers way too early. He brought much pleasure, joy and a bit of magic to so many with every wine he produced. My favourite memory of this exceptionally thoughtful artisan winemaker was noticing him casually shuffle into a high-end Toronto event attended by a well-dressed crowd. Of course he was garbed in his trademark dusty boots, worn jeans and t-shirt, tacitly reminding those around him of the very hard work, physically challenging and long lonely hours required of his vocation. He was truly a unique fellow, will be missed by so many and his star will always shine bright. Memory Eternal!
My heart literally sunk upon hearing this news. Such a wonderful guy. One of the good ones. Rest in peace, Paul.
terrible, terrible news. Never mind how good a winemaker he was, most importantly just a super nice man. He will be so missed. RIP, Paul.
Dermot Sweeny (collector of wine, architect of Redstone winery) & I knew Paul Pender. We are shocked at this tragic news. We are very sorry for this deep loss.
Marie Stauch
I am praying for this man, his family, his friends and his colleagues. It was like if he knew you, you were family. I am at a loss right now, but we will all remember how incredibly great Paul was. Such an amazing soul. #heartbroken
Devastating news, my condolences.
Tawse was my first step into the winery when I worked with them ages ago.
Paul, was always supportive and helpful when it came to winemaking questions. He was passionate about wine and focused on crafting fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Just this summer, I stopped by the winery to say hello to Paul.
He still had that same passion for winemaking.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a very kind, helpful & humble neighbour at the lake. Our thoughts are with you Allison and family.
Unbelievable and shocking news and we are so very saddened and heart broken for the Pender Family. Paul was one of a kind and taken away far too early. He always had a kind word and you always felt like you mattered when you were in his presence. We are grateful and very lucky to have crossed paths with Paul.
WOW!!! this is one of those losses that when you 1st hear it you do not believe it. When ever I talked of amazing Ontario wine makers, Paul’s name was always in that group. I was lucky enough to meet Paul a few times both in work situations and personal tours with Paul and Mr.Tawse.
He was interesting, generous and down to Earth. Again it is hard to believe he is gone. My sympathy to his family and all the people that knew him and loved him.
Dermot & I are shocked at this terrible news. A great loss indeed. Sincerely – Marie & Dermot Sweeny
I am saddened to hear of our Loss
Prayers go out to his Family
Paul,
You will be missed,from my days at Colio through the travels in the industry,you were steady and kind, finding your own place, rest peacefully buddy, my heart is with your family. Tim