Niagara winemakers have a new kid on the block – Stone Eagle Winery, a purpose-built estate, blending dynamic wines with cuisine and ambience, a modern luxury experience. The project is the latest venture from sisters Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, who also founded Two Sisters Vineyards, also located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Art Deco-style estate offers a curated portfolio of just five sustainably produced wines, alongside Stone Eagle ambassador-led food-paired tastings, with refined spaces for weddings, private events and culinary experiences. Stone Eagle’s tasting programs, rooted in its culinary offerings and pairings,are under the leadership of Winemaker Adam Pearce and Estate Sommelier Magister Dieter Unruh.
At the heart of that is the The Nest at Stone Eagle, a restaurant featuring locally-sourced meals designed to complement the estate’s wines. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Stone Eagle’s opening portfolio includes:
- Stone Eagle Sparkling, 94 point wine rating
- 2022 Stone Eagle Rosé, recipient of a Bronze Medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada, 93 point wine rating
- 2022 Eagle Eye White, recipient of a Silver Medal, 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards and a Gold Medal at the National Wine Awards of Canada, awarded Double Gold by the Global Fine Wine Challenge, 95 point wine rating
- 2020 Stone Eagle Red, recipient of a Decanter Silver Medal, 94 point wine rating
- 2020 Stone Eagle Special Selection Red, recipient of a Silver Medal, 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, 96 point wine rating
There are around 100 wineries in the Niagara region, according to VQA Ontario. Angela and Melissa are committed to further elevating the wine and hospitality landscape of a region that already is world renowned for wine tourism.
Regarding Luxury caught up with the two sisters for their thoughts on luxury.
Sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, left, and Angela Marotta.
What are your most memorable luxury travel experiences (private safaris, yacht charters, five-star retreats)?
Melissa
One of my most memorable luxury travel experiences was a visit to Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany and the estate dates back to 1200’s and was lovingly restored into a boutique hotel. I travelled there with my husband for four days a few years ago. I loved how private and secluded it was. The hotel is set on a large, fully contained estate based in ‘agrotourism’ which means a working farm that hosts guests.
This is on a whole other level with regards to service, Tuscan ambience and beautiful food. There were warm burning candles throughout, warm Baroque style interiors with hand-painted walls and incredible countryside views.
Angela
There have been a couple of luxury travel experiences that I have had in the past. One hotel in particular recently that hit all the marks of luxury for me was Le Crillon in Paris. From the moment I stepped onto the property I was mesmerized by the beauty of the lobby with its marble and opulent design. These design attributes were throughout the hotel.
The Hotel was very high end and luxurious however the staff was very down to earth and went out of their way to be accommodating and friendly. We were assigned a butler who handled all my unpacking needs, restaurant reservations and anything else that I required. That level of service and attention was very memorable. The City of Paris is very exciting however I was almost tempted not to leave the hotel!
What does “luxury” mean to you? How would you define it? In terms of Canada, where is “luxury” evolving do you think?
Melissa
As all things, luxury is very personal. To me ‘experiential luxury’ is how I define it for myself. My life is so busy so when I have downtime, I enjoy a special experience, time away or dining in a restaurant. This is how I most like to enjoy ‘luxury’.
As Canadians, I feel COVID has made people discover what is in their own backyard and they have not turned back. Instead of travelling to other parts of the world or the US, they are successfully searching out luxury experiences and quality products here in our own country.
Angela
Luxury for me is time with my whole family. The ability for us all to have free time from school and work to embark on a holiday or experience is the ultimate luxury. A trip that involves any outdoor activity together where we are immersed in nature is luxury as it meets all our wants and needs for a family trip.
Examples of this is a recent trip we took to Killarney. Hiking in the most beautiful natural landscape and parks, the ability to just jump into a clean lake that has been untouched from pollution and the environment, seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, sailing the northern shores of Georgian Bay – that was luxury for us all as a family. Any skiing trip as well especially Lake Louise and Banff when the snow conditions are ideal – luxury!
What are your favourite “luxury” items (cars, watches, art, wine etc.) and why do they matter to you?
Melissa
I have a love for shoes, it’s my weakness! It all started when I was in high school and I was the only one wearing John Fluevog shoes because of the uniqueness of them.
The brands that I gravitate the most to today are Chanel, Manolo Blahnik and Hermes. These brands, depending on the style, whisper luxury, not shout it with simple perfection. The precision of the craftsmanship with the stitching, the material and the timeless designs. All are pillars of a brand that withstands the test of time.
Angela
Clothes and purses – special and high-quality items that can be passed on to my daughters. When buying a high designer piece such as a Chanel jacket or purse or anything Hermes, I see these acquisitions as investments. They will outlive me and will continue to be enjoyed by the next generation(s). Iconic brands and high-quality items are meant to be enjoyed by multiple generations.
Can you give us a peek into a daily luxury ritual (tailoring, wine tasting, spa routine etc)?
Melissa
My skin care routine is my daily luxury! I use La Mer products every morning and evening and it truly is my ritual between starting off my day and my evening ritual using their beautiful products.
Angela
I work out with a trainer. That is a luxury ritual that I will not give up especially as I age. Being active and strong is so important. I am also interested in longevity and the treatments out there that I can explore so I can continue to live a vibrant, healthy and high energy life.
Images: Courtesy Stone Eagle Winery
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
