by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:40 AM ET, Thu December 11, 2025
Stone Eagle Winery, Niagara-On-The-Lake (Photo Credit: Supplied)
From crafting award-winning wines to creating immersive culinary experiences, Angela and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli are shaping Niagara-on-the-Lake's future as a must-visit destination.
On November 5, 2025, Stone Eagle Winery officially opened its doors, unveiling a 36-acre estate built by the founders of the award-winning Two Sisters Vineyards.
From their approach to crafting ultra-premium wines to the experiences they hope to create for visitors, the sisters offered TravelPulse Canada an exclusive look into their latest ventures, sharing how Stone Eagle is shaping the future of Niagara-on-the-Lake — both as a destination and as a hub for world-class wine.
Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, founders of Stone Eagle Winery (Photo Credit: Supplied)
Their first winery propelled them to leadership in a traditionally male-dominated Canadian industry. Their second is poised to redefine what Niagara hospitality can be.
For the Marotta sisters, Stone Eagle isn’t just an expansion — it’s an evolution.
“Stone Eagle represents the next evolution of our family’s commitment to elevating Niagara wine and hospitality,” Angela told TravelPulse Canada.
“With Two Sisters Vineyards, we established a strong foundation. We saw an opportunity to create an estate that focused even more on the marriage between food and wine.”
RELATED: Stone Eagle Winery Opens in Niagara-on-the-Lake
That union—wine grown with intention and cuisine designed to honour it—became the heart of Stone Eagle. The estate features a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, The Nest at Stone Eagle, and a tasting program guided by Estate Sommelier Magister Dieter Unruh, where pairings are as essential as the pours themselves.
Stone Eagle's portfolio is already drawing attention. (Photo Credit: Supplied)
Global Recognition Already Pouring In
Where Two Sisters celebrates single-varietal expression, Stone Eagle takes a different path.
“Stone Eagle is intentionally built around a focused, small portfolio primarily dedicated to blends,” Melissa explains. “This lets us craft consistent house styles while still honouring the nuances of the vintage.”
It’s also a portfolio that’s already drawing attention:
- 2022 Stone Eagle Rosé – Bronze, National Wine Awards of Canada (93 pts)
- 2022 Eagle Eye White – Silver, 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards; Gold, National Wine Awards of Canada; Double Gold, Global Fine Wine Challenge (95 pts)
- 2020 Stone Eagle Red – Decanter Silver (94 pts)
- 2020 Stone Eagle Special Selection Red – Silver, 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (96 pts)
- Stone Eagle Sparkling – 94 pts
For Angela and Melissa, these nods say as much about Niagara as they do about Stone Eagle.
“We’ve watched Canadian wines earn more respect on the world stage,” Melissa said. “If we can contribute to how global travellers see Niagara, that’s an incredible accomplishment.”
The estate is Certified Sustainable through Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (Photo Credit: Supplied)
A Female-Led Vision in a Traditionally Male Space
The Marotta sisters have long been recognized for challenging industry norms, and Stone Eagle is an extension of that leadership.
“As women in a male-dominated industry, our perspective has shaped every aspect of Stone Eagle,” said Melissa.
With a management team that is 90% women, the estate was built with an eye for detail, empathy and intention.
From guest experience to architectural design, nothing was left to chance.
“Every element is curated,” she added. “Thoughtful design, personalized service, and genuine care — that’s how we lead.”
Stone Eagle Winery (Photo Credit: Supplied)
Winemaking With Restraint — and Respect for the Land
Low-intervention winemaking isn’t a marketing slogan at Stone Eagle; it’s a deeply held philosophy.
“We are wine growers, not just grape growers,” Melissa said. “Low intervention lets us stay out of the way and celebrate what our vineyards provide.”
The estate is Certified Sustainable through Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario, a designation earned through science-based agricultural practices, canopy management, reduced inputs, and the use of vegan-friendly fining agents such as pea or potato protein — though the winery notes they “hardly use any fining agents at all.”
“Everything we do is rooted in environmental responsibility,” Angela said. “It’s about vine health, wine quality, and long-term stewardship.”
Stone Eagle offers rooms designed for gatherings, celebrations, and events. (Photo Credit: Supplied)
A Destination Built for Moments — Big and Small
Stone Eagle was conceived not just as a winery, but as a gathering place.
The estate includes:
- The Stone Eagle Ballroom – 216 seated / 310 standing
- The Pluma Room – 56 seated / 120 standing
- The Aquila Room – private dining for 22
- Private tasting rooms – hosting 6–8 guests
- A covered terrace overlooking the vineyards
“We designed Stone Eagle to embody modern luxury and timeless sophistication,” Melissa said. “Whether it’s an intimate tasting or a grand celebration, every experience is shaped with care.”
The winery will offer tasting experiences and pairings, with a behind-the-scenes estate tour launching in 2026, giving visitors deeper insight into its winemaking.
Stone Eagle will offer tasting experiences and pairings. (Photo Credit: Supplied)
The Moment Everything Came Together
With Stone Eagle, the Marottas aren’t just expanding their portfolio. They’re cementing their legacy — one built on family, audacity, and a belief that Canadian wine deserves its place on the world stage.
For a project of this scale, the challenges were immense: construction, vineyard development, staffing, portfolio building, and culinary planning — all at once.
“The first time we tasted the wines, knowing how much went into every detail, it felt like everything had come full circle,” Angela recalled. “That was the moment we knew we had created something special.”
The estate was built with an eye for detail and intention. (Photo Credit: Stone Eagle Winery)
A New Chapter for Niagara — and for Two Sisters
As Niagara-on-the-Lake earns growing global attention, the sisters believe Stone Eagle can help the region soar even higher.
“We want Stone Eagle to help position Niagara alongside the great wine regions of the world,” Melissa said. “Wines with a signature Niagara fingerprint — that’s our ambition.”
Stone Eagle Winery (Photo Credit: Daniel Ricci)
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