#FOOD: COLIO WINE ESTATES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF LAWRENCE BUHLER AS VP, WINEMAKING

Colio Estate Wines today announced the appointment of Lawrence Buhler as Vice President, Winemaking, effective February 2, 2026.

A highly-respected Canadian winemaker, Buhler brings extensive domestic and international experience and deep roots in Ontario’s wine industry. He most recently served as Head Winemaker at Henry of Pelham, one of Ontario’s leading VQA wineries.

A graduate of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University, Buhler has held senior winemaking roles at Peller Estates Winery and Colio Estate Wines, and gained experience in notable wine regions including France, Chile, Argentina, and Australia. He previously worked at Colio from 2011 to 2015, and was integral as part of the winery’s significant increase in production and quality.

In his new role, Buhler will lead Colio’s winemaking strategy across its portfolio. He joins the company’s Executive Team, working closely with production and vineyard partners to support quality, regional expression, and strong grower relationships.

“Returning to Colio, and to the Harrow community, truly feels like coming home,” said Lawrence Buhler. “After working in wine regions around the world, I’m inspired by the potential of Ontario VQA wines and excited to collaborate with Colio’s team and grower partners to craft wines that reflect the character of this region.”

Buhler’s passion for wine began early through international travel with his wine-enthusiast father. His winemaking philosophy blends global experience with a strong sense of place, focusing on producing expressive, high-quality VQA wines.

“Lawrence is an accomplished winemaker with exceptional talent and experience,” said Jim Clark, President, Colio Estate Wines. “His global experience, deep understanding of Ontario VQA wines, and longstanding connection to Colio make him the ideal leader for our winemaking team. We are thrilled to welcome Lawrence and his family back to Harrow, and confident he will help shape the next chapter of Colio’s success.”

While Colio has grown substantially since its founding—today, there are 12 brands with over 50 SKUs—the origin as a family business very much remains part of the DNA. Buhler takes pride in leading with a cohesive team approach. Over the coming months, he will be sharing a fresh vision for this next era of Colio, which includes ambitious plans to grow the VQA portfolio, to further anchor Colio as an important pillar of the Canadian wine scene.

About Colio Estate Wines

Founded in 1980 and located in Harrow, Ontario, Colio Estate Wines is one of Canada’s leading wine producers and a cornerstone of the Ontario wine industry. With a diverse portfolio that includes Ontario VQA wines, international blends, and innovative wine styles, Colio is committed to quality, craftsmanship, and strong partnerships with local grape growers. Rooted in the Lake Erie North Shore appellation, Colio combines decades of winemaking expertise with a forward-looking approach to deliver wines that reflect both tradition and modern consumer tastes.