Meet the Winemaker
Gianluca Di Loro
bio
About Gianluca
Gianluca is an Italian winemaker who traveled the world to follow his passion for wine. His winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention, respect for tradition, and the simplicity of science. He aims to produce wines that are true to their region and variety, highlighting finesse, freshness, and harmony. Gianluca is also committed to sustainable practices.
Over the past decade, he has worked at wineries and restaurants in Italy, France, Portugal, California, Australia, British Columbia, and Ontario. Currently, he resides in Toronto but continues to travel to exceptional wine regions.
Gianluca’s accomplishments include being named Best Wine Taster of Italy in 2017 and taking 2nd place at the CAPS Cup in Ontario in 2023. His wines have also earned several medals at the Decanter Wine Awards in 2021 and were selected by the Ontario Legislative Assembly in 2022.
Since 2023, Gianluca has been a member of the VQA tasting panel. In this role, he helps determine if wines meet the required standards for VQA appellation status, showcasing his expertise in Canadian wines.
What we believe
- Fruit first. Let the grapes shine.
- People first. Wine is for sharing.
- Balance. Not too heavy, not too light, just right.
Recognition
Wine critic Reviews
An unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon from Shale Ridge on the Lake Huron shore in southwestern Ontario. The wine shows admirable restraint, crafted with minimal interference to let the fruit speak. What it says is elegant, if a little understated: firm but accommodating tannins, lively acids, and a mid-weight frame that feels balanced rather than boastful. Alcohol is modest, flavour more generous—cassis and blueberry accented with sage, a flicker of mint, and a wildflower note that gives lift. It’s stylish, thoughtfully made, and impressively balanced, with a mid-weight frame that feels balanced rather than boastful. A stylish, well-judged effort that shows both promise and poise, ending with memorable length. Tasted August 2025.
— Sara d’Amato
Source: Wine Align
Shale Ridge, a winery and cidery, is located in the hamlet of Thedford close to the shores of Lake Huron in southwest Ontario. This is locally grown cabernet designed exactly as it should be for the region. No oak! Just straight-up, jump-up fragrant red fruits – cranberry/raspberry – with violet florality. It is medium weight, rather tart-edged, juicy and coarse, but the exuberance and crunch is captivating. The tannins are rather green. The length is very good to excellent. A new compass for cabernet in Ontario? Tasted August 2025.
— David Lawrason
Source: Wine Align
Where our grapes come from
We choose growers who care for
the land and grow great fruit.
how we make wine
- Clean tanks (stainless) for bright, fresh flavours.
- A little oak only when it helps the wine.
- Gentle steps. We don’t add a lot; we keep it simple and tidy.
- Finish with care so every bottle is steady and delicious.