Winemaker
Aleksandar Kolundzic
- Discipline
- Winemaker
Portrait of Aleksandar Kolundzic
i. Biography
Training at University of Zagreb and Brock University gave Aleksandar Kolundzic the base that winemaking asks for: study, repetition and technical discipline. In the cellar and lab, those habits were tested against the pace of production, where seasonal pressure and constant measurement shape the work. At Hillebrand Winery (1996–2004), as winemaker and lab and Cellar Technician, he worked through the stages that determine whether a wine is ready to move on. At Vincor Canada (2004–2010), as VQA Winemaker, the standard tightened further, with precision and consistency carrying more of the weight. Each role added a different kind of control. The cellar brought structure, the lab demanded accuracy, and the broader work of winemaking required judgment that could hold both together. By the time he reached Pillitteri Estates Winery, those disciplines had become part of the method: attention carried into the details, and the details carried the wine. Today, as winemaster of Pillitteri Estates Winery (since 2010), Aleksandar Kolundzic works with the steadiness that comes from decades in production rather than from easy declarations.
Today
As Winemaster at Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, Aleksandar Kolundzic works across Icewine and wines without reducing the house to one category. The range runs from fresh, aromatic white wines to characterful red wines, and each asks for a different balance of restraint, timing and expression. That span points to a cellar where calibration matters: whites for lift, reds for frame, and Icewine for concentration. The method is exact. Vineyard growth is monitored, pressing is assessed, fermentation is watched, ageing is judged and blending is handled stage by stage. Family and teamwork sit inside that discipline rather than outside it, giving the work its shape. The result is wine made with enough control to hold quality, and enough openness to be shared.
Career - Winemaster, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (2010–present) - Winemaker and Lab and Cellar Technician, Hillebrand Winery (1996–2004) - VQA Winemaker, Vincor Canada (2004–2010) Education: University of Zagreb; Brock University
Signature
Aleksandar's signature wines include 2014 Reserve Vidal Icewine, 2013 Reserve Riesling Icewine, 2013 Reserve Vidal Icewine, and 2010 Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Franc.
In Their Words “It’s about family, teamwork and ultimately making wines and Icewines that can be enjoyed by everyone. I feel proud to craft wines that are shared and appreciated throughout the world.” “It’s about family, teamwork & ultimately making wines and Icewines that can be enjoyed by everyone. I feel proud to craft wines that are shared & appreciated throughout the world.”
Recognition
Aleksandar's honors include Gold – 2014 Reserve Vidal Icewine, Gold – 2013 Reserve Riesling Icewine, Special Canada Prize and Gold – 2013 Reserve Vidal Icewine, Red Wine of the Year and Gold – 2010 Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Franc, and Regional Trophy and Gold (Canada, Sweet Under £15) – 2012 Vidal Reserve Icewine.
FAQ What is Aleksandar Kolundzic's current role? Aleksandar Kolundzic is Winemaster. Where did Aleksandar Kolundzic train or study? Aleksandar Kolundzic trained at University of Zagreb and Brock University. What recognition has Aleksandar Kolundzic received? Gold – 2014 Reserve Vidal Icewine (2016).
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