Jon Drew ’99 has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Together with his love for viniculture and enterprising nature, the idea of establishing a vineyard on his family farm in Bailieboro – Rolling Grape Vineyards – proved to be the perfect pairing

Since graduating from Trent with a degree in Economics, Jon has honed his business management and entrepreneurial skills in a range of sectors. Now he is applying those experiences and skills to his family farm.

“Our family farm has a background in more traditional cash crops, like corn, soybeans, and wheat, but I just didn’t have a passion for that kind of farming. ” says Jon. “In viniculture, you grow your grapes, make wines, and then sell that product. You are part of the entire cycle, and make something within your community.”

Cultivating business success

In 2012, Jon planted his first trial vines, continued to add additional vines before producing his first wines in 2018. Growing his business in the midst of a global pandemic, Jon drew on his education and business management experience.

“I’m reminded of the old saying that university trains you to think. Going to Trent really gave me the opportunity to be myself and it shaped the person I am today,” Jon says. “The broad scope of the Economics program gave me the freedom and skills to go in many different directions with my career. I have worked in a range of sectors, which allowed me to develop my business management and entrepreneurial skills. These cumulative experiences led me to where I am today.”

Jon has a strong sense of community, something he also valued at his alma mater. He ascribes much of his success with Rolling Grape to his professional and regional communities.

“When I started the vineyard here locally, there were no other farms with traditional vineyards in the region. I really had to draw on the expertise of winemakers in Niagara and Prince Edward County,” says Jon. “Since opening, we’ve seen a lot of organic growth in our business – people visit the farm, have a good time and then tell their friends about it.”

With summer around the corner, Jon has reopened his patio, with spectacular views of the vineyards where visitors can enjoy one of his wines, share a charcuterie board or Sunday brunch, and listen to live music. They also introduced online ordering during the pandemic and ship their wines across Ontario.

Barreling ahead to pursue his passion

For those contemplating their own venture, Jon’s advice is simple – just start doing it.

“If you think that's the path for you, don't be afraid to take those first steps. You know, they always say the first step is the hardest, and it's true. But figure out how you're going to do it and just start […] even if you start small.”