In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, we are on location at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, sitting down with Sue-Ann Staff for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, Legacy, and a deep connection to her craft.
Sue-Ann is a seventh-generation farmer and fifth-generation grape grower, with her Family’s roots on the estate Dating back over 200 years. Choosing to build something of her own within that legacy, she carved out her path as a first-generation winemaker. After studying winemaking around the world and spending years developing her craft, she returned home and, at 37, took the leap to start her own winery.
What stands out right away is how hands-on her journey has been. Sue-Ann doesn’t just run the business — she’s in it. From the vineyard to the winemaking to the day-to-day decisions, she understands every piece because she’s done every piece.
She also shared a perspective that I loved — how her pilot training connects to what she does today. She described winemaking like being an air traffic controller, constantly managing moving parts, making decisions in real time, and balancing both science and instinct. It’s a way of thinking that feels very familiar to anyone building something from the ground up.
We also get into the story behind her “Fancy Farm Girl” brand — how a nickname from her earlier years evolved into something that people genuinely connect with today.
One of the things that makes Sue-Ann’s winery so special is the experience itself. When you visit, you’re not just tasting wine — you’re stepping into her home. It has that same feeling you get at a great gathering where everyone naturally ends up in the kitchen… comfortable, connected, and part of the experience. That sense of warmth and authenticity carries through everything she’s built.
We also talk about the collaborative nature of the wine industry in Niagara — how wineries support one another, share knowledge, and contribute to a region that continues to grow and thrive together. It’s a great reminder that even in entrepreneurship, you don’t have to build alone.
And of course, we can’t forget Brix — the happiest Bernese Mountain dog you’ll ever meet — named after the unit used to measure sugar in grapes during the winemaking process. A perfect example of how even the smallest details at the winery have meaning behind them.
As one of the only solely female winery owners in her region, Sue-Ann brings a grounded, no-nonsense approach to leadership. She’s built something incredible by staying close to her craft, trusting her instincts, and doing the work every step of the way.
This conversation is a real look at entrepreneurship — thoughtful, hands-on, and built over time.
Thank you Sue-Ann (and Brix) for such a wonderful conversation. And thank you to the entire team at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for welcoming us on a beautiful Spring day…such a wonderful team!!
Links to Sue-Ann:
Instagram – Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery
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