Canada is home to more than just maple syrup and ice hockey. It also holds its own when it comes to high-quality wine production. While many know Canada for its ice wine, there are numerous regions across the country that make other styles of wine deserving of equal admiration for their passionate and long-standing winemaking traditions. This article will list the top Canadian wine regions that wine enthusiasts should consider for their next wine trip or tasting.

Discovering Canadian Wine: It’s More Than Just Ice Wine 

When you think of prolific wine-growing regions around the globe, Canada isn’t usually the first to pop to mind. However, that isn’t to say that this country doesn’t contribute wonderful examples of high-quality wines. Many regions across the country – especially British Columbia and Ontario – have a growing wine industry that has caught the attention of wine experts and enthusiasts globally. 

Canadians have been producing wines for over two hundred years. But, it has only been in recent decades with the introduction of new technologies, grape varietals and a better understanding of the terroir that wineries in Canada have been making a name for themselves. 

The earliest records of vineyards in Canada date back to settlers who tried to cultivate European grape varietals. This was met with little success as the vines succumbed to diseases caused by the hot, humid summers and severe winter conditions. Canadian winemakers then relied heavily on native varietals to produce “foxy” table wines or fortified wines. 

However, the early 1900s brought with it the Prohibition era and growing consumer demands for sweet wine put a halt on Canadian wine production. It wasn’t until the 70s’ and 80s’ that the New World wine industry began to boom. The introduction of better wine-growing and wine-making technologies, international grape varietals and the lifting of a 50-year embargo on wine production along with the establishment of the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) made it easier for Canadian wine regions to excel.  

Today, large investments in world-class wineries and diversified wine offerings allow Canada’s wine industry to grow successfully gaining international recognition, but we still have a ways to go. 

Top 4 Canadian Wine Regions to Visit

Now, that you know a little more about the history of Canadian wine and winemaking let’s dive into which wine regions are a destination to consider. Ontario and British Columbia are the two largest producers of Canadian wine certainly stake their claim as regions not to be missed. However, other wine regions are just as delightful. 

Prince Edward County

Considered as one of Canada’s newest, yet fastest growing wine regions is Prince Edward County. Located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, it is home to close to 40 wineries that make exceptional Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Gamays, and much more. 

Despite its harsh winters, this region’s tenacious winemakers have produced some unique and complex award-winning wines. Although this wine region is still in its infancy, many wine lovers across Canada have flocked to this region to experience the adventurous and innovative winemaking techniques of this region’s wineries. 

Niagara

Niagara Peninsula and Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to over 14,000 acres of vines and is officially Canada’s largest viticultural area. Over 55% of Ontario’s VQA wineries are situated here. Owing to its diverse climate, lakeside vineyards, and steep slopes many winemakers in this region can offer a variety of wine styles and grow different varietals. 

Niagara is now not only renowned for Ice Wine but produces fantastic still and sparkling wines from notable grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling, which are all grapes that adapt well to cooler climates. Visitors to this region should make sure to check out some of the iconic wineries in the area such as Peller Estates, Trius Winery and Thirty Bench, to name a few. 

Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley, a 250km long wine destination for foodies everywhere, is ideal for winemaking thanks to its hot, sunny summer climate. Its diverse landscape makes it home to over 173 wineries making it Canada’s second-largest wine-growing region. Here winemakers can grow many grape varieties but also, produce various wine styles. Ranging from sparkling, dry, sweet to fortified… there is truly something for everyone. 

Although this Canadian wine region produces over 60 grape varietals, it is best known for its production of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The Okanagan Valley also offers many renowned sub-regions including Kelowna and Mount Boucherie. This region is a must-see for wine enthusiasts that enjoy exceptional wines, food, and state-of-the-art wineries. 

The Eastern Townships 

Last but not least, an emerging wine area, off the beaten path, is Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Ontario and British Columbia get all the credit when it comes to Canadian wine but this region, located 45 minutes outside of Montreal, is a true gem and can be a fun area for wine geeks to venture. 

The first wine region in Quebec, the Eastern Townships boasts unique wines and beautiful vineyards. Since the 1980s, winemakers in the region have updated and adapted their grape-growing methods to suit both the soil and the climate. This results in the production of delicious red and white wines, some from indigenous varietals from the area you won’t find anywhere else.

Their wine route connects 21 wineries, including two of the oldest vineyards in Quebec, and this route is best taken by bike which is lovely in the summer. Wine lovers can cycle this route, taking you on a journey of award-winning wineries and breathtaking scenery. 

Order Sandhill Wines From the Okanagan Valley Online with The Small Winemakers Collection

Interested in trying wine from some of the best Canadian vineyards? Here at The Small Winemakers Collection, the Sandhill Estate Vineyard from the Okanagan Valley region is a particular favourite of ours. Producing some of Canada’s finest wines, if you are looking for a true expression of Canadian winemaking, these wines will be the perfect addition to your wine collection. 

Order the Sandhill Pinot Gris 2018 and the Sandhill Syrah 2018 online at The Small Winemakers Collection today.