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 …

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Exploring Rioja: Spain’s Fine Wine Capital Spain may be well known for its famous bullfighting, flamenco dancers, salty slices of Manchego cheese and delicious paella dishes but, it is also home to one of the oldest and well-respected wine regions in the world, Rioja.  This region is considered Spain’s fine wine capital and it isn’t hard to understand why. Producing almost 300 million litres of wine per year, this Spanish wine region is home to red wines made from key grape varieties, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano.  In this article, we are going to provide you with an insider’s guide to the Rioja wine region including its rich history, iconic grape varieties and suggestions for which of these wines you need to have as part of your wine collection.  Brief History of the Rioja Region Like many regions in Spain, Rioja is rich in culture and history. Inheriting its name from the river Oja, the winemaking traditions of this Northern Spanish wine region date back to Roman times. During Roman occupation, many wineries were being built around the region; many of which are still standing to this day. Winemaking traditions dwindled after the collapse of the Roman Empire, but in 1512, the love and passion for Spanish wine, especially those in the Rioja region, was reborn. In the decades to come, Spanish viticulture began to mark its place in the winemaking world. In the late 1800s, when devastation fell upon the French wine industry due to phylloxera, many winemakers from Bordeaux travelled to Rioja to start over. With them, they brought their winemaking techniques to this flourishing Spanish wine region and infused Rioja wine with new life.  In the 1930s, this region was the first in Spain to be awarded a Denominacion de Origen (DO) and later was upgraded to the top-level DOCa classification. This in part is due to the excellent terrain and diverse climates this region enjoys which truly influences the quality and style of Rioja wine.  What Are The Main Grape Varietals Grown Here? While wines from Rioja are primarily made using a blend of different grape varieties and can vary in style depending on and the producer and the winemaking techniques, Tempranillo is by far the most dominant grape grown in this region. Having said that, there are other important varieties grown here that should not be ignored.  Tempranillo: an indigenous grape to Spain, Tempranillo is Rioja’s mainstay. This versatile grape is renowned for its well-balanced wines that offer a great level of acidity and flavours like raspberry, currants and cherries.  Garnacha: cultivated widely in Spain and in Rioja, this red wine grape is considered the perfect complement to Tempranillo due to its aromatic brightness, soft tannins and fruit-driven flavours.  Viura: this is the primary white grape of this Spanish wine region. It is considered a versatile wine and is often used in the production of dry, sparkling and sweet wines. Viura is known for being floral and aromatic when young and nutty when aged.  Maturana Blanca: …

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A Brief History Of Chilean Winemaking  Chile may fall under the category of a New World wine region but its winemaking traditions and industry certainly aren’t young. Over the last 30 years, quality Chilean wine has competitively made its mark on the modern global wine industry but its history of wine production dates back to the 16th century.  In the early 1500s, Spanish monks brought wine grapes to New World regions including Chile. Upon discovering the perfect soil and climate conditions for viticulture, these settlers began planting the first vines with Mission grapes, known locally as Pais. As more European immigrants began settling in Chile and surrounding regions, they brought with them more grape varietals, particularly from the Bordeaux region.  In the early 1800s, Chilean winemaking began to flourish after declaring their independence from Spain and incorporating European varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay into their wine production repertory.  While some argue that the early success of this New World region is most notably down to pure luck due to the fact that it escaped the ravages of the phylloxera pest, it is hard to argue the fact that Chilean winemakers produce some of the best wine in South America.  What Are The Key Grape Varieties?  As all wine consumers know, the popularity of a wine region relies on the quality and diversity of the grapes that they produce. Chile’s wine industry is based on diversity and for that reason, it offers some of the most unique and historic grape varietals seen in the modern wine world.  Surprisingly, when you think of this New World region and its climate, you may instinctively associate it with rich red wine. While Chilean winemakers certainly deliver in this category, white grapes are also extremely popular. From bold, world-class reds to refreshing, crisp whites this country produces them all.  Cabernet Sauvignon For many, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered as the king of Chilean grapes and is produced in warmer regions such as Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley and Aconcagua Valley. Generally, winemakers use this grape as either a varietal wine or as part of a blend. Chile’s Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep flavour and aroma. Full-bodied and intense, it offers tasting notes of black currant, fresh berries, violets and chocolate.  Carmenère Carmenère has an interesting history in Chile. For years, people thought that Chilean Merlot had a distinctive peppery and herbaceous character. However, with DNA testing in the mid-1990s, it was discovered that Chilean merlot was actually Carmenère.  This is not unusual since the two grapes look very similar. However, rather than rip up all the Carmenère vines, the Chileans decided to embrace this variety and make it their own. It is much more widely planted in Chile than in its original home in Bordeaux since it is much easier to ripen in Chile’s splendid climate. This red grape varietal is prized for its depth of colour and complexity. It offers flavours of tart raspberries, cocoa powder and herbaceous notes of green …

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California: The Home Of Sunshine & Decadent Wine  California – home of the Sunshine State, legendary beaches, exceptional national parks and some of the best American wine available on the market.  When it comes to describing this U.S state, most individuals would usually say that the words relaxed and easy-going immediately come to mind. While the lifestyle in California certainly encourages you to enjoy a slower, appreciative pace there is one thing that they take very seriously: winemaking.  If you are looking to tick the Golden State off your wine travel list, you won’t be disappointed. This part of the world offers a rich history in winemaking, decadent wine styles and to top it all off, beautiful sunshine.  Brief History Of California Wine & Winemaking  Winemaking tradition began in California with the arrival of the Spanish missionaries in 1769. The first Spanish mission was established in San Diego by the Franciscan monk, Father Junipero Serra. As he moved further north, 21 additional missions were established. To each mission, the monk also brought the cultivation of grapes and the first Californian vineyards.  Criolla grapes were initially used to produce wine intended for sacramental purposes and daily table needs. In the 1830s, the first European grape varieties were introduced to Californian wine regions by Jean Louis Vignes. Shortly after, numerous vineyards and wineries were opened all over the state that heavily represented European influences from countries such as Germany, Italy, and France. The Californian wine industry and its popularity grew rapidly in the decades that followed, except for a brief period during Prohibition from 1919 to 1932. The region was initially slow to recover, but starting in the early 1960s a new generation of winemakers approached the business with a passion which inevitably improved wine quality immensely and helped them to become international competitors in the global wine market.  Today, California is responsible for producing over 90% of the United States wine and is the fourth largest wine producer in the world.  Best Wine Regions Of California  While California is full of highly-acclaimed wine regions and wineries, there are a select few that are certainly worthy of such high praise.  North Coast – Napa Valley Located just north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is arguably California’s best-known wine region. Incomparable vistas pair seamlessly with many generations of passionate winemakers that produce incredible wines.  Set among rolling hills, small family-run wineries to large-scale estates produce ultra-premium wines that are often sold on allocation. Cabernet Sauvignon is the key variety in this valley, and its ability to ripen consistently from year to year has helped contribute to this popularity. “Napa Cab” is rich and opulent, with complex fruit supported by toasty and spicy oak. It offers aromas of blackcurrant, vanilla, boysenberry, licorice and bittersweet chocolate.  Napa Valley is by no means a secret and welcomes many tourists each year who are looking to experience this wine region in the flesh. A must-visit for anyone looking to sample wines from California.  Central Coast – Santa …

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  Although it isn’t Italy’s largest region in size, the Veneto is by far the largest wine-producing region in Italy, producing almost 20% of this prestigious nation’s wine. The Veneto is an area to the northeast of Italy, which stretches from the Dolomite Mountains all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is the beautiful lagoon city of Venice. The diversity of the ecosystem is responsible for the area’s many unique wines, all of which have their own history and heritage. Within the Veneto, there are areas that have been given the distinction of being designated as DOC or DOCG (Denomination of Controlled Origin and Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin, respectively). These designations were intended to single out Italy’s best wines. Veneto Wine: A Brief History The Veneto has been a wealthy and prosperous region dating back to the rise of the former Venetian Republic in the late 7th century. This republic grew rich as it was populated with merchants and traders, who began seriously cultivating the grapes that have been growing in the area since the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, the area’s vital glass-blowing industry began to lend the local wine producers even more prestige when they sold them specialty blown glass bottles to package their wine in. This led to even greater demand for the region’s wine. The Appassimento Method  Another reason why wines from Veneto have been popular for centuries is because of the region’s unique wine-making heritage. One of the most well-known techniques is the Appassimento method. This process involves grapes left out to dry on racks or mats in order to concentrate their flavour. This method is best known for producing Amarone, one of the world’s most famous red wines.   Appassimento wines have become so popular that winemakers in the Veneto began to take the leftover skins of the grapes used for making Amarone and put them back in the Valpolicella wine. There is enough sugar left on the skins to trigger a second fermentation and the Valpolicella gets a little more alcohol and body as well as bigger and bolder flavours. This process, known as ripasso, is described as the marriage of a king (Amarone) and a commoner (Valpolicella). It produces one of the most popular wines in North America today. Common Grape Varieties Of The Veneto Wine Region  Italy has hundreds of indigenous grape varieties that are perfectly adapted to the local climate but rarely seen elsewhere. The Veneto is no exception. Here are some of the local grapes that make Veneto wines so incredible.   Corvina The Veneto’s most important red grape is Corvina. It is the dominant grape in Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella. This high-yielding variety produces wines that are fruity and low in tannins, with lots of pleasant acidity. Its sour cherry flavour is one of this grape’s most commonly cited characteristics. This grape variety, in particular, lends itself very well to the Appassimento method. Its thick skin allows for an extended drying period …

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Although Portuguese grapes grow in relatively close proximity to those from Spain, France, and other notable wine-producing regions in Europe, wines from Portugal remain intriguingly unique. There are so many different grape varietals in Portugal that are rarely cultivated anywhere else in the world. This is partially due to their relative obscurity. However, some regions, such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley are starting to experiment with Portuguese grapes because of their capacity to ripen and retain flavour and acidity in the heat, something they are concerned about with climate change. In order to protect this incredible heritage, UNESCO has designated two of Portugal’s historical wine regions as UNESCO World Heritage. Visiting either the Douro Valley or Pico Island will introduce you to incredible vintages that have been cultivated in those regions for centuries. Wines From Portugal: The History Of Portuguese Winemaking In order to understand the appeal of Portuguese wine, it helps to understand the region’s rich winemaking history.  Archaeological digs have shown evidence of early winemaking in the area as far back as the 4th century, and later the Roman Empire aggressively expanded viticulture throughout that region.  Although wine production did decrease during the 12th and 13th centuries after the area fell under the control of Muslim leaders, it never disappeared completely. Grapes were cultivated through the Reconquista period, and many of the best Portuguese wines use these ancient varietals today.   Portugal’s Grapes: Exploring Their Indigenous Varieties   It shouldn’t surprise you to pick up a bottle of wine from Portugal and be faced with a completely new grape varietal. Many of their most popular wines use varietals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.  Some of the most popular indigenous grape varietals include: Alicante Bouschet Touriga Nacional Baga Alfrochiero If you have a preference for Chardonnay, try the Encruzado grape varietal from the northern-central Dao region. Or, if you prefer a Malbec, consider trying the Touriga Franca grape varietal which is the most widely grown grape in the Douro valley.  Top 4 Portuguese Wine Regions In Portugal, grape varietals vary widely from the north end of the country to the south. Portuguese winemakers are passionate about protecting their historical wines and grape varietals and have designated three separate levels of wine quality.  The highest level of wine is known as DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada), which means that the wine comes from a specific geographic area, and only uses the region’s native grapes, which are cultivated under strict quality controls. Here are some of the top Portuguese wine regions, some of which are designed as their own DOC area.  Douro Valley The Douro Valley is known for its fortified Port wine, but the regular, unfortified wine that comes from this region is equally delicious. There has been wine cultivated in this region since the 4th century. The temperate, dry region can be divided into three unique geographical areas — Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior. The Douro Valley region is home to grapes like Bastardo, Tinta …

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Italian Wines: A Taste Of Viticultural Passion Italy has enjoyed a rich and passionate relationship with wine and food over many thousands of years and plays an integral part in Italian gastronomical culture. The country’s wide variety of climates and soil conditions has helped it produce some of the world’s most loved wines.  To get a true taste of the perfect fusion of wine, food and culture that Italy achieves so well, there are a number of Italian wine regions that all enophiles should experience. Below, in our guide to wines from Italy, we will walk you through Italy’s history with wine production and the top Italian wine regions to try at your next wine tasting.  Wines From Italy: A Brief History Italy’s wine history dates back to over 4000 years ago and has helped it become one of the most diverse winemaking countries in the world. It wasn’t until the Greeks introduced their wine-producing skills to the Italians that the love affair with viticulture truly began. Italy had a long history with wine prior to the arrival of the Greeks. However, they began to improve on and refine the winemaking techniques introduced by the Greeks. This succeeded in cementing their own reputation for making a wide variety of beautiful wines. The Romans played a large part in this and with their influence, many winemakers across Italy adopted new vinicultural methods.  In the early nineteenth century, quantity over quality was top of mind for Italian wine producers and the country became known as a global source of inexpensive table wines. Now with new wine quality laws in place since the 1960s, the country has become more popular than ever for the wide variety of red, white and sparkling wines that it has perfected over the years. Leading it to claim its stake as one of the top five world leaders in wine.  The Top 5 Italian Wine Regions You Should Explore Each of these wine regions in Italy boasts its own winemaking culture, grape varietals and most importantly, personality. When looking for wine inspiration at your next wine tasting, turn to these wine regions.  Puglia If you are looking for fruit-forward, full-bodied red wines from Italy at budget prices then choosing a wine from Italy’s Puglia region is a wise choice. Located in the southeast of Italy, this wine region offers a varying difference in terrain and grape varieties.  Puglia is a leading region in olive oil production and is also known well known for its production of red wines. The most important red grapes grown here are Negroamaro, Primitivo and Uva di Troia. This Italian wine region has a relatively hot and dry climate which is tempered by cool breezes due to the surrounding waters. This results in expressive and voluptuous red wines, the ideal climate for the red wine. Veneto Located in the northeast of the country, the Veneto wine region is one of the most substantial of the Italian wine regions. Although smaller than some of its …

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Australia has become renowned for the production of world-class wines, from fruity whites to hearty reds there is a style that all wine lovers will enjoy. With a winemaking history dating back to the 1700s, the Australian wine credentials are nothing shy of spectacular.  In this guide, we walk you through some of the country’s most notable wine regions including Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley.  Winemaking In Australia: A History Australia now ranks as the sixth-largest wine producer in the world, just behind famous European producers such as France, Italy and Spain. With each Australian state producing wine, it is no wonder that this country is a world player.  Unlike Europe and the Americas, there were no native grapevines in Australia. Instead, the history of winemaking in this country began through importing. In 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip brought vine cuttings on the First Fleet. These vines were then planted at Farm Cove in Sydney.  By the early 1800s, vine cultivation began in Hunter Valley and by 1850, commercial winemaking was practiced throughout the whole of Australia. Since then, many regions have gained attention with world class wines. Yet, none more so than South Australia.   Australia’s Most Notable Wine Regions All states in Australia now produce various styles of wine. However, there are Australian wine regions that certainly stand out amongst the rest. For a true taste of the best wine that this country has to offer, explore the notable wine regions listed below.  Barossa Valley, South Australia Barossa Valley perfectly showcases the true history and evolution of Australian winemaking. With a rich vine history dating back to 1842, this is one of Australia’s most historic wine-producing regions.  The diverse range of wines that this region offers has won over the hearts of many. One reason for this is due to the region’s star performer, the Barossa Shiraz. These wines have won global acclaim due to their rich taste, velvety tannins and ability to age well (if cellared correctly). However, the region’s Mediterranean climate and low humidity make it ideal for the production of other full-bodied red wines and robust whites such as Mataro (Mourvedre) and Grenache.   Today’s generation of Barossa Valley winemakers is continuing to change the face of winemaking in this region. Traditional Barossa varieties are now joined with Mediterranean varieties, due to the similarity in climate and soil. Offering the perfect mix of wine evolution and respect for historical tradition. This region is certain to continue to capture the wine world’s imagination.  Yarra Valley, Victoria Yarra Valley marked the birthplace of wine production in Victoria, Australia and is highly respected. It is now home to winemakers who are pushing the boundaries of grape growing while still respecting the wine-producing traditions of the region.  One of Australia’s coolest regions, Yarra Valley offers a variable climate with a rain dominated Spring and Winter and relatively cool summer. Due to the variation of soil types and altitude in this hilly region, several grape varieties are given the opportunity …

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