When it comes to sustainable wines, Canadians have more options than ever before. This Earth Month, we’re raising a glass with these environmentally-friendly wines that put the planet first.
Quails’ Gate Chardonnay,
Quails’ Gate Okanagan Valley
Quails’ Gate is one of just six wineries certified by Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia (SWBC). This silky, generous Chardonnay has a hint of oak to season the citrus, pear and floral flavours.
$27
2020 Gamay Noir,
Château des Charmes
If you like Beaujolais, you’ll love this fresh, medium-bodied, easy-drinking red from the Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) certified Château des Charmes. No oak, just soft tannins and bright cherry and berry notes in this VQA.
$16
Sauvignon Blanc,
Tierra Rica
This expressive organic Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and fruity, with a lively acidity, great volume and a balanced finish. Tierra Rica organic wines are produced in coastal vineyards in Chile using sustainable and organic practices, and bottled in lightweight glass with compostable corks.
$15.95
2022 ‘Ava’,
Le Vieux Pin
Weighty but beguilingly fresh, this gorgeous marriage of the classic white Rhône grapes Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne is best summed up by Le Vieux Pin (a member of SWBC): “Apricots, wildflowers, honeysuckle, herbal tea, marzipan, elegant, balanced.”
$43
Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Blend Riesling,
Thirty Bench
A classic Niagara Beamsville Bench Riesling with complex green-apple and lemon-lime aromas plus a grace note of petrol. This VQA has received the stamp of approval from Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario.
$23
Cabernet Merlot VQA,
Reif Estate Winery
Illusions of raspberry, plum and blackcurrant emerge from the smooth, middle-weight depths of SWO member Reif Estate’s Cabernet Merlot. Notably versatile as a food wine and an excellent value.
$16
Cabernet Franc Rosé,
Tantalus Vineyards
Tantalus, another of SWBC’s six winery members, sources local BC ingredients for a wine series they call “Further Afield.” The Cabernet Franc Rosé was made with fruit from an organic vineyard in Osoyoos, and has big notes of blackberry and fresh plum alongside hints of basil and thyme.
$22
2023 Pinot Gris,
Malivoire Wine Company
Malivoire, one of the first members of SWO, has released their new 2023 Pinot Gris, a vegan-friendly wine with fresh flavours of honeydew melon, citrusy lime zest, peach, yellow apple, pineapple and apricot.
$22
Campo Viejo Ecologico,
Campo Viejo Wines
Each bottle sold of this expressive Rioja results in a tree being planted, and the glass itself is 75% recycled. The wine is fragrant and filled with red fruit aromas, courtesy of the Tempranillo and Garnacha.
$18
Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc,
Villa Maria New Zealand
New Zealand is a pioneer in the world of sustainable winemaking, and Villa Maria has been committed to the cause for over 20 years. The Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc has noticeably floral aromas and fruit-forward flavours.
