As a Canadian Sommelier, I’m thrilled to share that from west to east, Canada is producing exceptional wines. Each bottle tells a captivating story of terroir, culture, complexity and flavour. Nestled within our expansive and diverse landscapes, Canadian winemakers are crafting wines that rival the best from around the globe. Whether it’s the crisp, aromatic whites of the Okanagan Valley, the robust and velvety reds of the Niagara Peninsula, or the delicate and refreshing sparkling wines of Nova Scotia, Canada’s wine regions offer a rich tapestry of flavours waiting to be explored and savoured.
With Canada Day just around the corner, join me as I unveil some of my favourite hidden gems and celebrated classics from across the country.
Fizzy Frontiers
1. Hinterland 2020 Method Traditional Rosé
Hinterland is the sparkling winery to know from Prince Edward County. Renowned for its traditional method sparkling wines, Hinterland is a must-try for Champagne enthusiasts. The Hinterland 2020 Method Traditional Rosé is a standout, brimming with ripe berry fruit notes and hints of freshly baked brioche. This wine is both powerful and generous. While it shines on its own, it pairs fabulously with classic summer BBQ fare.
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2. Benjamin Bridge Vin De Reserve Sparkling
If you haven’t explored wines outside of BC and Ontario, make Nova Scotia your next stop. Bubble lovers must try Benjamin Bridge, known for exceptional sparkling wines from vineyards off the coast of the Bay of Fundy. The Benjamin Bridge Vin De Reserve Sparkling, a blend of vintages from 2002 to 2016, is a wine 20 years in the making. It offers notes of dried fruits, toasted nuts, orange zest, and freshly baked bread, with a hint of honeycomb. Soft yet powerful, it pairs perfectly with a thoughtful cheese board.
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Wine Rebels
3. Lightfoot & Wolfville 2021 Terroir Series Kékfrankos
Lightfoot & Wolfville is proving Nova Scotia is a rising star in Canadian wine. While they produce familiar grape varieties, they shine by exploring unique ones. The 2021 Terroir Series Kékfrankos, made from a rare Central European grape (also known as Blaufränkisch in Austria), thrives in Nova Scotia. Pronounced KAYK-frahn-kosh, this wine offers aromas and flavours of plum, dark cherry, black tea, and tarragon, with a fresh, balanced, and juicy palate. It’s the ideal red wine for a summer picnic.
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4. Leaning Post 2021 Wild (A)mphora (F)ranc
In Niagara, Leaning Post stands out for its geeky approach to wine, co-founded by Nadia and Ilya Senchuk. Consistently ranked in Ontario’s Top 10 Wineries, their Pinots and Chards shine. However, you can dive into the innovative mind of their winemaker with the Leaning Post 2021 Wild (Am)phora (F)ranc. Dubbed Wild AF for its bold garden aromas and fresh berry flavours, this wine begs exploration sip after sip. Pair it with spiced dishes to match its complexity.
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5. Trail Estate Winery 2023 Field (of Dreams) Blend
Prince Edward County exudes a welcoming charm, with winemakers continually pushing the boundaries of their craft. Trail Estate Winery, a regional pioneer, showcases winemaker Mackenzie Brisbois’ inventive touch. The Trail Estate Winery 2023 Field (of Dreams) Blend is a sparkling orange wine from Geisenheim grapes fermented on skins and Gewürztraminer grapes fermented carbonically. This character-filled wine offers aromas of pear, green apple, lime, and yeasty notes, with lively bubbles and a mouthwatering finish. This electric and eclectic wine pairs wonderfully with seafood crudos.
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Classic Grapes, Fresh Flavours
6. Tantalus 2022 Riesling
Did you know that the Okanagan Valley excels in producing exceptional Rieslings? The Tantalus 2022 Riesling is among the top picks, renowned for its elegance and terroir expression. This is the winery’s flagship off-dry Riesling, comprised of the Tantalus home block vines planted in 2005/2009 and other vineyards in East Kelowna. It captivates with enticing aromas of white flowers, lemon peel, mandarin flesh and gala apple with a hint of guava and pomelo. On the palate, it delivers vibrant tension, excitement and just a touch of sweetness. Pair this lively bottle with oysters and tabasco sauce for an ideal match.
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7. Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc
Originally a grape native to the Loire Valley in France but now thriving in the Okanagan for this production, the Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc is a wine crafted for both enthusiasts and connoisseurs. This small-batch wine undergoes fermentation and aging in concrete eggs, imparting complexity and depth. It boasts bold flavours of elderflower, lime, and wet stone minerals, complemented by tropical fruit notes on the palate and a long, captivating finish. Versatile and refined, it pairs beautifully with a burrata salad for an elegant meal or enhances the flavours of a fish taco.
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8. Mason Vineyard 2022 ‘L’avenir’ Unfiltered Chardonnay
Kelly Mason, renowned for her Cab Francs and Pinot Noirs, has ventured into Chardonnay with remarkable success. The Mason Vineyard 2022 ‘L’avenir’ Unfiltered Chardonnay showcases her estate-grown fruit from the Twenty Mile Bench, aged in oak to deliver instant elegance. It reveals notes of nectarine, yellow apple, orange blossoms, and candied ginger, leading to a palate that dances gracefully like a ballet. While it’s a classic pairing, I particularly enjoy this bottle with mushroom risotto.
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Red Revelations
9. Malivoire 2022 Gamay ‘Le Cœur’
I consistently maintain that Niagara, Ontario is the New World home of Gamay, with Malivoire being a standout winery capturing the grape’s finest expressions. The Malivoire 2022 Gamay ‘Le Cœur’ draws inspiration from Gamay’s production in Beaujolais but elevates it further. Each vineyard lot undergoes carbonic fermentation before being blended into a single wine, resulting in captivating jammy raspberry, cinnamon, and red licorice notes. Its flavour profile features peppered pomegranate alongside sour cherry, making it an excellent match for a grilled salmon burger.
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10. Bachelder 2021 Lowrey Pinot Noir
The Bachelder 2021 Lowrey Pinot Noir never fails to captivate me with each new bottle. Crafted by winemaker 1. , known for his dedication to exceptional vineyards across the Niagara Peninsula, this Pinot Noir is truly special. It offers a silky texture that swirls in the glass, revealing notes of freshly picked raspberries, strawberries, subtle sanguine undertones, and a pronounced mineral edge. It exudes terroir-driven boldness on the palate, displaying its vibrant colour and ending with a robust finish. This wine stands beautifully on its own; it pairs wonderfully with braised pork belly.
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11. Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt 2020 Syrah
The Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt 2020 Syrah embodies the quality of winemaking in the Okanagan Valley and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Osoyoos Indian Band. The name “Qwam Qwmt” (pronounced Kw-em Kw-empt )translates to “achieving excellence,” reflecting the wine’s commitment to quality. Pronounced Ink-a-Meep (Nk’Mip), this Syrah is a robust expression of its terroir. It boasts blueberry, spice, violet, and pepper aromas, leading to a palate that captivates with spice, fine-grain tannins, and a long finish. Pair this bold wine with burgers or grilled eggplant for a satisfying culinary experience.
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12. Martin’s Lane 2020 Zenith Vineyard Naramata Pinot Noir
Martin’s Lane Winery excels at crafting exceptional Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. Driven by a deep passion for these grapes, each wine meticulously explores terroir and varietal character with unparalleled precision. The Martin’s Lane 2020 Zenith Vineyard Naramata Pinot Noir is sourced from a single, isolated parcel within their most complex site in the Naramata region. Producing a Pinot Noir that is finely textured and perfumed, exhibiting earthy, energetic, and wild characteristics with a deep, graceful texture. Highly recommended for pairing with game dishes, this wine embodies complexity and depth.
