The LCBO may be on strike, but happily, there are still lots of opportunities to buy wine. This is an ideal time to explore Canadian wines. Canada is blessed with many world-class wineries, from B.C. to Nova Scotia, and many will deliver right to your door. The Canadian wine industry has developed significantly over the past couple of decades and there are now hundreds of wineries producing very impressive wines that proudly compare to those on the international wine scene. This is the time to try something new! I’ve put together a list of a few of Canada’s leading wineries. Several of these wineries are located in spectacular locations, so you might want to plan a holiday visit, too!
FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE Quatrain 2019
Okanagan Valley, B.C.
The name of this wine refers to the four grape varieties that are used to craft this opulent wine: 47% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. Quatrain is a beautifully complex and full-bodied red wine that offers aromas of blackberries and dark red fruit, leather, hints of coffee and sweet spice. These notes are echoed on the palate with a satisfying, long, jammy finish. Wonderful accompaniment to roast red meats and overall, a very impressive wine.
Dry • 14.5% • $80 • winery direct
Also, check out these excellent B.C. wineries: BURROWING OWL Estate Winery, QUAILS GATE Estate Winery
FROM ONTARIO
This is an ideal time to plan a getaway trip to Prince Edward County, an easy drive from Ottawa, where you can explore several wineries and enjoy the relaxing views of Lake Ontario. Ontario boasts several other wine districts, too, with many in the Niagara Peninsula.
COLIO ESTATE WINES Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario V.Q.A.
Here’s a luscious Chardonnay with an aromatic nose of vanilla, toast, guava, ripe pineapple, tree fruit and citrus. These are repeated on a fruit-forward palate that also adds lots of tropical coconut. A well-balanced Chard with crisp acidity and lots of coconut on the long finish. Enjoy it with turkey, salmon or roast chicken.
Winner, Double Gold at 2022 All-Canadian Wine Championships.
Extra Dry • 13% • $19.95 • winery direct
For Chardonnay aficionados, July is the time to book a visit to Niagara to attend the fantastic i4c+ International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. You can taste Chardonnay from Canada and international winemakers, too. This is an exceptional opportunity to do comparative tastings of Chardonnay wines. It’s happening from July 18-21, 2024. Visit their website to see the lineup of cool-climate VQA Ontario and international wine producers who will be in Niagara for this fun event.
This is a great time to buy a subscription to Savvy Company! Based in Ottawa and led by Debbie Trenholm, for nearly two decades, the team at Savvy has been seeking out the best wines, craft ciders, artisan cheeses and small-batch coffee made across Canada. A monthly subscription provides you with a curated parcel that can be delivered to your door. Savvy also hosts popular events throughout the year. This is the ultimate way to indulge your gourmet side and support local too!
FROM NOVA SCOTIA
LUCKETT VINEYARDS Tidal Bay 2022
Tidal Bay is the iconic white wine from Nova Scotia that you just have to try! It gives pretty aromatics with citrus, pear and white wildflowers. The crisp palate throws in lime, red apple and pear with the characteristic saline note that is the Nova Scotia signature. This is the perfect match for lobster, grilled scallops or light pasta dishes.
Off-dry • 11% • $24 • winery direct
Also, check out these excellent wineries: DOMAINE DE GRAND PRE, LIGHTFOOT AND WOLFVILLE
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
Header Photo: Courtesy Quails Gate