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Most Canadian wine regions are situated in the southern areas of the country, along the Canada/USA border. The major Canadian wine producing areas are in Ontario, along the Great Lakes, and in British Columbia along the Canada/USA border; although, the major wine producing area of BC is located in the Okanagan. On the other side of the country is Nova Scotia an emerging region that is gaining worldwide attention.
NOTABLE REGIONS
Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is BC’s most widely known and planted wine region with many varieties under vine, including, but not limited to: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The Okanagan is over 250 kms long and is host to many microclimates. The northern part of the Okanagan is cooler than the southern part. Lake Okanagan helps moderate the climate which is very dry and is technically a desert with hot days, little rainfall, and cool nights.
Similkameen Valley
Located west of the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley has a colder winter than the Okanagan as there is no lake to help moderate the climate. Although, Similkameen is surrounded by mountains which help to hold and reflect the heat long after the sun has set, as well as promote winds that help keep the area relatively pest and disease free. The Similkameen Valley produces a variety of red and white wines.
Niagara Peninsula
Niagara Peninsula has the most vines planted in all of the Canadian wine regions and produces an array of white and red wines. Although, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc flourish here. The climate is influenced by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, a ridge carved out and formed by glaciers. Together they moderate the climate and provide a breeze to help dissipate the fog and minimize the risk of frost.
Lake Erie North Shore
Located on the southern shores of Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie provides a warming effect to its’ north shore, to help moderate the temperature. With plenty of sunshine and southern exposure, Lake Erie North Shore has Canada’s longest wine growing season. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling do very well here.
Prince Edward County
The smallest wine region in Ontario. It borders Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte. The climate of Prince Edward County is moderated by the waters that surround it and the accompanying winds off the lake and the bay. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris do well here. Price Edward county is known for producing grapes with low yields that are full of flavour and often have a minerality on the finish.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is not part of VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) like Ontario and BC, but still produces many great wines that are part of Product of Canada wines. These wines contain grapes grown entirely in Canada. There are many different grape varieties grown here, but hybrid grape varieties are the most widely planted. A hybrid grape is a grape with a North American and European grape parent.
Key Varietals
Vidal (Blanc)
The Vidal or Vidal Blanc is known for making great Icewine. It is hybrid grape that is thick skinned and high in acid making it ideal for the extra time on the vine and Icewine production.
Food pairing: Vidal Icewine pairs well with a variety food. Salty foods such as blue cheese or other strong cheeses, liver pate, or anchovy crackers. Vidal also goes well with many desserts like crème brûlée, fruit pies and tarts, as well as decadent chocolate cakes or mousses. A surprising pairing is spicy food, the sweetness of the wine contrasts nicely with a spicy dish and helps tone down the spiciness of the dish.
Cabernet Franc
A versatile grape that is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in the Bordeaux style. Cabernet Franc can also hold its own as a varietal with flavours of currant, raspberry, tobacco, herbs, and chocolate. Sometimes Cabernet Franc is even seen as an Icewine offering yet another way to show its versatility.
Food pairing: Cabernet Franc is a food-friendly wine that goes well with poutine, roast chicken, lamb, tomato-based dishes, and goat cheese. While a Cabernet Franc Icewine goes well with berry desserts, cheesecake, blue cheese, or pate.
Riesling
Canadian Rieslings range from dry or off-dry to sweet styles with flavours of peach, citrus, floral, and sometimes with aromas of “petrol” or rubber.
Food pairing: Rieslings are food friendly wines and go with a wide array of foods such as: fish, spicy dishes, curry, roasted duck, pork or turkey, vegetables, or salads with a vinaigrette dressing.
Merlot
Dry red wine with a medium to deep colour and soft tannins with flavours of blackberry, plum, and cherry. It is also BC’s most widely planted grape variety.
Food pairing: Merlot pairs well with turkey, pork, tomato-based pasta dishes, burgers, mushrooms, and pizza.
Did you know?
The Okanagan Valley is BC’s most planted wine region with over three-quarters of the province’s total wine acreage.
Lake Erie North Shore includes Pelee Island, which holds the title to Canada’s most southerly point and wine region.
Niagara Peninsula is Canada’s largest and most diverse wine region. It is also Canada’s largest producing wine region producing over half of VQA Ontario wines.
