5 Reasons to Celebrate Canada Day with Ontario Wines
Time to raise a glass to our national pride and most precious asset. Wanna know why our wines are the best in the world? Here are a few reasons:
Cooler than Cool
Our wines were cool-climate waaay before it was hip to be chill. With crisp, lively and brightly fruity white wines leading the charge, our Chardonnays and Rieslings kill it at tastings around the world. Let the awards roll on in…!
Who does it best? Norman Hardie, Henry of Pelham, Stratus, Rosehall Run, Adamo
Our Pick: Norman Hardie County Chardonnay (winery direct)
Norman Hardie Country Chardonnay
Price: $45
Buy from Winery
Dark & Delicious
There used to be a time when folks would say we couldn’t make “big reds” in Ontario. That time is way past. Folks don’t talk that way in these parts no more.
Who does it best? Domaine Queylus, Stratus, Two Sisters, Hidden Bench, The Grange of
Prince Edward, Bachelder, Malivoire, Creekside
Our Pick: Stratus Red (avail direct from winery)
Stratus Red
Price: $48
Buy from Winery
Think Pink
We embrace our hot summers with plenty of rosé, just like all civilized peoples of the world. Our best come from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cab Franc in styles ranging from dry and food-friendly à la Provence, to rich and fruity à la California. But each is always uniquely Canadian, eh?
Who does it best? Malivoire, Stratus, Henry of Pelham, Creekside, Hidden Bench
Our Pick: Creekside Cabernet Rosé (just released at LCBO!)
Creekside Cabernet Rosé
Price: $14.95
Available at LCBO
Sparkle & Shine
We don’t need to import Champagne anymore. We make bubbles just as good. And in a lot of cases, better and cheaper. C’est bon, ça?
Who does it best? Hinterland, Henry of Pelham, Kew, Benjamin Bridge (gotta give a shout out to our East Coast friends), Flat Rock Cellars
Our Pick: Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut or Rosé (they're both deee-licious)
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut VQA
Price: $29.95
Available at LCBO
Sweets for the Sweet
Icewine. We may not have invented it, but we sure as hell perfected it.
Who does it best? Peller Estates, Stratus, Inniskillin, Angel’s Gate, Konzelmann, Thirty Bench
Our Pick: Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine
Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine
Price: $56.95
Buy from Winery
So now, grab a glass of a great Ontario wine and raise a toast to Canada!