ONTARIO
Lake Erie North Shore
All the good tastes of southern Ontario come together on the North Shore, which benefits from a long growing season and a whole lot of sunshine. Also a big region for vegetable growing, the North Shore has been producing wine since the 1860s. Most of the dozen or so wineries are surrounded by water, built on gentle slopes and buffeted by southwesterly winds, all of which allows for the development of rich character and balanced acidity. Just a few hours from Toronto and Hamilton, this wine tour is a very pretty drive.
Common grapes: Riesling, Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Tastes to try: Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, Pelee Island Winery, Sprucewood Shores Winery
ONTARIO
Prince Edward County (PEC)
The county is technically an island off the north shore of Lake Ontario, about a three-hour drive east of Toronto. Here, thanks to limestone soils, moderate breezes and hot summers, deep vines produce wines similar to those found in Burgundy, France. Most of the 40 wineries are close to the shoreline. PEC’s main town of Picton and the two outlying hubs of Wellington and Bloomfield are all noted for their cool motels, small hotels and B&Bs, and abundance of destination restaurants. Tasting and touring options by bike or car are plentiful, as are the artisanal local treats to take home.
Common grapes: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc
Tastes to try: Closson Chase Winery, Rosehall Run Winery, Sandbanks Estate Winery, Long Dog Vineyard & Winery
QUEBEC
Brome-Missisquoi
The Brome-Missisquoi region within the Eastern Townships, south of the St. Lawrence River, is home to more than 20 wineries responsible for producing more than half of the wine in Quebec and includes two of the province’s oldest vineyards. The wine route here yields almost 150 kilometres of beyond-pleasant scenery and more than 20 restaurants, with cycling routes to boot. The cold-climate viticulture delivers some very interesting tastes, and the area creates many goodies to fill your picnic basket with too. Meet the field-to-bottle families, quiz the winemakers and hear stories that are as unique as the terroir itself.
Common grapes: Maréchal Foch, Seyval Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Vidal
Tastes to try: Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise, Le Vignoble du Ruisseau, Vignoble de l’Orpailleu
NOVA SCOTIA
The Minas Basin
The boutique wineries that dot the hills and valleys ringing the Minas Basin in the picturesque Annapolis Valley make for an excellent vine-hopping road trip. Just northeast of Halifax, this is cottage country, so the variety of things to do besides sample wine makes for a full weekend. With more than a dozen establishments, many family-run, along the way, the basin’s roads are well-worn by visitors searching for vineyard-side patios, picnic spots, cool tasting cellars and new labels to fill the wine cellar back home. Thanks to multiple microclimates and unique techniques forged by innovative small-lot winemakers, there are plenty of interesting bottles to sample.
Common grapes: Riesling, Seyval Blanc, L’Acadie Blanc, Gamay
Tastes to try: Mercator Vineyards, Domaine de Grand Pré, Blomidon Estate Winery
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Fraser Valley
In southwestern B.C., the Fraser River winds through some of the most fertile agricultural land in the province, so there’s little wonder the Fraser Valley wine region was destined for success. With wineries that extend from Vancouver to Chilliwack, near the foothills of the Coast Mountains, the region is home to dozens of best-kept secrets, which produce handcrafted, fresh, fruit-forward table wines. Because they’re close to so many cities — including Delta, Richmond, New Westminster, Langley and Vancouver — these wineries are an easy day trip, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. But don’t stop there: The region boasts good dining options too.
Common grapes: Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe, Bacchus, Pinot Noir
Tastes to try: Angel Estate Winery, Paradise Ranch Wines, Backyard Vineyards
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Similkameen Valley
From an agricultural past comes a very intriguing and world-class winemaking present. About a 40-minute drive south from Penticton, the fertile banks of the Similkameen River deliver 17 wineries, where hot summers and windy days help produce grapes heavy with character, many of which are exported to other wine regions. Take a weekend (at least) to sniff and swirl your way around the small towns of Keremeos and Cawston at any time of year. Find ciders and wine vinegars to sample as well, along with delectable fine foods; the valley is considered the organic capital of Canada, after all.
Common grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir
Tastes to try: Robin Ridge Winery, Hugging Tree Winery, Vanessa Vineyard
