Wines of Canada

Canada is considered to be a cool climate VITICULTURE Temperatures during the fruit-ripening phase are moderate and consistent with long hours of sunshine.
Ideally suited for the growing of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Wines from cooler climates are characteristically higher in acids and highly aromatic. These high acids result in wines, particularly white wines, with longer natural aging potential. Winemakers believe that cool climates produce lighter, fruitier wines whereas hotter regions produce less fruity, heavier wines.

It must be noted that Canadian winemakers are pioneers. They are willing and eager to try new varieties to see how the vines progress. In the southern Okanagan, Merlot has emerged as a quality wine. In the north Ortega has been successful.

Pioneering vintner Johann Schiller domesticated the native labrusca grapes, planting a small vineyard in 1811 near present-day Mississauga, Ont. He became known as the father of Canadian wine.

When Inniskillin first won the coveted Grand Prix d'Honneur at Vinexpo in Bordeaux, France for their 1989 Icewine, the seal of international approval for the bounty of Canadian viticulture was guaranteed.

In 1997, the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute [CCOVI] at Brock University in Ontario became the first research centre in the world dedicated to growing grapes and making wine in cool climates. The University of British Columbia also has a research centre dedicated to wine.

White Wine of the Year
Township 7 2002 Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley Presented by Metropolitan Hotels

Red Wine of the Year
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan 2001 Proprietors Grand Reserve Meritage
Okanagan Valley
Presented by Dairy Farmers of Canada

Learning About Wines
B.C. Varietal
Ontario Varietal
Wine, Food, Health and You
Icewine
Cooking With Wine

For more in depth information on the wines and grape varieties please
visit Canadian Vinters Association

Where to Stay while visiting the Wineries click here.