Canada is a burgeoning wine country that has been steadily making its mark on the global wine stage. It borders the United States to the south and Alaska to the northwest.
The economic impact of the Canadian grape wine industry has been nothing short of remarkable. According to Wine Growers Canada, the industry's economic contribution has surged by over 70% between 2011 and 2019, reaching an impressive $11.57 billion. This substantial growth underscores the increasing significance of the Canadian wine sector, not only domestically but also on the global economic front.
Canada's wine regions (Viticultural Areas) have unique climate and diverse terroirs, which offer an ideal canvas for Canadian wineries to cultivate a wide range of grape varieties, resulting in a vibrant array of wines that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The different styles of wine produced throughout the country are dependent of different factors, such as the climatic conditions or the types of soils. From the lush vineyards of British Columbia to the picturesque landscapes of Ontario and beyond, Canadian wineries continue to craft exceptional wines that reflect the country's natural beauty and rich heritage. But undoubtedly one of the great strengths of the Canadian wine industry is the country's flagship wine, icewine, which has steadily gained prominence on the world stage not only because of its level of acidity, but also because of the very particular conditions needed to make it.
In addition to its wine regions, Canada has 22 wine appellations. Among them, we can mention Lake Country, Golden Mile Bench, Niagara River and Twenty Mile Bench.
Ontario is the leading province for the production of this wine, accounting for 90% of icewine produced in Canada. Ontario is considered the home of Icewine. Also, Canada is the biggest producer of icewine worldwide, surpassing all other countries combined.
With a commitment to quality and innovation, Canadian winemakers have embraced both traditional viticulture techniques and modern advancements to elevate their offerings. The result is a burgeoning portfolio of world-class wines that appeal to a discerning and growing international audience.
As Canada's wine industry continues to flourish, it remains poised for even greater achievements on the global stage. The nation's passion for wine, coupled with its dedication to sustainability and excellence, promises a bright and promising future for Canada as a notable wine country, making it one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the ever-evolving world of wine.
Another reason that makes Canada one of the most chosen places for visitors such as wine lovers is the breathtaking scenery of regions such as Lake Ontario, which is one of the five Great Lakes, Okanagan Valley, Nova Scotia, British Columbia or even Quebec, a relative newcomer with a more challenging climate. Quebec has the growing Eastern Townships wine route with some of the best wineries in the province (Pro Tip: you will also find amazing wines in the area of Montreal, that is surrounded by wineries). All these places will greet you with delicious and unforgettable wine tastings and amazing French Canadan hospitality!
There are other new winegrowing areas to explore, such as Prince Edward County, that are growing at a fast pace, so it would not be surprising if in the future the eyes of the world begin to focus on them as well. In particular, Prince Edward County is a Viticultural Area in Ontario, that is becoming famous for the high-quality red, white and sparkling wines, made primarily from varieties such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, very resistant to the cold climate of the region.
Another wine region you must keep in mind for visitors when travelling through Canada is the Gulf Islands, although it might seem underdeveloped, step by step they are making a name for themselves in the Canadian wine industry. In fact, every day the region features more and more wineries that enriches the wine scenery of Canada. When you head down to one of the amazing wineries of Gulf Islands, don´t forget to try some of the delicious local products with your wine tastings, such as the sweet raspberries and strawberries, making it one trip you will never forget! In addition, the breathtaking landscape of the islands will make you fall in love with the region!
Canada is also a very important wine market for producers from around the world. The country ranks as the 4th largest importer of wine globally, with values of imported wine that reached 2.25 billion dollars in 2021, while also boasting a position just outside the top 10 wine markets in terms of consumption.
In summary, Canada is a wine country that has emerged as a significant player in the wine industry, not only because of its particular microclimates and diversity of soils, but also due to the hard work of every winemaker. In this location, you will be able to discover distinctive and unique wines navigating trough its unique wine regions and appellations, that will surely treat your tastebuds.
Three categories can be used to categorize wine grapes. These are European or Vitis Vinifera, American or Labruscana, and hybrids. Each variety brings distinctive characteristics to the wines, and grape growers take advantage of this to experiment with unique combinations of grapes, depending on the profile they are looking for. In the Canadian wine regions, the most commonly planted grape varieties vary by color, and all of them will surely give you an immersing experience in each sip, so whether you choose a red, white, rose or sparkling wine, you will enjoy every single glass:
It's important to note that Canada's wine regions vary significantly in climate and terroir, which impacts the grape varieties that thrive in each area. Therefore, the most commonly planted grape varieties can differ between provinces and regions within Canada. Additionally, Canadian winemakers are increasingly experimenting with other lesser-known grape varieties, further enriching the country's diverse wine offerings and the taste of every bottle, such as the Frontenac grape in the Bay of Fundy Coastal Area. So, even if you find a bottle of wine with not-so-recognizable grapes, be sure to at least try a sip. You never know with what flavors will surprise you the next glass you hold!
The main characteristic of Canadian wine is its diversity, thanks to its varied climates and terroirs across different wine regions, as well as the different wine making techniques implemented by Canadian wineries. As a result, most likely you will taste unique wines in each winery you visit. Some of the various types of wines produced in this wine country include:
Ice Wine: One of the things Canada is most famous for, and you have probably heard of, are its world-class icewines, made from grapes that freeze on the vine and are harvested in sub-zero temperatures, mostly during the night. In fact, this wine country excels in the production of this wine, and is known as the world's leading icewine producer, surpassing other countries such as Germany or the United States. To make this wine, it is used a very particular and interesting wine making technique: first, the grapes must be exposed to very low temperatures in the vineyard, until they freeze, and then the frozen grapes are passed through a press. Although it is produced all over the country, Ontario has the biggest Ice wine industry among the Canada wine regions, concentrates 90% of Ice Wine production. Due to its high sugar content, this type of wine is usually consumed as a dessert wine, and has a flavor profile with notes of citrus, honey or even stone fruits such as peach. For this reason, this type of wine is one of the most appreciated among wine lovers all over the world. Ice Wine in Canada is typically made from Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Enjoy Icewine as a starter, paired with a big range of food or as a dessert wine!
White Wines: Canada produces a wide variety of white wines in its wine regions, including:
Red Wines: Canadian red wines encompass a diverse selection, including:
Sparkling Wines: Canada also produces high-quality traditional method sparkling wines. These can include sparkling wine styles made predominantly of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Rosé Wines: Increasingly popular, Canadian rosé wines are made from various grape varieties. Rosés from Canada range in style from dry to off-dry with a spectrum of fruity and floral notes.
Fortified Wines: In addition to Ice Wines, Canada produces fortified wines, including wines similar to Port, often made from traditional Portuguese grape varieties.
The diversity of the profiles in the Canadian wine reflects the country's unique terroir and its wine regions' abilities to craft distinctive and exceptional offerings that appeal to both domestic and international wine enthusiasts. This is also one of the reasons why wine tours are becoming more and more popular through the country. Whether you enjoy to drink reds, whites, roses, sweeter or drier wines, Canada always has a way to surprise you, so don´t be afraid to check out the ample range of wines that this amazing wine country has to offer. There is always a chance that the next wine you drink will become one of your favorite wines.
All of the wine regions of Canada are actively embracing sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to foster more sustainable winemaking. This commitment is evident through several noteworthy programs and initiatives that promote responsible grape production and good winegrowing practices, which more and more Canadian wineries are embracing.
One such program is the Ontario Grape Certification Program, specific for the Ontario wine region, which highlights producers who adhere to the three pillars of sustainability: the environment, the economy, and the community. By encouraging responsible and conscientious grape cultivation, this program aims to minimize environmental impact of the wineries, support local economies, and benefit the surrounding communities.
Additionally, the wine industry in the British Columbia and Ontario is taking significant strides towards sustainability through the Sustainable Winegrowing BC and Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario programs. These initiatives not only provide organic certification for vineyards and growers but also offer comprehensive guidelines on adopting sustainable winegrowing practices. By following these guidelines, many wineries have reduced their ecological footprint, and helped to conserve natural non-renewable resources, while also promoting overall environmental health.
In addition to these sustainable programs, Canada is one of the 194 member nations of the Food and Agricultural Organization, a certification that is constantly working to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
Finally, there is the case of some wine regions such as Nova Scotia, a maritime province situated in Eastern Canada, that, despite being on its infancy in terms of wine sustainability, they do have certified organic wineries. In the particular case of Nova Scotia, this wine region has 1 winery certified under the OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Inc. certification (L'Acadie Vineyards, located in Wolfville).
Through these collective efforts, the Canadian wine industry is on a promising path towards more sustainable winemaking practices. Embracing ESG principles and sustainability measures, Canadian wineries are demonstrating their commitment to the preservation of the environment, the well-being of their communities, and the long-term viability of the wine industry in the country. As these initiatives continue to gain momentum, they contribute to the continued growth and success of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious Canadian wine industry, allowing Canada to position itself as an increasingly relevant wine country in the global marketplace. So, when you travel through Canada, be sure to stop by one of the country's amazing sustainable wineries. You're sure to be greeted with open arms and a delicious glass of organic wine.
Canada's winemaking history is a chronicle of resilience, innovation, and growth, unfolding over several centuries to position the nation prominently on the global wine map.
The modern Canadian wine industry is a significant cultural and economic contributor to the nation. It continues to expand, adding new wineries each year and enriching its diversity. Every glass of Canadian wine is a tribute to the country's rich and storied winemaking history, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the depth of Canada's winemaking journey.
From its early encounters to its current status as a respected wine-producing country, Canada's winemaking heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit of growth, resilience, and innovation.
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