Winemakers in Canada are disproving the notion that harsh climates prevent the production of high-quality wines by demonstrating that they can still do so. Wine tasting and tours in Canada will appeal to a wide variety of wine lovers because the country’s bottles have a distinct, easily recognizable structure and aroma. When traveling to Canada for wine tasting or touring wine regions, be sure to pay a visit to the country’s two most important wine regions, which are British Columbia and Ontario.
The Niagara Peninsula in Ontario is responsible for the province’s status as the most fertile region in the country for grape growing. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc are all wonderful examples of excellent wines that can be found there. You can get the most out of your experience with Canadian wine by touring the cellars and eating delicious food that you can match with your favorite bottles of wine.
How to Plan the Ideal Wine Tour
1. Determine Which Wine Regions You Want to Visit
The first thing you need to do is determine which regions you are interested in seeing and how long you intend to stay in each location; this will allow you to travel to a new wine region every day of your trip.
2. Think About the Season
When organizing a wine tour, it is critical to keep in mind that the time of year is an essential component to consider. Take into consideration the fact that if you choose the month of September, you will be able to witness the incredible harvest season. Winter, on the other hand, is a relatively tranquil season; however, you should be aware that most wineries either close or reduce the hours they are open.
3. Reserve
Making reservations at the eleventh hour can result in dissatisfaction! Because wineries have limited availability, it is generally better to book in advance. If you are planning to come during the busiest months, you should also book at least one month in advance.
4. Decide in Advance Which Wineries You Want to Visit
Because there are many wineries in every wine region, it is essential that you determine which one best suit your tastes. You can find small wineries, also known as boutique wineries; these wineries are typically run by families, so you can expect a friendly atmosphere and to be welcomed as if you were a member of their family. In addition, the owners of these wineries typically pay meticulous attention to each visitor to their establishment.
You also have the option of focusing on large wineries, where you will undoubtedly be able to find wines that are famous and well-known on a global scale. Large wineries are typically already well-known brands all over the world, so this option is a good fit. You’ll have an easier time finding them on the internet, but keep in mind that your experience there might be a little more impersonal and open to more people. In the end, this choice is entirely up to you and is determined by the things that you value and the standards that you set for yourself.
5. Limit Your Daily Visits to 2 or 3 Wineries
It is best to take your time and enjoy each winery, experience, and wine while you are unwinding and relaxing. These days, many wineries offer authentic and regional experiences alongside the tasting of their wines. These can take the form of cooking classes, traditional meals, or other activities.
6. Pay for a Designated Driver
If you are going to be drinking during your trip to a wine region, it is highly recommended that you hire a designated driver. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting in anyone’s way as you try out the wine, and most drivers will be able to point you in the direction of the most interesting destinations during your day trip.
7. Whenever Possible, Visit Wineries in the Morning
It is in your best interest to get an early start so that you can avoid crowds and attract the attention of both the winemaker and the owners of the vineyard.
8. Maximize Your Travel Experience
A trip to try different wines ought to be an unforgettable adventure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of all the activities that the winery has to offer; you won’t regret it. Take your time and savor every second of it.
9. Investigate Wines Other Than Your Favorites
Because each winemaker employs his or her approach to the production of wine, the same varietal of wine will have a distinctively different flavor profile at each winery. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you typically don’t like them. It might surprise you that even if you don’t like reds, for example, you might find a red that suits your preferences.
Regions to Visit for Wine in Canada
1. Nova Scotia
The size of Nova Scotia has no impact on its ability to meticulously create a large number of wineries. This Atlantic province has several wine-growing regions, making it the “little province that could” in the wine industry. It shouldn’t be surprising that this region was one of the first in North America to cultivate grapes back in the 1600s given its 800 acres of grapes, over 70 grape growers, and the Tidal Bay signature wine.
This Maritime province’s climate and soil are perfect for growing distinctive grapes that produce distinctive wines. Drink your way along the Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s first combined winery, craft brewery, and distillery tour, for a truly immersive experience.
2. Prince Edward County
On the shores of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County, Ontario’s fastest-growing wine region, is gaining recognition. The cultivars grown here are quite like those grown across from Niagara-on-the-Lake, but this area is becoming well known for its limestone-rich soil. The climate in Prince Edward Country is ideal for growing grapes, with cold winters and warm summers. With more than 35 wineries in the area, you can be sure to sip a sublime Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah.
3. Niagara Peninsula
The Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada’s most well-known wine-producing regions, renowned for both its scenic beauty and its hearty, flavorful wines. This area, which stretches from the charming Niagara-on-the-Lake to the welcoming Grimsby, is distinguished by fertile soil that excels at producing the perfect grapes for, among other varietals, delightfully sweet ice wines.
4. Thompson Okanagan
Because it is home to more than 120 vineyards, the Thompson Okanagan is one of the most famous regions in all of Canada; we only wish that we could visit all of them during a single vacation. The Okanagan region is known for its cool climate and wine varietals such as pinot Gris, Riesling, and pinot noir, as well as other varieties of wine. This region is known as the world’s most northern wine region. You’ll find the ideal combination of vineyards and beaches in this area, making it an excellent choice for a summer vacation thanks to its convenient location along a string of lakes.
5. Similkameen
The Similkameen region is finally coming into its own as it has been recognized as one of the top five best wine regions in the world. After many years of cultivating the fruit in this dry and hot valley, the area has only recently begun to take advantage of the growing number of established wineries that are nestled among its mountainous backdrop. This region’s climate is ideal for cultivating grapes, as evidenced by the fact that it is now home to 14 vineyards. Even better, most growers in the region focus on organic farming, which ensures that your wine will not only be good for the environment but will also have a delicious flavor.
There are approximately 550 wineries in Canada, and they are dispersed across all 10 provinces of the country. However, as Canada’s reputation as a wine producer has grown, an increasing number of tourists have become familiar with the country’s most prominent wine regions.