Dipping your toes into the world of Canadian wine? Look no further than this guide.
East Coast
First is the Nova Scotia-made Gaspereau Vineyards Tidal Bay white blend, by the brilliant Gina Haverstock. Tidal Bay wines are a regional production, from the Bay of Fundy, called Tidal Bay because of the tidal influences in the region. Wines from here are mainly made with Hybrid grapes.
Gaspereau Vineyards Tidal Bay white blend
Winemaker – Gina Haverstock
Can be purchased from the LCBO
Cost is $22.95/bottle
This wine reminds me of Shania Twain; it has a wonderfully Canadian feel and a presence that can’t stop you from smiling.
Source: AP News
Central Canada
Next up is a rosé from Ontario, the Honsberger Estate Cabernet Franc Rosé. This winery is run and made by strong, amazing women. Owned by Barb Honsberger, the farm has been in her family for six generations, but only became a winery in 2007. The winery brought on the phenomenal Kelly Mason, an Ontario winemaker you just have got to know. She has left her stamp on more than a couple wineries in Ontario and this rosé is no exception.
Give it a smell and taste, and you will be greeted with aromas of cherry, strawberry, wild red flowers, nectarine and orange peels. On the palate, the wine is crispy with a well-textured finish and wonderful balance in the glass.
Honsberger Estate Cabernet Franc Rosé
Winemaker – Kelly Mason
Can be purchased directly from the winery
Cost is $24.00/bottle
It almost reminds me of Catherine O’Hara. She has this elegance mixed with vibrancy and complexity, for me, her personality shows through in this wine!
Source: US Magazine
West Coast
Our final wine of the day is the Nk’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah from the Okanagan Valley of BC. If you haven’t heard of Nk’Mip before, they have an amazing story. This is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America.
Nk’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah, Okanagan Valley of BC
Winemaker – Justin Hall
Can be ordered from the Principle Fine wines and direct from the winery
Cost is $34.99/bottle
This wine reminded me of Brandon Oakes, he has such a presence and strength that I think this wine shows off tremendously!
Source: Academy
