10 Wonderful Wine Regions to Visit in Canada

Posted by Lisa Jackson on August 25, 2017

Do you consider yourself a wine lover? There are plenty of wine destinations across Canada to quench your thirst! Kick-start your next booze-infused vacation by visiting these 10 incredible wine regions across Canada.

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The Niagara Peninsula (Ontario)

The Niagara Peninsula is Canada’s largest viticultural area, with 14,600 acres of vines and nearly 100 wineries to explore. The region has made blends since the 1800s, and in recent years, Niagara’s coveted ice wine has gone gangbusters worldwide. For the thrill of a lifetime, <a href="https://www.niagaravintagewinetours.com/view-our-tours/helicopter-wine-tour-packages/" target="_blank">fly by helicopter</a> over Niagara Falls before landing among Niagara-on-the-Lake’s vineyards for a tour and tasting.
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The Eastern Townships (Quebec)

Two hours from Montreal is the Eastern Townships, Quebec’s most highly-visited wine destination. Since the 1980s, the region's visionary viticulturists have toiled the soil and adapted their grape-growing methods to the climate, creating delicious reds and whites, as well as ice wines. Although easily visited by car or <a href="http://www.laroutedesvins.ca/en/guided-tours/" target="_blank">guided tour</a>, the best way to explore the more than 20 wineries is by <a href="http://www.laroutedesvins.ca/en/cycling-route/" target="_blank">cycling the route</a>. Learn about winemaking in Québec at <a href="https://orpailleur.ca/en/" target="_blank">Vignoble de l’Orpailleur</a>, the largest and second oldest wine producer in Quebec, celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2017.
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The Okanagan Valley (British Columbia)

More than half of British Columbia’s wineries are in the <a href="http://www.hellobc.com/thompson-okanagan.aspx">Okanagan Valley</a>, a 180 km-long wine destination near Kelowna with an arid, sunny climate that’s ideal for winemaking. Foodies flock here to explore the bountiful fruit orchards and vineyards rippling across the undulating sun-kissed hills. Stop for lunch and a tasting flight at <a href="http://www.graymonk.com/">Gray Monk Winery</a>, a lush, 75-acre vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake that produces some of the world’s finest wine.
eatdrinktravel.com/Lisa Jackson

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Grey County (Ontario)

<a href="https://www.visitgrey.ca/eat/wineries-breweries-cideries">Grey County</a> has a hidden booze history as a former hotbed for bootleggers during the region’s long Prohibition period. These days, winemaking thrives in this emerging wine destination near Georgian Bay. The northern latitude and mild climate are ideal for growing L’Acadie Blanc, a rare and coveted grape that produces citrusy, fruity white wines. Enjoy a sampling flight overlooking the Niagara Escarpment at <a href="https://www.coffinridge.ca/" target="_blank">Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery</a>, followed by a vineyard tour of <a href="http://www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/" target="_blank">Georgian Hills Vineyards</a> for a glass of their Baked Apple Frozen to the Core, an ice wine that tastes like caramelized apples.
eatdrinktravel.com/Lisa Jackson

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The Annapolis Valley (Nova Scotia)

Thanks to the rich soil and cool coastal climate, there’s a long tradition of grape-growing in Nova Scotia, dating as far back as the 1600s. Today, Nova Scotia has a cluster of wineries and vineyards to explore in the Annapolis Valley, coveted for their exquisite ice wines, sparkling wines and signature appellation Tidal Bay, an aromatic white that pairs beautifully with local seafood. After a day of winery hopping in the Annapolis Valley, dine at the enchanting <a href="http://grandprewines.ns.ca/restaurant/weddings/">Domaine de Grand Pré Winery</a> surrounded by grapevines and gardens.
Quebec City Tourism/Sébastien Larose

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Île d'Orléans (Quebec)

Thirsting for a hidden food and wine destination? Thirty minutes from Quebec City is Île d'Orléans, an island known as the “Garden of Quebec” for its bountiful produce and handful of boutique wineries. Seeing the flourishing vineyards back in the 1500s, explorer Jacques Cartier dubbed this the “Island of Bacchus,” after the Greek god of wine. Sip on black currant liqueur at <a href="http://www.cassismonna.com/en/">Cassis Monna & Filles</a>, or superbly sweet ice wines at the <a href="http://www.isledebacchus.com/">Isle de Bacchus</a>. Then, stock up on red, white, rose and ice wines at <a href="http://vs-p.ca/">Vignoble Ste-Pétronille</a> for your home collection.
eatdrinktravel.com/Lisa Jackson

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Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island (Ontario)

For beach and booze, go wine trekking in Southwestern Ontario’s lovely <a href="http://visitwindsoressex.com/wineries/">Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island</a>, where wineries produce internationally-acclaimed red, white and ice wines. Stop at <a href="http://muscederevineyards.com/">Muscedere Vineyards</a> for a velvety Baco Noir and pizza on the patio, before tasting tangy reds and whites like the zesty Ripper Red and peachy Wowza White at <a href="http://www.oxleyestatewinery.com/">Oxley Estate Winery</a>. If you’re ambitious, cycle one of the wine trails and then hit the beach at <a href="https://www.ontariossouthwest.com/ways-to-play/beaches/point-pelee/">Point Pelee National Park</a>.
Tourism BC/Andrea Johnson

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The Gulf Islands (British Columbia)

How about island-hopping in the <a href="https://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-island/popular-areas/gulf-islands.aspx">Gulf Islands</a>, British Columbia’s newest designated wine region? Squeezed between Vancouver Island and the mainland, these idyllic isles are home to <a href="https://explore.winebc.com/view-region/?id=2">over 10 wineries</a>, known for their laidback, artsy atmosphere and tasty blends made with grapes grown in a mild, coastal climate. Add a little green to your glass and enjoy a tasting of locally grown, sustainably-produced wines at <a href="http://www.saltspringvineyards.com/">Salt Spring Vineyards</a>.
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

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Prince Edward County (Ontario)

It’s only two hours east of Toronto to <a href="https://www.princeedwardcountywine.ca">Prince Edward County</a>, Ontario’s fastest-growing wine region. Just follow the <a href="http://tastetrail.ca/">Taste Trail</a> to discover almost 40 wineries, many of which produce fabulous Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays thanks to the lakeside climate. At <a href="http://www.hilliercreekwinery.com/">Hillier Creek Estates</a>, enjoy a wine tasting and gooey wood-fired oven pizza served on a sun-drenched patio. For a more rustic retreat, continue to <a href="http://bychadseyscairns.com/">Chadsey’s Cairns</a>, a 200-year-old farm that produces small-batch wines.
Destination BC/Albert Normandin

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The Fraser Valley (British Columbia)

Have you heard about the wine wonderland nestled 100 km from downtown Vancouver? <a href="http://winebc.com/plan#fraserValley">The Fraser Valley</a> boasts nearly 30 vineyards and 15 wineries, some of which produce the most acclaimed wine labels in the province. Sample an array of sparkling and fruit wines, as well as the region’s abundant culinary experiences, such as farm tours and bistro dining. For something different, learn (and taste!) how local blueberries are transformed into hand-crafted wines at <a href="http://rippleswinery.com/">Ripples Winery</a> in Abbotsford.
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