Canadian Wine Wheel

Canada is a wine-producing nation. Some of our regions possess the geography, microclimate and soil conditions for producing world-class, varietal wines. Ontario and British Columbia are recognized as Canada’s foremost wine regions. Each experiences a unique terroir or “growing environment” ideal for wine grapes.

Ontario’s designated wine regions include the Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County. The Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley and Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are British Columbia’s wine regions. Each region possesses sub-appellations, areas with a specific combination of slope, climate and soil that contributes special character to the wines produced. Canada’s other provinces are also blessed with areas possessing a unique terroir where wine grapes flourish and quality table wines are produced.

The bottom wheel celebrates the range of wine styles produced in Canada, such as crisp, dry whites or austere reds. You’ll also discover some of the grape varieties vinified in these styles. Each variety is made up of combined building blocks that create its style. The building blocks include sour, sweet, bitter, fruity and/or fatty. Depending on the winemaking techniques employed and its grape variety and age, every wine also offers a range of wonderful flavours that are individualistic.

They can be fruity, petrol, floral, earthy, smoky or even barnyard, to name a few. Each category also reveals any oak influences and the best regions for the grape variety’s production. The top wheel offers suggestions for pairing wine styles with their most complementary cuisines, fruits, vegetables, spices, fleshes, sauces and cheeses.

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