Savoring Canada's Tasty Wine Regions: A Sommelier's Top Three Destinations for Delicious Wines and Scenic Beauty
Hitting the wine scene across Canada, particularly the Okanagan Valley, is an indulgent adventure like no other. With over 850 wineries nationwide, four provinces—Ontario, B.C., Nova Scotia, and Quebec—stand out as the frontrunners in this exciting industry.
In the Okanagan Valley, the scenery alone will take your breath away. Towering mountains, carved by ancient glaciers, and blanketed in Douglas firs create a mystic setting. Glacier lakes reflect the brilliant sunshine, while vineyards bloom lushly between rolling hills.
Sommelier Kurtis Kolt swoons over the Okanagan's "sunshine glinting off the lake to the mountainous backdrops." It's a sight to behold. Visit the luxurious Mission Hill Family Estate, boasting chef Patrick Gayler's farm-driven plates and Canada's first 100-point red wine, Oculus 2020. Stroll across the lake to CedarCreek's modern tasting rooms for an enchanting sunset view over the dormant mountain volcanoes—and perhaps a sighting of the winery's distinctive Highland cows.
If you're after Canada's oldest wine region, head to the picturesque Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. The vineyards curve toward the ancient seabed, where surging tides and sea spray mingle with the grapes. Alana Steele, sommelier at The Ostrich Club, recommends attempting Lightfoot & Wolfville's bubbly wines with fresh oysters or wood-fired pizzas topped with little neck clams. Don't miss Grand Pré's stunning vineyard views, quaint pergolas, and signature Tidal Bay wines or the elegant Chardonnays at Blomidon Estate.
For a leisurely journey through Quebec's Eastern Townships, follow La Routes des Vins, a 160-kilometer trail linking 25 vineyards. Sip wine as you unwind at the town of Dunham's microbreweries or take a dip in Bromont's Balnea spa. Embrace the area's cold, rugged charm, and pair your wine with local, farmhouse dishes at Bessie North House.
Kate Dingwall, a Toronto-based wine and travel writer, and sommelier, encourages you to immerse yourself in the rich, diverse wine landscape Canada has to offer. Cheers to your wine-tasting travels!
But wait, there's more! Some top wineries in the Okanagan Valley include the art-adorned Quails' Gate Winery, world-renowned Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, intimate River Stone Estate Winery, and other noteworthy estates such as Gray Monk, Black Hills, Tinhorn Creek, Sandhill, and Red Rooster. For a curated, immersive winery experience, check out Sip & Anchor's luxury tours with a blend of land and lake adventures.
- Toronto-based wine and travel writer Kate Dingwall recommends immersing oneself in Canada's rich and diverse wine landscape, particularly in the Okanagan Valley.
- In Toronto, a global hotspot for lifestyle and food-and-drink trends, the news abounds with the city's growing interest in global cuisines, often featuring local establishments serving innovative dishes.
- Traveling to the picturesque Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia offers an opportunity to explore Canada's oldest wine region and sample regionally-inspired dishes paired with the area's signature Tidal Bay wines or elegant Chardonnays at the award-winning Blomidon Estate.
- For an unforgettable exploration of Canada's wine and travel destinations, consider joining the curated wine tours offered by Sip & Anchor, which promise a luxurious experience with a blend of land and lake adventures across the Okanagan Valley.
