When it comes to the wine regions of the world, most people think of areas like France, Italy, and California. However, Canada also has a flourishing wine industry for wine aficionados and tourists — both domestic and international — to discover. From coast to coast, you can find unique wines that showcase the country’s terroirs (a French term for the combination of factors which give a wine its distinctive character) and different winemaking techniques.

The Okanagan Valley

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is renowned around the world for its award-winning wines and visually stunning vineyards. The valley’s warm summers and mild winters create the perfect conditions for grape growing, which means that the region’s wineries are known for a wide array of varietals, including Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the Okanagan’s microclimates and the region’s unique terroirs, winemakers can craft wines with highly distinct and recognizable characteristics. Every Okanagan Valley winery is proud of the nuances of its own one-of-a-kind offerings.

The Niagara Peninsula

Moving eastward to Ontario, we arrive at one of Canada’s most important and influential wine-producing regions: The Niagara Peninsula. Known for its gorgeous scenery, this wine-producing region’s proximity to Lake Ontario creates a uniquely warm microclimate that extends the growing season. This region produces both elegant reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, and crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. It is also known for its ice wines, a sweet type of dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen on the vine.

The Eastern Townships

In neighbouring Quebec, the rolling hills provide a home to the wine-producing region known as the Eastern Townships (Estrie). While this region experiences cold and challenging winters, winemakers have created innovative techniques for cultivating unique grape varieties. The resulting white wines, including Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc, are known for being aromatic and crisp, while the region’s red wines include complex and elegant offerings like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The area is also known for its gorgeous landscapes and charming villages, offering visitors a delightful combination of world-class wines, scenery, and culture.

Nova Scotia

While British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario are the three biggest producers of wine in Canada, Nova Scotia has made significant strides to put itself on the map as well. Though the province has a cooler climate, the Atlantic Ocean helps to moderate the temperature and creates a long growing season. Nova Scotia is particularly well-known for its sparkling wines, as well as for its aromatic and crisp whites like Tidal Bay and L-Acadie Blanc. The limestone and slate soils of the province also impart its wines with a distinctive minerality.

A tour of Canada’s wine regions offers not only a chance to indulge in delicious wines but to discover stunning landscapes and learn more about the country. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious explorer, it’s time for some wine-inspired adventure.