Canada, the world’s second-largest country by land area, is not just known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse culture, but also for its burgeoning wine industry. The history of winemaking in Canada dates back over a thousand years, with the tradition of making sweet wines with native varieties Riparia and Labrusca continuing to this day.
The History of Winemaking in Canada
The history of winemaking in Canada dates back to 1000 AD when an expedition discovered native grape varieties in northeastern Canada. These areas were known as “Vinland”. In the 19th century, European immigrants tried to plant vines here, but Canada’s extreme climate made it challenging for vines to survive. Early winemakers switched to cultivating native varieties Riparia and Labrusca, and the Canadian tradition of making sweet wines with Labrusca has continued since then.
The Canadian Wine Industry Today
Today, Canada is recognized for not only producing the world’s finest ice wines but also elegant sparkling and dry white wines. The country’s wine industry has seen significant growth, with winemakers demonstrating that growing fine grapes in cold regions is not impossible. In fact, these grapes possess a very specific and recognizable structure and aromas.
Wine Regions in Canada
Canada has four important wine-producing regions: Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. Ontario is the most productive, thanks to the Niagara Peninsula province. This area has the most diverse climate, soil type, and continental climate that allows winegrowers to cultivate great Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
In the British Columbia wine region, the most important wine-growing area is the Okanagan Valley. Protected by Cascade and Columbia mountain ranges, the Okanagan Valley is climatically perfect for viticulture. The whole British Columbia wine region is organized differently from the Ontario wine region: there are more wineries with less vast vineyards, each producing small quantities of high-quality wine.
Quebec and Nova Scotia, the other two Canadian wine regions, also contribute to the country’s wine production. Quebec, with its relatively cold climate, is committed to cultivating the hybrid variety Vidal. Nova Scotia wines have high acidity due to the influence of the Atlantic cold.
Canadian Ice Wine
Canadian ice wine enjoys a high reputation internationally and is a gift from nature to wine lovers. It is the world’s largest producer of ice wine. The process of producing ice wine is such that the grapes are fully ripe in October, wrapped in a protective net and left on the vine. During the freezing period in winter, the grapes are frozen and naturally dehydrated, and the sugar and acidity in the grapes are concentrated.
The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
Canadian winemakers established the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) high-quality winemaking alliance in 1988, which divided the Canadian production areas into the following four regions: Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. The VQA is an independent federation that functions independently and is not subject to any government intervention. It includes wineries, grape growers, wine management departments, academic, catering, and research institutions.
Wine Tourism in Canada
A document from the Canadian Vintners Association states that more than 3M visitors go to Canadian wine regions each year. Wine tastings and cellar tours are very popular because many wineries are located in the middle of amazing landscapes and often have also a top restaurant inside. Wine routes are very well signposted both along the Ontario wine region and in the British Columbia wine region.
Conclusion
Canada’s wine industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Today, it is recognized globally for its unique and high-quality wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, Canada’s wine region offers something for everyone.