Great Canadian Wines for Canada Day

Our sommeliers went coast-to-coast for their Canadian wine faves this holiday.

by Erin

Canada is a big place. And its wine offering is nearly as big.

With 280 wineries in BC, more than 160 in Ontario, and a small, but mighty, 20 or so wineries in Nova Scotia.

Inevitably every year for Canada Day we have to make the hard choice of what Canadian wine we will be pairing to grilling and fireworks, and it’s never an easy choice. So this year I passed the buck to the sommeliers on Team TWS to get their input, and here’s what they came back with.

Aimee Fowler, Domaine Queylus Cabernet Franc, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara, ON $28

“Ontario Cabernet Franc is near and dear to my heart. Domaine Queylus is a wonderful example of what Cabernet Franc can be in Ontario – ripe, rich, textured and so delicious! An excellent go to for BBQ meats, and summer flair (served at 16-18°C for the best summer experience!)”

Alexa McAlister, Black Hills Winery “Nota Bene”, Okanagan Valley, BC $60

“I’ve been saving this one for a special occasion! Black Hills is a really neat winery located in the Southern Okanagan, BC. Nota Bene is a rich and opulent Bordeaux style blend – this vintage being a mix of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc.  To me, this wine embodies what a big red should be: juicy, full, but with fresh acidity from those cool desert nights. I’ll be pairing this with a flank steak, fireworks and good company.”

Alex Murphy, Benjamin Bridge Blanc de Blancs, Nova Scotia

“Nova Scotia has grown an international reputation for sparkling wine made in the style of Champagne. I love treating myself to Benjamin Bridge’s Blanc de Blancs. It’s 100% Chardonnay, with toasty notes and apricot on the palate. It can be tough to find at the LCBO, but you can order directly from the winery. This Canada Day I plan on opening a bottle and dreaming about visiting the east coast…”

Danielle Chandler, Malivoire “Stouck Farmsted Red,” VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara, ON $27

“My pick for celebrating Canada Day is the Stouck Farmstead Red from Malivoire.  This Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the Bench is made in a Bordeaux style and will pair perfectly with grilled meats including burgers, steak or even ribs.  It is fresh and juicy with red and black berries and has a lovely earthy, spicy finish. It’s available at the winery [with free delivery on minimum orders!] for $27.”

Heidi Meisinger, CREW Meritage, Lake Erie North Shore, ON $22

“The Colchester Ridge Crew Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Flavours of ripe red berry, cherry, cassis pairs beautifully with braised meat or Bolognese! Yummmmm!”

Lara Jordan, Rosehall Run “Pixie,” VQA Prince Edward County, ON $20

“From one of PEC’s original wineries, Rosehall Run, this VQA Sparkling Rosé is crisp, full of red fruit, lots of bubbles and finishes slightly sweet. The perfect bubbly to ring in a holiday on a scorching hot day (plus, its name, Pixie, couldn’t be cuter!)”

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