Canadian WineriesIntro to Canadian WineriesThis Northern beauty is home to hundreds of Canadian wineries.Chances are, when you think of Canada, you don’t think of wine. The vertical slopes of the Rockies would seem an unlikely place to find vintners tending their grapes, and snow laden tundra would yield a meager harvest to be sure. But if you’re willing to set aside stereotypes, this majestic country is more than mountains and snow. In fact, it is home to a thriving Canadian wineries that show signs of much growth and potential. The Canadian wine industry has spent the last 30 years working hard to demonstrate that Canada can produce wine with subtle aromas, complex flavors, and longer aging potential. It may be the new kid on the block, but Canadian wine has proven it can stand its ground alongside wines from some of the best wine producing regions in the world. 
As in other wine-making countries, like France, Italy and Germany, Canadian wines have to meet tough standards set by a government sanctioned regulatory system, called Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). This regulatory body guarantees the quality and authenticity of Canadian wines and ensures the highest possible quality from the vineyards in Canada.
Where Can You Find Canadian wineries?Seeking out more temperate climes, most Canadian wine makers have established their wineries in the southern regions of the country, placing the bulk of the Canadian wine industry’s production along the border with its neighbor to the south. Canadian wine is produced in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. The largest concentration of Canadian wineries is found in British Columbia and Ontario.A Hot Spot for Canadian Wine and WineriesBritish Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is the country’s most famous wine producing region. Nestled along the Okanagan Lake and River, this scenic landscape is the premier location for Canadian wineries and a number one choice in Canadian wine tours. All this makes the Okanagan Valley the clear leader in the Canadian wine industry.What makes this Valley so good for wine production? The weather, of course. The valley is known for its dry, sunny climate and arid landscapes. A longtime leader in the fruit growing industry, agricultural interests have shifted more towards wine and vineyards to make this region internationally renowned for its wine and tourism. In addition to some of the best Canadian wines, the Okanagan Valley offers visitors some of the most beautiful vineyards in Canada. Wine tours of this scenic Canadian countryside are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Tours are made regularly of some of the finest Canadian wineries in one of Canada’s most unique geographical settings. Visitors could easily think they’re in California, not Canada, when they see the arid landscape carpeted with meticulously manicured vineyards and wineries. Canadian wineries in the Okanagan Valley – to name just a few! - Adora Estate Winery
For a complete list of Okanagan vineyards, check out this site: okanaganwines.ca/wineries/
Another Canadian Wine Hot SpotAnother hot spot for Canadian wine and wineries is the Niagara Peninsula, found at the southern tip of the province of Ontario, just north of New York State. Situated along the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, this scenic landscape has seen some of the greatest growth in the Canadian wine industry in the last 30 years, becoming a number one location for vineyards in Canada. Wine growers in the area have taken advantage of the unique microclimate produced by the proximity of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, which has created some of the best conditions for vineyards in the country.Here’s a list of must-see vineyards in Canada’s Niagara Region: - Angels Gate Winery
For more wineries, check out this
Ontario Canadian wineries site. It has maps and directions as well. Canadian Wine ToursBoth Okanagan and Niagara regions offer regular wine tours each season for the delight of visitors.Tour up to 60 Canadian wineries in the desert climes of the Okanagan Valley, and enjoy some of the most picturesque vineyards in all of Canada. In addition to offering great tasting Canadian wine, these wine tours also include first rate restaurants and cafes for your dining pleasure. Just click on the link for more info about this Canadian wine tours hot spot. (http://www.okwinetours.com/) In the Niagara region, there’s a wine tour happening each month, allowing wine lovers to enjoy the unique scenery of this microclimate, while tasting some of the finest of Canadian wines. For more information on wine tours in this region, just click on the link, and discover one of the Canadian wine industry’s best spots for wine tours. (http://www.niagarawinetrail.org) - Article by Kevin Vaughan Don't forget to find out what your wine personality is. Also, to win a 2-night stay, send us your winery reviews, or complete a monthly poll. To be educated on the wine terms, make sure you familiarize yourself with rare and not-so-well-known wine facts. Back to Winery Explorer Home Page
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