FAQ
How do I start my own Winery?
I would have to say I do not know.
Starting and maintaining a winery, a wine distribution business, or wine retail business is difficult enough, but compliance with the constantly changing licensing system and policies is a unique challenge.
It requires a great deal of hard work and substantial funding. You might start by contacting other winery owners and the provincial authority
also see http://www.lawseminars.com/detail.php?SeminarCode=11WINEBC
. There are numerous consulting companies that can help you.
Where can I buy Canadian Icewine in my town/state ?
We do not keep track of what retailers carry Canadian wines in each individual state. As the laws for the distribution of alcohol is controlled by the state; we do not keep track of who allows imports from Canada. Please contact the local authority or check the yellow pages (google today) and call a retailer near you. Only a small number of Canadian wineries export their wines.
Can I find Icewine in Europe/ Asia?`
Yes you can
however we do not keep track of where or who the distributors are.
We use to say let your fingers do the walking through the Yellow Pages ( telephone book)
Please check with local wine shops or Government authorities.
Can I buy wines from Wines of Canada.com
No we are not a retailer or distributor of wines
What temperature do I store wines
The ideal temperature for long-term wine storage is generally 55°F. This allows for slow and proper aging of the wine. A temperature that is too hot will increase the speed of aging and a temperature too low will slow the pace of aging. However, rapid changes in temperature are more damaging to your wine than a steady high or low temperature in the cellar.
The proper humidity level has been determined to be 60 to 65 percent relative humidity. A humidity level any higher (at a temperature of 55°F) will be too humid and cause mold issues and deterioration of labels. A humidity level that is too low will result in a dry cork, which allows the opportunity for oxygen to reach your wine and cause oxidation.
Wine shelf life
What is the best way to store wine if I do not finish the bottle
White can usually be placed in the fridge for a few days with no effect on the taste. Since air is the major enemy here. you my try placing the wine in a smaller bottle with a secure closure and place in the fridge.
Some people like the idea of filling the bottle with inert gas. Something I personally do not like.
Some experts say the inert gas is the best way to store Reds. Icewine can last 3-5 days in the fridge
The majority of wine is consumed within 48 hours of purchase with only a small fraction actually making it into someone's cellar. However, many wines do benefit from being aged in a cellar. It is best to cellar wine in a cool, dark place where the temperature is relatively constant. Temperatures of 14-17oC are ideal and practical.
Time is going to have a mellowing effect on the acidity in a white wine and on the tannins in a red. Therefore, grape varieties which have higher levels of these two structural components make good candidates for cellaring. Over time the wine will soften and show greater integration and complexity as fruit flavours diminish.
Please see Storage
What is the shelf life of Icewine.
In my research I found different answers to this question, The range was 3-5, 5-7, 10 years.
Like all wines storing icewine correctly is very important.
Icewine should be stored on it side in a consistent and cool place (55-65 °F or 12-18 °C ) and away from vibrations
Will we contact wineries on your behave?
Only for a fee equal to my time!
Can I have permission to use an image from your website.
The immediate answer is no. All material is copyright. You may ask but be very specific as the images are owned either by me, the winery or other organizations and individuals whose rights I cannot speak for.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards ~ Oliver British Columbia
Photo by Ian Mounsey
Jobs
We are not an employer
Old Wine
I have a question about a bottle of Bright's Canadian Catawaba Sherry. I was recently given a bottle of this Sherry and I am the fourth generation to be lucky enough to have it. I am trying to find out any information about this type of liquor. I have attached a picture of the bottle that i have , in hopes that you can help me to find out more information about it. I am interested in the age of this bottle, and some of its history. If you are not sure of any information could you point me in the right direction to look or a number that I am able to contact someone.
I thank you for your time and efforts.
Kevin
Answer: We enjoy questions about older wines and would like to see any picture you can provide.
In most cases you old wine is of No Value. Kevin's wine came from the 1930's See Brights
Do we represent the Government of Canada
We do not ! We are a private website. Working on it in our spare time.
Can I drive from the Ontario Wine Region to the BC Wine Region in the same day
No It would take three days driving safely. It is around 2,560 miles, 4160 KM
Is Wine Gutin Free ?
Wines are made from fermented grapes or other fruits. There are also fortified wines such as vermouth; port and sherry which include an added brandy or another distilled alcohol. All these wines are gluten-free . The concern may be cross Contamination
Is Gutin used in making Wine Barrels ?
Yes! Many manufactures use
Unbleached flour paste (made with distilled water) to assure a leak-proof seal on the barrel. You would want to drink wines made with out barrel storage. The best way to know for sure is to ask the winery.
Are there Sulphites free wines?
No
All wines contain sulphur dioxide in various forms, collectively known as sulphites. Even in completely unsulphured wine it is present at concentrations of up to 10 milligrams per litre.
A wine bottle that says "no sulphites added" does not make it free of Sulphites.
Sulphur levels in different types of wine
Red wines do not need any added sulphur dioxide because they naturally contain anti-oxidants, acquired from their skins and stems during fermentation. Conventional winemakers add some anyway.
White wines and rosé s do not contain natural anti-oxidants because they are not left in contact with their skins after crushing. For this reason they are more prone to oxidation and tend to be given larger doses of sulphur dioxide.
Sweet wines get the biggest doses because sugar combines with and binds a high proportion of any SO2 added. To get the same level of free sulphur dioxide, the total concentration has to be higher than for dry wines.
Wine and Cheese Matches
Please see Wine and Cheese
Where can I find Bright's Presidents Sparkling Wine.
As of July 2016 Vincor Canada (now Arterra Wines Canada) was still producing this product. It can be found in Ontario and Que.
I do not know about the Maritimes. Do a search on your local Gov liquor control website.
now Arterra Wines Canada has discontinued a number of Bright Label products
Where can I find Bright's
Manor St David
Manor St David has been discontinued By Constellation Brands Canada (now Arterra Wines Canada) . Try
Maria Christina White blend
Can you send us tour information
We are a personal website. We do not have tourist information we can mail you. Please see our tourist page for assistance
Donations
Sorry we operate in the red.
What is a rosé
Rose wines, often referred to as blush wines or written rosé , are wines typically made with red grapes but that have a much lighter color than red wine due to the way the wine is made. The actual hue varies depending on the grapes and winemaking method involved; most of these wines have a pink, purple, or orange color. Rose wines may be produced in a number of different ways, and these wines can be sweet or dry; traditional European varieties tend to be dry, while many produced in the US are on the sweeter side
How many Wineries are there in Canada
The number changes as more open and some close so please see
Wineries A-z each letter has a total
Wine Songs ~ Wine Glass ~ Vine Training
