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Wines of Canada

Wineries to Watch for in 2022

Eastern Canada

The year 2022 will bring another exciting year of challenges for the Canadian wine industry. A challenge that our winemakers will meet and achieve new and exciting heights in quality wine production. These are the wineries we believe will lead the way in 2022.

Eastern Canada includes the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfound and Labrador.

Ontario

Alvento Winery 3048 Second Ave Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0

Alvento Winery has been, since 2006, producing old world-wines on a 16 acre waterfront site in the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation of the beautiful Niagara Peninsula. The winery struggled until it was purchased by Danny Zhang and family in 2018 Their 2019 Austero won Gold medal in the 20th National Wine Awards of Canada! . Their North Wind white won silver at the All Canadians. Watch out for Alvento and winemaker Marc Pistor.

Andrew Peller Estate 290 John Street East Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

One of Canada's largest wine companies. Their flagship winery Peller Estates lies in the heart the Niagara wine region. They have won countless awards over the years and once again in 2021 they took home numerous awards. Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling Icewine and Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling among the big winners at Decanters. In March 1927, twenty-four-year-old Andrew Peller sailed into Halifax with five dollars in his pocket. While he had plenty of time to think about his future during the long journey from Hungary aboard the R.M.S. Ausonia, finding his definitive calling in a land of such great opportunity would take time. It wasn’t until years later, when he planted his first vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, that his ultimate dream would take root: he would create a culture across the country where Canadians, much like Europeans, would appreciate and share quality wines with family and friends. In 1989, Andrew’s grandson, John, became the third generation to continue the family’s legacy of creating truly world-class wines and winery experiences for Canadians to enjoy with family and friends. Awarded Platinum at Decanter worlds for their Andrew Peller Signature Series Riesling

Cave Springs Winery 3836 Main St #5, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0

Located on the Niagara Peninsula. Cave Spring has two tasting rooms. One in the historical town of Jordan Village. They have vineyards on the Beamsville Bench also with a tasting room, rated as one of the best micro-climates for the cultivation of Vinifera grapes. Cave Spring was founded in 1986 by grape grower Leonard Pennachetti and winemaker Angelo Pavan . "At Cave Spring we believe that our wines are unique because they capture what the French call 'Gout de Terroir'; or Taste of the Land from which they come; and no amount of Artifice-Ecological or otherwise could ever replicate the particular flavour profile they achieve. The uniqueness of our wines stems directly from their authenticity of origin". Almost half of their product is Riesling. They have a reputation for producing excellent Riesling, including Icewine Cave Spring Cabernet Franc won Gold at Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada   Absolutely a winery worth keeping your eye on.

Del-Gatto Estates Ltd. 3609 County Road 8 Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0

Del-Gatto Estates, Bella Vigne is family owned and operated, specializing in hybrid grape varieties. Hand planted, hand picked and hand crafted. Their Dragonfly Chardonnay won Gold t the All Canadian Championships. Their Riesling won bronze while the 2019  Pinot Grigio    won double gold. Passion and dedication makes this a winery to watch for in 2022

De Simone Vineyards 865 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Located in the Heart of Niagara-On-The-Lake.  Situated on 40 acres of land, the boutique winery focuses on quality from the vineyard to bottle.  Each and every wine is produced 100% from estate grown fruit.    Currently they have 6 varieties planted which include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Vidal. Vince De Simone is the owner. In 1967, the De Simone family immigrated to Canada with only a few dollars in their pockets.  Vincenzo’s parents worked long, hard hours to provide for their family, eventually opening three variety stores in the city of St. Catharines.  In 1991 they purchased the farm of their dreams and worked the farm, opening a family run fruit stand that still exists to this day.  I have a strong feeling 2022 will be their year!

Kacaba Vineyards 3550 King St, Vineland ON L0R 2C0

In 1997, Michael Kacaba launched Kacaba Vineyards The winery is located on prime grape growing acreage on the Niagara Escarpment Bench in Vineland, Ontario. The Escarpment is actually the slope leading to the lake bed of the prehistoric lake that covered southern Ontario. It is a unique geographical area that sets up a circulating air flow whereby cold air naturally moves down the Escarpment and over Lake Ontario where it warms, rises and returns to heat the Escarpment.  This extends the frost free season through Spring and Fall, so that our grapes have longer hang time, and develop flavours while on the vine (referred to as "phenolic maturity" by wine aficionados).   They took home seven awards the wine Align Nationals At the All Canadian Championships a double gold for their Select Series, Cabernet

Hidden Bench Estate Winery 4152 Locust Ln, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0

One of Ontario's most popular winery. Acclaimed for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Under the guidance of winemaker Jay Johston Hidden Bench is indeed a winery to keep your eye on! Hidden Bench Estate Winery was awarded the "Best in Show" at the 2021 Decanter Wine Awards in London, England for their single vineyard 2018 Feckless Vineyard Chardonnay.

Huff Estate Winery 2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1, Bloomfield, ON K0K

Huff Estates’ grand opening was in June of 2004. This modern facility was constructed with one thing in mind – producing high quality wines. Huff’s state-of-the-art facility has the grape processing area and fermentation tanks sitting on top of a hill, allowing for a natural gravity flow into a temperature controlled barrel cellar below, which sits just behind the tasting room. Their sparkling wines won two medals at the All Canadian Championships. Their Chardonnay won Bronze.

Inniskillin Niagara Estate 1499 Line #3  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0

Since the 1970's Inniskillin has been one if not Canada's most popular winery. Co-founded by Donald J.P. Ziraldo and Karl J. Kaiser both major contributors to the development of Canada's wine industry. You can always count on their icewines! Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine and Riesling Icewine awarded platinum at Decanter I have a strong feeling the winery will have a very successful 2022.

Malivoire Wine Company 4260 King St, Beamsville ON L0R 1B0

Malivoire has pioneered an innovative, eco-centric approach to wine growing on the Beamsville Bench in the Niagara ..They planted their vineyard in 1996. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar focuses on excellence in cool-climate varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, as well as Rosé, Winery of the Year” at the WineAlign 2021 National Wine Awards of Canada (20th Anniversary). The victory is well earned. The incredible haul of 17 medals at the Nationals… Malivoire 2020 Le Coeur Gamay, Platinum at the National wine awards of Canada.

Megalomaniac Winery 3930 Cherry Ave, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0

Megalomaniac is located on the highest point of the southern section of the Niagara Escarpment, with incredible panoramic views of Lake Ontario. This is one of my Dark Horse selections based on recommendations from friends in Ontario and numerous e-mails.

Organized Crime Winery 4043 Mountainview Rd, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2

Located on the Beamsville Bench the name refers to a dispute between rival congregations of Mennonites near Beamsville, which resulted in one group stealing and destroying the other flock’s pipe organ. Their vineyard is south facing producing small quantities of wine. Owned by winegrowers Jan and Krystyna Tarasewicz. and Ania de Duleba. Consulting winemaker Greg Yemen. One e-mail I received this year stated "reds that are to die for. The "Pipe Down" is one of the best wines in Ontario" They were awarded 14 medals at the National Wine Awards Yes indeed watch for Organized Crime in 2022.

Pelee Island Winery 455 Seacliff Drive,   Kingsville,  ON N9Y 2K5

Pelee Island is home to a 700+ acre farm in Canada’s warmest grape growing region with a winemaking history dating back more than 150 years. Their history is long and rich in Canada's wine Industry.   From the first international accolades awarded at Paris World Fair 1878, to recent prestigious international awards 2002 Cabernet Franc Ice wine – winner of the Citadelle de France Gold Medal. Their 2018 was awarded Beast Chardonnay at the Finger Lakes Wine International wine competition. 2022 will be a very good year for the winery under winemaker Walter Schmoran.

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery 1366 York Rd, St. Davids, ON L0S 1P0

The Harber family goal was to create a sustainable way to maintain their 100+ year-old farm located on St. Davids bench in Niagara-on-the-lake and continue to foster the legacy of their family upon it. For 5 generations the Lowrey family has grown grapes in the soil of one of the oldest commercial vineyards in the area. Known in the past as the Upper Lowrey Farm, this family winery sits atop the ancestral Niagara River that raged 22,000 years ago crafting small-batch organic VQA wines. The result one of the most successful wineries in Canada Ravine vineyard is the home of talent winemaker Lydia Tomek. Their Chardonnay Won gold at Decanters

Southbrook Organic Vineyards 581 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Canada’s first certified organic and biodynamic winery.  Brought on as a winemaking consultant in 2005, Ann Sperling introduces Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier to an excellent opportunity. A 74-acre parcel in the warm Four Mile Creek sub-appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake is on the market, complete with 36 acres of ideally planted, well-selected varieties and top-notch clones. The couple realizes its potential, and decides on the new location to build the winery of their dreams. They convince Ann Sperling to sign on as full-time Director of Winemaking and Viticulture.– director of winemaking and viticulture. Ann Sperling was has been named Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the prestigious Cambridge Food & Wine Society and is the recipient of the coveted RIEDEL Award. The reputation as a winemaker places Ann among Canada's best!

Strewn Winery 1339 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Strewn Winery has restored a 1930's former fruit cannery into a world renowned winery having won over 40 medals and awards in its short history. Winemaker Joe Wills hails from Alberta. He worked in the BC Okanagan learning his craft then studied at Australia's Roseworthy College. The winery offers a wide range of wines and numerous tourist events. Strewn Terroir Cabernet Franc 2016 Classique, Chardonnay Canadian Oak and Distinctive Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon Sandy Block received gold from Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada

Two Sisters Vineyards  240 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

The winery is owned by two sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta between them they have seven children. The property has a total of 76 acres and all the reds are estate grown.  They are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot The winery has done well in International wine competitions. Two Sisters is an exciting young winery producing excellent wines. The future is bright for Two Sisters and their seven children.

Trius Winery  1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

TRIUS is a one of the best performing wineries in Canada owned by Andrew Peller Ltd. It reputation for producing quality wines goes back to 1979. In 1995, they were the first Canadian winery to receive highest honours with the Pichon Longeuville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy (Best Red Wine in the World) at the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Their Showcase ghost Creek Vineyard Riesling brought home a medal from Decanter worlds. Trius Brut Rosé named Best wine at Efferevescents du Monde 2021

Wayne Gretzky Estate 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

Nestled among the vineyards, the distillery will be home to state of the art distilling equipment, while the winery will feature a beautiful barrel fermenting and aging cellar and tasting room. The 23,000 square foot facility is the first of its kind in the region, featuring both wine and distilling production and tasting rooms. The springtime water feature that guests will see when the property opens will become an ice rink in winter, complete with a ‘loonie’ buried at centre ice, dropped by The Great One himself at the groundbreaking ceremony in September, 2015. Owned by Andrew Peller Ltd. Their #99 Vidal Icewine Platinum at Decanter Wine awards Its time for them to rise above the rest!

West Avenue Cider  84 Concession Rd 8 E, Freelton, ON L0R 1K0

An artisan Hard Cider company. Crafting their Cider from 100% fresh pressed juice made from Ontario heritage apples. West Avenue was founded by British-born cider maker Chris Haworth. Their cider was awarded 2014 Best Cider in Ontario and has won numerous awards since 2018 Awarded ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by Flamborough Chamber of Commerce 2018 Awarded  ‘Hamilton’s Fast 40’ Award for Hamilton’s Fastest Growing Companies.  Best Cider at All Canadian Championships Keep your eye on the Avenue!

Quebec

Le Mas des Patriotes 1076 Chem. des Patriotes O, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2Y 1H4

The Vineyard Le Mas des Patriotes is a Nordic certified organic vineyard with a warm and family atmosphere. Owned by France Cliche et Claude Rivard. Nestled in old farm buildings restored with taste and authenticity, heritage lovers will appreciate it. They are located in the Montérégie region. The most notable thing one is aware of about the winery is that they are completely sold out of their wine by summers end! Their 2020 LE CLOS DE France   Chardonnay won Gold at The All Canadian Championships.

Cidrerie Compton           6360 Rte Louis-S.-Saint-Laurent, Compton, QC

Cidrerie Compton is a family business specializing in the production of organic cider aged in oak barrels. The company was born out of the owners' passion for organic farming and the world of cider. The owners are Jimmy Beaudoin, his partner Eva Grenier and his mother Pauline Samson. Jimmy and Eva started their Cidrerie on the land of the family dairy farm, Ferme Beaudoin, owned by Pauline,which had already housed the organic orchard Les Délices de Compton since 2007. In addition to having access to a dozen varieties of fruit, they planted close to 2,500 additional cider apple trees. Gold at the ALL Canadians

Hydromellerie du Vieux Moulin   141, route de la mer Sainte-Flavie, g0j 2l0 Québec

Absolutely one of the best Meaderies in in Canada. The Meadery has been producing organic honey and mead with great success. Translate the name is Old Mill Meadery. They won a Double Gold for their Mead at The Finger Lakes Wine Competition. The owner is Normand Tremblay 5 medal at the All Canadian three of them Gold.

Les Pervenches Vineyard 150, chemin Boulai, Farnham QC J2N 2P9

Pioneers in the production of chardonnay and biodynamic viticulture in Quebec, Véronique Hupin and Michael Marler develop organic wines that express the typicality of the terroir.  Their wines are among Quebec's best and gather awards in numerous wine competitions.

Vignoble de L’Orpailleur  1086 Rue Bruce Dunham, QC J0E 1M0

The winery was founded in 1982 reams of two passionate sons of winemakers, Charles-Henri de Coussergues and Hervé Durand, and their partners Pierre Rodrigue and Frank Furtado. They played a major roll in the development of the Quebec wine industry.   Awarded a silver medal for their L’Orpailleur Blanc  2020 at the All Canadians. 2019 Natashquan Cuvée won a silver medal at the Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada international competition !

Vignoble du Ruisseau 4500 Strobl, Dunham, QC, J0E 1M0

The Vignoble du Ruisseau has a patent-pending technology to grow high-volume vinifera varieties in Quebec, all thanks to a geothermal system. It is unusual, the vines are kept at a temperature of -10 ° C during the cold season thanks to geothermal energy. This technology also allows us to protect our vines from late winter frosts from April to June and to lengthen their growing season.  Quebec wine writers say the wines are excellent.

Vignoble du Marathonien 318 Rte 202, Havelock, Quebec J0S 2C

Located in the far south close to the US border. Owner Jean Joly trained as a marathon runner, which accounts for the name. Jean's wife Line is co-owner of the picturesque winery 2.6 hectares, where some 10,000 vines are spread out Vignoble du Marathonien Vin de glace at Gold Sélections Mondiales des Vins Situé à Havelock, près de la frontière des États-Unis, le vignoble se trouve tout près du chemin de la Covey Hill, un secteur vallonneux et enchanteur très prisé par les cyclistes et autres randonneurs du Québec. Les 7000 plants de vigne âgés de quinze à vingt ans repartis sur une superficie de deux hectares permettent au vignoble de produire chaque année trois vins blancs, deux rouges, un rosé, un vin de glace et un vin de vendange tardive. La majorité des cépages utilisés sont des hybrides français tels que le Seyval blanc, le Cayuga, le Vidal et le Geisenheim pour les vins blancs. Nous cultivons également le Maréchal Foch et le DeChaunac pour produire nos vins rouges, deux variétés qui se sont très bien adaptés au climat et qui donnent d'excellents vins.

Nova Scotia

Mercator Vineyards

Avondale Sky Winery 80 Avondale Cross Road RR #2 Newport Landing NS B0N 2A0

Avondale Sky winery has new owners the Coutinho family. Louis his wife Avila their daughter Jamie and two sons Karl and Sean. They have made some stunning changes at the winery. They receive the award for excellence in Nova Scotia wines from the Lt. Governor. The winemaker is Ben Swetnam, graduated from the Niagara College Winery and Viticulture Program. He’d practiced his craft in other Nova Scotia wineries and in Germany before moving to Avondale Sky. All reviews on the winery are good.

L'Acadie Vineyards 310 Slayter Road Gaspereau, NS

The province’s first certified organic winery… every bottle of wine produced from 100% Nova Scotia grown grapes. Owners Bruce Ewert and his wife Pauline Scott had this picture in their minds when they came back to Nova Scotia and started L’Acadie Vineyards in 2004.  Organic since planting in 2006, they have the first certified organic winery and are industry leaders in encouraging and mentoring other vineyards and wineries to think and grow organically. Bruce is a excellent experience winemaker. You can always trust him to produce a truly great sparkling wine. 2014 Prestige Brut Estate award for excellence in Nova Scotia wines from the Lt. Governor.

Mercator Vineyards Winery Lane (Off Dyke Road) Wolfville, NS

Mercator Vineyards won two prestigious award for excellence in Nova Scotia wines from the Lt. Governor. They won for 2010 Fortified Castel and NV Passito Muscat. The winery uses a team approach to winemaking. The winemakers are  Gina Haverstock and Becca Griffin . The winery is owned by Mr Spark's company called Devonian Coast. Keep you eye on them!

 

Honourable Mention

Cornerstone 2019 Cabernet Franc Select Late Harvest, awarded Platinum at the National Wine Awards

Charles Baker  Always expect quality wines from this winery. One of Canada's best Riesling producers

Closson Chase This could be winemaker Keith Tyers year!

Domaine Acer QC At the forefront since 1992, Vallier Robert collects maple sap and transforms it into extraordinary award winning wines 

Domaine Queylus Since winning the Best Small Winery award in 2016 the winery as made only small ripples in eh Ontario wine scene. Pinot Noir Réserve du Domaine won Gold Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada. I expect 2022 to be a big year for them.

Karlo Estate wines are made by one of Canada's best winemakers, Derek Barnett. They have won their share of awards over the years.

Ice House They make amazing Icewines. The Ice House 2017 Signature Series Vidal Icewine won 2020 Monde Selection GOLD Medal! 

Leaning Post A small winery that keeps people talking about their wines

Malivoire  An Ontario favourite won two Platinum at the National Wine Awards

North 42 Degrees Estate Winery a 17 acre vineyard, winery and Bistro located in the heart of the Lake Erie North Shore. Martin Gorski and Suzanne Dajczak are the happily married co-owners of North 42 group of companies including North 42 Degrees Estate Winery.

Négondos Vineyard Quebec's first Organic Winery established in 1993 in Mirabel in the Laurentian. They produce a very popular orange wine called JULEP.

Leaning Post A small winery that keeps people talking about their wines

Perridiso Estate Winery a new winery to keep your eye on.

Rosehall Run Another Ontario favourite. They won a few medals in 2021

Sandbank It is just a feeling I have that 2022 will be Sanbanks best year ever.

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery - never forget this experience and skillful winemaker.

Vignoble Riviere du Chene   Establishing a growing reputation received a bronze at the All Canadian. Vignoble Rivière du Chêne Monde Vin de Glace Gold at Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada

Les Vergers Petit et Fils  QC   cider gold at the all Canadians

Niagara College Teaching Winery - Niagara, Ontario They just keep making excellent wines.

Willow Springs Winery. Best Icewine at Fingers Lake!

Western Canada

The Best Wineries to Visit in 2022

2023

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