by Steven Trussler
Estimated Reading time: 4:00 minutes
Who doesn’t love getting wine as a gift? Whether it to give to your hosts, something to share on a cold winter night, or a warm token of thanks, Ontario wine makes a great gift that combines world-class quality, a sense of place, and the positive benefits of buying local. This guide will give you the confidence to find the right wine for everyone on your list.
Where in the world to start?
Buy LOCAL of course! and by local, we mean Ontario.
VQA: The Mark of Quality for Ontario Wines
When looking for quality Ontario wines, look for the VQA black label.
The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) is Ontario’s wine regulator responsible for the authenticity and quality of Ontario wines. VQA certification guarantees that the wine is made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes and that the wine meets high production and sensory quality standards.
When buying Ontario wine as a gift, look for the VQA letters on the label. They will be found on the front label surrounding a geographical designation. For example, a wine from the Niagara Peninsula will have “VQA Niagara Peninsula VQA” on the label. Some VQA wines will also feature the VQA logo.
VQA designations also tell you more about where the wine was grown. There are several geographic regions, known as appellations, in Ontario each with their own distinct wines. In many cases, different appellations are known for different varieties or styles that you might want to look out for.
Ontario Appellations
Niagara
Niagara is Ontario’s largest wine region with a diverse range of sub-appellations such as Beamsville Bench, Twenty Mile Bench, and Four Mile Creek. While many different wines are grown in each sub-appellation, some specialize in a specific grape. For instance, Rieslings from Beamsville Bench are often sought out for their citrus, peach, and mineral flavours while Pinot Noirs from Four Mile Creek are prized for their complex and intense flavours.
Lake Erie North Shore (LENS)
Stretching along Lake Erie, this region benefits from the lake’s moderating effect, which extends the growing season. LENS produces ripe and fruity wines, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and hybrid varieties like Baco Noir.
Prince Edward County (PEC)
Halfway between Toronto and Montreal is the appellation of Prince Edward County. PEC is known for its limestone-rich soils and cooler climate. This region produces flavourful Chardonnays with vibrant acidity and delicate Pinot Noirs with fruity and floral aromas.
Non-Traditional Areas
Georgian Bay and Huron Shores, the region to the west of Ottawa, and other pockets of the province are gaining recognition for their unique wines. Wines from these regions will have VQA Ontario VQA on their label – but they’ll be sure to also tell you more specifically where they are grown. The VQA Ontario designation is also used for wines made from grapes grown in multiple regions.
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Grape Varieties to Know
Ontario is home to a variety of grapes that thrive in its cool-climate conditions. Here are some of the key varieties to look for when buying Ontario wine as a gift:
Riesling
One of Ontario’s shining stars. This versatile white wine can be dry with sharp, energetic acidity or sweet with just enough acid for perfect balance or anything in between. Flavours include citrus, green apple, peach, floral and mineral.
Chardonnay
Ontario winemakers take Chardonnay seriously. Styles range from light-bodied crisp and citrusy to medium-bodied with flavours of oak and spices.
Gamay Noir
A light-bodied red wine with fresh red fruit flavours like strawberry and raspberry sometimes with a touch of spice like black pepper. Gamay is quickly becoming a winemaker favourite in Ontario because of its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature.
Pinot Noir
Light to medium-bodied red wine with a wide range of possible flavours from cherry and strawberry to mushroom and earthy. Pinot noir is a delicate wine made with grapes that can be hard to grow, which gives Pinot Noir it’s nickname, the heart-break grape.
Cabernet Franc
Medium to heavy-bodied red wine with flavours of red fruits. Especially ripe examples can have flavours of licorice and tobacco.
Baco Noir
Baco Noir was literally born and bred to thrive in cool climates. With bold flavours of dark fruit and earthy richness yet quite light-bodied, this variety has become a fan favourite with Ontario wine lovers.
Other Styles of Wine Made in Ontario
Looking for something unique? Ontario makes more than just table wines including:
Icewine
Ontario’s iconic dessert wine made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. Made from a variety of white and red grapes, white versions have intense flavours of tropical fruit and honey while red versions have flavours of berries and black current.
Sparkling Wine
Ontario’s sparkling wines are well-known for their quality and consistency. “Charmat Method” wines are tasty and a great value, while “Traditional Method” wines have the classic flavours of citrus and toasted bread.
Appassimento
Made from partially dried grapes, this style is usually used for making bold and full-bodied red wines with concentrated flavours.
Brock wine lover gift idea
15oz Crest Stemless Wine Glass
Making your wine purchase decision
Ontario wines are not just a gift; they are an experience. You can never go wrong with gifting an experience. With their world-class quality, local origins, and exceptional value, they showcase the best of what the province has to offer. Knowing just a bit about Ontario’s appellations, grape varieties, and wine styles, should give you the confidence to select a bottle that suits any occasion.
About the author
Steven Trussler is the Micro-credential Co-ordinator at the Cool Climate and Oenology Institute at Brock University. He’s worked as a professional winemaker who has seen most sides of grape, wine, and cider industries.