Eastern Canadian Wine Producers We Love!
We usually include maps when we do themed packs (we love maps!). In this case, we’re assuming you have an idea of what Niagara and PEC look like, so we thought we’d give you a quick list of some producers that we know and love, with a quick description of what makes them special. There are obviously so many more that we could have included, but we feel like this is a good starting point. Also want to give a big nod to the great wine being made all over our big, great country. We can’t wait to be able to make a list of our favourite wine producers Canada wide!
Nova Scotia
Benjamin Bridge - Really, the only Nova Scotian producer that we are very familiar with. World-class Traditional method sparkling, and lots of other fun stuff. Check out their take on a Moscato d’Asti style “Nova”. It’s at most LCBOs at about $25. Semi-sweet, with light bubbles, it makes a great aperitif.
Prince Edward County
Rosehall Run - These vineyards are in the coldest corner of PEC. Great high-end Pinot and Chardonnay. We used their unoaked Chardonnay in a package last summer (and everyone loved it). Their entry level Pinot Noir is at most LCBOs and it’s a steal at $18.
Stanner’s - We’ve always thought Colin and Mary make some of the best Pinot Noir around. Their “Narrow Rows” shows PEC terroir better than most other Pinots out there. They also do a Chardonnay, Riesling, a really good Cab Franc, and obviously a super-fun skin-contact Pinot Gris.
Hubb’s Creek - A smaller operation that we became familiar with about 10 years ago. The Calvieri brothers who run Hubb’s make a Pinot Noir that is so ethereal and powerful it reminds us of really good Nebbiolo. They also make a Chardonnay and an awesome Gamay rosé.
Niagara
Rosewood - We’ve worked with Rosewood for a while now, and we always love what they put out. Their staples are excellent Gamay, Cab Franc and Pinot, but Ryan has really been having fun with whites too. Their “Neptune” Riesling is aged in clay amphora on lees for 24 months. He does the same treatment for Viognier and they both are outstanding! They also have a full apiary. They sell honey, honeycomb, and Ryan is messing around with different meads. Super cool!
Leaning Post - while they are not at the point where they can get into the LCBO retail stores, the restaurant community in the city has really fallen in love with their wines. Ilya’s production is top-notch and they make their wines affordable enough that restaurants can offer them at a great price. Just outside Stoney Creek, they are probably one of the closest wineries to Toronto. Pay them a visit and try some of their weird (or classic) wines.
Big Head - Down in Niagara Lakeshore, the warmest part of the Niagara Peninsula, Big Head are doing some fun wine experiments. They make reds using the appassimento method, resting the wine on dried grapes like in Amarone. They’re also making a dry-Botrytis affected Chenin Blanc that we’re in love with. Some of it is next-level wine nerd stuff, but we respect anybody trying to do something different.
Malivoire - One of the first sustainable, low-intervention wineries to really break into the retail LCBO market, Malivoire has a wide range of great wines. We’ve used their Gamay and Chardonnay on restaurant lists. They make great rosés too! Their whole facility is built into the side of a huge hill, and all the wine is moved from tank to tank using only gravity. It’s a cool operation to visit.
Kew Vineyards - Speaking of visiting, Kew is right down the road from Malivoire, and you should totally check them out. Tastings are held in a cute old fieldstone farm house. The property is beautiful, and they often rent it out for special events. They make a Pinot Noir from some VERY old vines (we’ve included it in past offers) and they have a wonderful sparkling wine program focusing on Rhone grapes like Marsanne and Roussanne.
If you’re visiting PEC or Niagara this summer and need some more recommendations (wineries, restaurants, secret beaches, etc), don’t hesitate to shoot us an email!
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