Canadian Wine

Canadian Wines from Great Wines Direct

Canada is not especially well known for its wine production, however it is gaining a small but significant foothold in the international market, especially in Japan and China where Canadian wine has attracted a lot of interest.

The majority of wine produced in Canada comes from the southern Ontario and southern British Columbian regions, however today there are several smaller scale producers emerging in the Nova Scotia and southern Quebec regions too. The country’s three biggest wine production regions are Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Essex County.

Perhaps Canada’s best known internationally selling product is Icewine, which is reliably produced in the majority of Canada’s wine regions, although Canada only accounts for approximately 0.3% of the world’s wine production.

The areas around Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have a climate which does not lend itself to grape production, and therefore fruit wineries are becoming more common in these regions. A lot of Canadian wine is exported to the Far East, Europe and the USA, with Icewine being the nation’s major export. Interestingly, Canadians themselves are not especially interested in drinking their home grown varieties, and domestically produced wine holds less than a 50% share in the Canadian wine market.

Although the current growth in the international wine market has led to a number of smaller Canadian wineries being established over recent years, for some considerable time the domestic wine market has been dominated by only two wine producing companies – Andres Wines and Vincor International. Vincor International, an extremely large producer which owns wineries across New Zealand, Australia and California, is now actually owned by an American company, Constellation Brands, which is a global brand.

As we source more from this exciting market, they will be added here for you to buy and enjoy, so bookmark this page and come back soon!

Read our blog: Canadian Wine; An Emerging Market

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Red 14

a bottle of Pillitteri Carretto Cabernet Franc on a white background

Pillitteri Carretto Cabernet Franc 75cl £18.95

Pillitteri Carretto Cabernet Franc is a premium Canadian wine renowned for its refined character and depth. This varietal showcases classic notes of ripe berries, subtle herbs, and a hint of spice, delivering a well-structured and balanced profile. Carefully crafted in Canada’s cool climate, it offers a smooth finish with elegant tannins, highlighting the quality and expertise behind its production. This wine exemplifies sophistication and complexity for discerning wine enthusiasts.

White 12

a bottle of Pillitteri Carretto Fusion Gewurztraminer Riesling with a white background

Pillitteri Carretto Fusion Gewurztraminer Riesling 75cl £13.91

Pillitteri Carretto Fusion Gewurztraminer Riesling is a distinguished Canadian wine that expertly blends the aromatic richness of Gewurztraminer with the crisp, refreshing notes of Riesling. This high-quality fusion offers a balanced palate featuring floral aromas, subtle spice, and vibrant acidity. Crafted with precision, it exemplifies the best of Canadian winemaking, making it an excellent choice for those seeking complexity and elegance in a white wine. Ideal for pairing with spicy dishes or enjoying on its own, this wine delivers a refined tasting experience.

Rose 12

Peller Family Estates Ice Cuvee Rose 75cl NV £33.19

A medium-bodied, refreshing sparkler that is slightly off-dry, yet finishes dry as a result of the delicate tannins from the Cabernet Franc On the nose there are wonderful aromas of strawberry, peach juice, watermelon and currant On the palate this wine is bursting with red berries and currants which linger through on the finish with an added note of spice

White 12

Peller Family Estates Ice Cuvee Sparkling 75cl NV £27.28

This is made using the same method as Champagne, but there is one - very special - difference In Champagne, the final balancing is done by adding a small amount of sugar Here, Canadian icewine is used instead, which adds complexity instead of merely sweetness The result is wonderful - it has classic, Champagne-like yeasty character, alongside tantalising nectarine, honeysuckle and fresh papaya notes It is approachable, with the icewine balancing the acidity perfectly, and yet also a serious sparkling with complexity This really does pair beautifully with cake!

Red 11.5

Peller Family Estates Cabernet Franc Icewine Half Bottle 2023 37.5cl £50.32

White 10.5

Peller Family Estates Riesling Icewine Gift Pack Half Bottle 2022 37.5cl £46.70

Notes of ripe peach marmalade, layers of sweet and fresh tropical fruit, honey and hints of white pepper The flavours are an explosion of pineapple, apricot, floral honey, oranges and cardamom spice with lemon drops and spicy oak to harmonize the long finish

White 11

Showcase Ice Wine 22 Trius 12/375 37.5cl £30.18

White 12.5

Trius Sauvignon Blanc 2022 75cl £18.88

Fresh, bright Canadian Sauvignon Blanc, packed with grapefruit, gooseberry, honeydew melon and passion fruit, with herbs, citrus and lemongrass

Red 13

Trius Merlot 2021 75cl £21.22

Bright purple in colour with a bouquet of cherry and red plum fruit, accented by notes of earth, tobacco, spice box and smoke Medium-bodied and fruit-forward This Merlot has soft tannins, along with fruit-forward flavours of red berry, cherry and plum Black tea, cocoa powder, plum and pomegranate notes linger on the finish

White 9.5

Pelee Island Vidal Icewine 2023 37.5cl £45.35

Pelee Island Vidal Icewine represents the pinnacle of Canadian dessert wine craftsmanship. Harvested from grapes frozen on the vine in Ontario's cool climate, this concentrated nectar delivers intense honeyed stone fruit and floral notes with a silky texture. The natural acidity provides elegant balance, preventing cloying sweetness. At 37.5cl, it's the ideal format for savouring this rare, labour-intensive wine. Perfect as an aperitif, with foie gras, or as a contemplative digestif. A benchmark expression of Pelee Island's winemaking excellence.