Ontario

Ontario is a wine region in Canada.

Riesling leads the plantings, with Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Vidal alongside it.

Vines root into free-draining.

The climate is continental.

The vineyards themselves read as lakeside.

Red wine, white wine and dessert wine, plus one more is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows province produces well-structured, reds and showcasing character and finesse.

Quality is codified by the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance), which is worth reading off the label.

The named areas within are Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.

Producers worth knowing include Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Niagara College Teaching Winery and Peller Estates.

Pour them alongside spicy foods, sushi, rich seafood and blue cheeses.

Serve at 8 to 10°C.

Keeps for 3 to 10 years.

In the glass.

Dry white: Province produces well-structured.

Red: Reds, Showcasing character and finesse.

Grapes planted here.

Classifications.

• VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance)

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Canadian Club 1858 Premium Blended Canadian Whisky, Ontario, Canada
• Canadian Club 1858 Premium Extra Aged Blended Canadian Whisky, Ontario, Canada
• Canadian Club Small Batch Classic 12 Year Old Blended Canadian Whisky, Ontario, Canada
• Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada
• Inniskillin Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada
• Inniskillin Niagara Peninsula Vidal Icewine, Ontario, Canada
• Inniskillin Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada
• Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada

At the table.

• spicy foods
• sushi
• rich seafood
• blue cheeses
• chocolate desserts
• grilled meats

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at 8 to 10°C.
• Keeps for 3 to 10 years.

Inside the region.

Nearby regions.

Ontario: common questions

More from here: every wine region in Canada, or the wider Canada guide.