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Canada

The world's leading producer of ice wine, and much more besides.

Wine history

Nineteenth-century plantings relied on hardy hybrids; vinifera took hold only after the 1970s, and the Vintners Quality Alliance was created in 1988 to guarantee origin. Canada's deep, reliable winter freezes made it the global centre of ice wine production, while Niagara and the Okanagan now make serious dry wines.

Major Wine Regions

  • Niagara Peninsula
  • Okanagan Valley
  • Prince Edward County
  • Nova Scotia

Important Grape Varieties

  • Vidal Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cabernet Franc

Major Wine Styles

  • Intense ice wine
  • Cool-climate Chardonnay
  • Aromatic Riesling
  • Fresh Cabernet Franc

Food Pairings

  • Cheesecake
  • Smoked salmon
  • Maple-glazed pork
  • Blue cheese
  • Roast duck

Notable wines

  • Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
  • Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay
  • Mission Hill Oculus

Recognisable brands

  • Inniskillin
  • Mission Hill
  • Jackson-Triggs
  • Peller Estates