fbpx

Subscribe to S Magazine

Sign up for the Newsletter

Five Great Canadian Wineries to Visit Now

Canada’s wine industry has hit its stride, with producers across the country crafting bottles that hold their own on the world stage. From the cool-climate vineyards of Prince Edward County and Québec’s Eastern Townships to the sun-soaked slopes of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and the windswept coast of Nova Scotia, Canadian wine is as varied as the landscapes that shape it.

Visiting Canada’s top wineries means more than just sipping in a tasting room. Many offer immersive experiences, from chef-led restaurants to vineyard tours that highlight the beauty of their surroundings. Guests can sample small-lot selections, linger over seasonal menus and take in some of the country’s most breathtaking wine country views.

Whether you are a seasoned collector in search of cellar-worthy sparklers or a casual sipper chasing the perfect Pinot, these five notable wineries reflect the depth and breadth of Canadian wine. Here are the top spots to raise a glass.

Pearl Morissette, Lincoln, ON

Set in Jordan Station in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench region, Pearl Morissette is one of Canada’s most distinctive wineries. Founded in 2007 by Burgundy-trained vigneron François Morissette and Toronto developer Mel Pearl, the estate champions organic farming and low-intervention winemaking. Grapes ferment with native yeasts in concrete, earthenware vessels and wooden casks. The approach yields wines with clarity, texture and a strong sense of place, from refreshing Rieslings to moody Cabernet Francs. Add to that a celebrated on-site restaurant, and Pearl Morissette stands as a singular destination for those seeking a terroir-focused take on Canadian wine.

Image courtesy of Pearl Morissette.

Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, Dunham, QC

One of the pioneers of Québec winemaking, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur has helped shape the region’s identity since planting its first vines in 1982. The Dunham Valley estate draws on ancient glacial soils and a temperate microclimate to produce fresh, expressive wines. With more than 150 awards to its name, the winery is known for its crisp whites — particularly the signature L’Orpailleur Blanc — as well as a growing portfolio of reds and sparkling wines. For travellers exploring the Eastern Townships, a visit here offers a deep dive into Québec’s cool-climate style, enhanced by warm hospitality and seasonal food pairings at the on-site restaurant.

Photo courtesy of Vignoble de l’Orpailleur.

Mission Hill Family Estate, West Kelowna, BC

Mission Hill Family Estate combines world-class wines with commanding views of Okanagan Lake. Perched high above West Kelowna, the family-run winery has played a key role in putting the region on the global wine map since opening in 1981. Today, it farms its vineyards organically and produces wines using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The estate earned Canada’s first 100-point score for a red wine with its 2020 Oculus — a Bordeaux-style blend. The winery itself is a destination, marked by its 12-storey bell tower, sweeping stone archways and open-air courtyards. Visitors can take in outdoor concerts, art exhibitions and dining experiences that showcase the vibrant culture and culinary bounty of the Okanagan Valley.

Photo courtesy of Mission Hill Family Estate.

Grange of Prince Edward Winery, Hillier, ON

After more than two decades in the County wine scene, The Grange is entering a new chapter. A renewed focus on quality and a small-batch, low-intervention approach is yielding some of the region’s most compelling wines. Leaning into the area’s cool-climate strengths, the winery produces mineral-driven whites, bright sparkling wines and refined reds. The Aurelia Series showcases standout cellar selections, while recent awards for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rosé are putting the winery back on savvy sippers’ radar. Tastings unfold in a rustic, 200-year-old barn, with farm-to-table bites rounding out the experience.

Photo courtesy of The Grange.

Benjamin Bridge, Gaspereau Valley, NS
Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge has carved out a reputation as one of Canada’s top sparkling wine producers as well as one of its most innovative. Nestled in the Gaspereau Valley, the winery takes full advantage of its cool, coastal climate to produce nuanced traditional method sparklers. A forward-thinking philosophy extends past the cellar, with regenerative agriculture practices and B Corp certification reflecting the owners’ deep care for the land. Beyond bubbles, Benjamin Bridge is known for category-defying still and non-alcoholic wines, including the popular Piquette Zero. Visitors can expect a stunning valley setting, thought-provoking pours and a glimpse into Nova Scotia’s next wave of wine.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Bridge.

DISCOVER MORE