The Canadian wine industry has experienced a remarkable year of growth, marked by increased consumer interest and high-quality harvests in vine-growing regions across the country. The real highlight, however, was the exceptional quality and abundance of the grape harvest in British Columbia, signaling a strong recovery from the disastrous frost in January 2024 that resulted in a 95% crop loss. This surge in growth and the significant increase in sales of homegrown wines have sparked a wave of optimism for an industry that has grappled with severe cold weather and wildfires in recent vintages. Here are eight outstanding Canadian wines to toast the New Year and celebrate the industry’s resilience and success.
Exceptional Wines from Canadian Vineyards
Resilient vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen regions produced a bumper crop in 2025, particularly red wine varieties. This abundant yield has inspired a newfound optimism for the industry. The increase in sales of locally produced wines, a whopping 56% over the past year, further solidifies the industry’s potential for long-term growth. This article highlights a selection of top-quality wines from Niagara, Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, and various wine regions in British Columbia to celebrate this industry’s incredible resilience and hopeful future.
Cave Spring Riesling Icewine 2023
A renowned riesling grape producer in Niagara, the Pennachetti family has crafted a beautiful sweet expression of the grape variety in their Cave Spring Riesling Icewine 2023. The wine’s balanced and penetrating flavor profile suggests a mix of pear, apricot, passion fruit, pineapple, and honey notes, finishing with a clean sweep of acidity. With an ABV of 11.5% and 224 g/litre r.s, this wine is available in Ontario at $54.95 or direct for various prices in Alberta.
Fort Berens Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
Fort Berens’ Dry Creek Vineyard in Lillooet, B.C., has produced a full-bodied cabernet franc that offers a generous mix of savory and fruity flavors. It features a core of dark fruit accented by spicy, earthy, and cedary notes. This wine is available direct at $43.99 and has an ABV of 14% and 3.3 g/litre r.s.
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blancs 2017
This 100-per-cent chardonnay sparkling wine, introduced by the family-owned Henry of Pelham in Ontario, conveys a toasty, fresh, and focused character popularized by notable champagne houses. With an ABV of 12% and 7 g/litre r.s, this wine is available in Ontario at $49.95 or direct for $43.95.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Brut Rosé Sparkling 2021
Made from a base wine that blends pinot noir and pinot meunier, this vibrant, fizzy wine from Nova Scotia offers a pleasing mix of cranberry, cherry, strawberry, and citrus zest flavors. This wine is available in Ontario at $54.95, with various prices in British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
Domaine Le Clos Jordanne Clos de Kew Pinot Noir 2023
Le Clos Jordanne’s Clos de Kew Pinot Noir 2023, from a selected part of Kew Vineyard in Beamsville, Ontario, is a ripe and bright expression of pinot noir. This wine is available direct at $37.19 and has an ABV of 13.5% and 4 g/litre r.s.
Moon Curser Vineyards Malbec 2022
Moon Curser’s award-winning full-bodied and complex red wine is crafted with malbec grapes grown in the winery’s vineyard in Osoyoos. This wine, with its bold fruit and chocolate-y oak aromas and flavors, is available direct at $38.99 and has an ABV of 14.8% and 2.2 g/litre r.s.
Township 7 Seven Stars Sirius Late Disgorged 2017
British Columbia’s Township 7, a leading producer of sparkling wine in Canada, offers a fresh and precise sparkling wine aged for six years on the lees to develop a complex and creamy character. This wine is available direct at $79.97 and has an ABV of 12% and 5 g/litre r.s.
Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery Estate Chardonnay 2022
The top chardonnay from Upper Bench in Naramata, B.C., leans into a buttery, creamy, and tropical style. It features bold yellow apple, peach, pineapple, nutty, and honeyed flavors. This wine, with an ABV of 13.6%, is available direct at $39.
These eight Canadian wines serve as a testament to the resilience and quality of the Canadian wine industry. They provide a perfect way to celebrate the industry’s triumphs and welcome the New Year. Cheers!
