As the sun sets gracefully over the lush vineyards, casting a golden hue onto the fertile landscape of Ontario, your senses awaken to the unmistakable scent of ripened grapes, ready to be transformed into liquid gold. As you take in this bewitching sight, you find yourself in the heart of the world-renowned Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine region – Ontario’s very own piece of paradise where viticulturists create nothing short of vinous magic.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or an enthusiastic novice, let us embark on a journey to taste some of the best VQA wines that have put Ontario on the global wine map. Get ready to indulge your palate and have it beg for more!
1. Ontario Culinary Feast On® the Farm: A Summer Wine Adventure
Ontario Culinary Feast On® the Farm offers a delightful Summer Wine Adventure for enthusiasts to explore and relish the region’s finest VQA wines. This unique experience highlights local culinary treats, showcasing the vibrant food culture in Ontario. Participants indulge in delectable farm-to-table dining, as well as sample premium VQA wines amidst the breathtaking vineyards and rolling landscapes. Soaking in the warm summer air, guests savor the flavors of the region and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Ontario’s wine country.
2. Discover the World of Ontario’s Unique Wines
Explore the incredible world of Ontario’s unique wines during 30DaysofVQA, an event celebrating the exquisite flavors of 30 Ontario VQA wines you should try this summer. Perfect for any occasion, these wines offer a variety of tastes, from crisp whites to fruity reds, ensuring there is a perfect bottle to pair with every palate and dish. Get ready to surprise and delight your taste buds by embarking on a journey to discover the best of Ontario’s wine offerings. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to sample these exclusive wines and create unforgettable memories.
3. Malbec, Grapefruit, and Crisp Apple: Ontario’s Must-Try Wines for Summer
Summer in Ontario is incomplete without sipping on some of the best VQA wines the region has to offer. One standout is the Malbec that features a youthful balance and a smooth, medium-long bubbly finish. Its dark berry notes are perfect for enjoying on warm evenings.
Another must-try wine is the delicious Grapefruit, which offers a gorgeous blend of mouthwatering grapefruit and crisp apple, along with precise acidity. Best served chilled, this refreshing wine pairs beautifully with oysters, shellfish, and light summer salads.
Embrace the season with these delightful Ontario VQA wines, which are sure to surprise and delight throughout the summer months.
4. Niagara’s Big Head Wines: The Perfect Cottage Fireside Wine for 2021
Niagara’s Big Head Wines offers an exquisite cottage fireside wine experience that promises to delight your taste buds in 2021. With a unique blend of black and red berries, strawberry Jell-O, cardamom, vanilla, and hot cinnamon, this wine exudes irresistible flavors, perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.
Available for pick-up and retail shopping seven days a week, Big Head Wines ensures you will never run out of your new favorite beverage. So, make your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake and discover the unparalleled taste of Big Head Wines this year.
5. Dark Horse Estate Winery’s Floral and Fruity Wine in Convenient Cans
Ontario’s Dark Horse Estate Winery has recently introduced a fabulous addition to their wine collection – conveniently canned wines. Perfect for on-the-go celebrations or intimate gatherings, these cans offer the same exquisite taste as their bottled counterparts.
One of their most popular canned options features a delightful floral and fruity wine, which is a perfect companion for a warm summer day or a cozy night in. Crafted with care and precision, these Dark Horse wines in cans are an excellent way to enjoy the Taste of Victory while embracing the convenience and portability of modern wine packaging. So, next time you’re planning a get-together or simply want an easy option for a night in, consider picking up a few cans of Dark Horse Estate Winery’s delightful and refreshing canned wines.
6. Summer in a Glass: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Blend from Estate Vineyard
As the summer season approaches, wine enthusiasts long for a refreshing and sophisticated drink to enjoy under the sun. One such wine that fits this description is a delightful blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Ontario’s VQA Estate Vineyards. This carefully crafted wine is the perfect embodiment of summer in a glass.
Exuding classic traditional method aromas, this blend engulfs your senses with a walk into your favorite bakery. Full-bodied and opulent, it can either serve as an apéritif or accompany your dinner seamlessly. Expertly combining the best qualities of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this Ontario VQA wine is sure to enchant your palate throughout the season. So, prepare to unwind, pour yourself a glass, and indulge in the essence of summer with this exquisite blend from Estate Vineyard. [11][12]
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7. North Beach Seahorse Rosé 2018 VQA: The Perfect Sip for BBQ Salads and Spicy Dishes
North Beach Seahorse Rosé 2018 VQA is an exquisite wine hailing from Harwood Estate Vineyards in Prince Edward County, Ontario. This lively and refreshing blend of Riesling and Vidal offers a well-balanced, fruit-driven taste with a long fruit finish.
Flavors of stone fruit and strawberry combine with enticing aromatics of peach and citrus, making it the perfect choice for pairing with BBQ salads, spicy dishes, and sunshine-filled afternoons. Available for curbside pick-up and online sales, this delightful rosé is sure to elevate any summer gathering with its charming taste and vibrant character.
8. Local Ontario VQA Wines to Try This Fall: Shop at LCBO
Ontario’s beautiful landscape is not only blessed with lakes, mountains, and bustling city life, but also with vineyards producing exquisite wines. This fall, explore and enjoy some amazing local VQA wines from various regions of this breathtaking province.
Among these delightful options is a red with red berry and dark fruit flavors, complemented by oak and spicy notes, perfect for pairing with meaty dishes. On the other hand, a white wine lover can opt for a crisp, aromatic peachy delight, featuring white roses and guava flavors. This light and refreshing choice pairs beautifully with fish or lighter brunch offerings.
For a full-bodied red, a blackberry and black currant-flavored blend aged in French American oak barrels provides depth and richness. With hints of cedar, chocolate, vanilla, coconut, and spice notes, this bottle is a fantastic choice for wine enthusiasts.
Ontario’s wines cater to varied taste preferences, offering light and fruity options like a strawberry-flavored wine with hints of red currant and watermelon that pairs well with baked Brie. Crisp and refreshing white wines featuring juicy peach, pear, apple, and melon notes are also available, complementing fragrant dishes like coconut curry or herby pasta.
Explore over 400 exceptional VQA wines at the LCBO, which guarantees 100% Ontario-grown grapes. Discover and savor these local gems this fall and find a new favorite among the wide variety of options.
9. Red Berry and Dark Fruit Flavors: Perfect for Fall Pairing
Ontario is home to some exceptional VQA wines, perfect for enjoying during the fall season. With red berry and dark fruit flavors, these wines provide a warm and inviting ambiance, making them ideal for pairing with autumn dishes.
One such wine is a rich, oak-aged red with red berry and dark fruit notes, exhibiting a hint of spiciness. This versatile wine pairs exceptionally well with savory meat dishes such as burgers or steak, adding a cozy element to your meal.
For those who prefer a more aromatic experience, a Cabernet Merlot with hints of plum, dark chocolate, and vanilla might be their preference. This wine’s subtle spiciness and savory finish make it an excellent choice for enjoying alongside a charcuterie board or other flavorful snacks.
Regardless of your wine preference, Ontario’s VQA offerings showcase a collection of delicious reds and whites that are sure to please the palate and accentuate the flavors of fall.
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10. Pelee Island Winery: Transported Abroad with Dark Cherry Red Blend.
Ontario’s beautiful landscapes are rich with delightful gems such as its local wineries. Among these is the southernmost estate winery, Pelee Island Winery, located on Pelee Island. This renowned winery shares the same latitude as famous wine regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley, making it no surprise that their blends are highly sought after.
One of their must-try VQA wines this fall is a dark cherry red blend that promises to transport you abroad with each sip. The rich wine is perfect for those cozy autumn evenings, and when paired with the right dish, it will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. So, go ahead and indulge in a bottle from this award-winning winery and savor the flavors of their exceptional red blend.
