Choices

National Wine Awards Top Wines

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment
Photo credit: winealign.com

There was a new category, Non-Alcoholic Wines, at this year’s National Wine Awards. Non-alcoholic wines must be made either entirely or partially from grapes and can include hybrids such as products made from grapes blended with other fruits. There are no restrictions on how they are made (unfermented versus various methods of removing or lowering alcohol, partial ferments, etc.).

This year’s Platinum and Gold medal wine winners are presented below. The complete list of award winners is available at winealign.com/awards.

Sparkling Wines

Platinum Medal

  • Fielding N/V Sparkling Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Malivoire N/V Bisous Rosé, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • 50th Parallel 2020 Blanc de Noir, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Henry of Pelham 2018 Cuvée Catharine Estate Blanc de Blancs Carte Blanche, ON
  • Huff Estates 2022 Cuvée Peter, Prince Edward County, ON
  • La Frenz 2021 Aster Brut, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Liquidity NV Reserve Brut, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Malivoire 2019 Bisous Blanc de Blanc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Megalomaniac N/V Bubblehead Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Queenston Mile 2018 Blanc de Blanc, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Serendipity 2016 Sparkling Truth, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tantalus 2023 Blanc de Blancs, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tawse N/V 25th Anniversary Spark, West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tinhorn Creek N/V Blanc de Blanc, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Township 7 2023 Seven Stars Rigel Fool’s Gold, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2021 Blanc de Franc, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Orange Wine

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • None Awarded

Rosé

Platinum Medal

  • None Awarded

Gold Medal

  • Le Vieux Pin 2025 Vaila, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Lunessence 2025 ESV Blanc de Noirs, Summerland Bench, BC
  • Seven Directions 2025 Grenache Rosé Solum Rosa Estate, BC

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Platinum Medal

  • None Awarded

Gold Medal

  • Bench 1775 2025 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Hillside Winery 2025 Unoaked Pinot Gris, Naramata Bench, BC
  • Solvero 2025 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC

Red Blends

Platinum Medal

  • Hidden Bench 2022 La Brunante, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Laughing Stock 2023 Blind Trust Red, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Palatine Hills 2021 Overtime Meritage (Red), Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • Black Bank Hill 2023 Égalité, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Burrowing Owl 2022 Meritage, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Fielding 2023 Cabernet-Syrah, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Fielding 2023 Red Conception, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Fielding 2024 Fireside Red – Cabernet, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Kew 2023 Soldier’s Grant, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Kismet 2020 VIRSA, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Kismet 2021 Moksha, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • La Frenz 2022 Cabernets Rockyfeller Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • La Frenz 2022 Grand Total Reserve, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Laughing Stock 2023 Portfolio, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Maverick 2022 Renegade, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Moraine 2022 Meritage, BC
  • Mt. Boucherie 2022 Contessa, BC
  • Nomad at Hinterbrook 2022 Wanderlust, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Painted Rock 2022 Red Icon, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Painted Rock 2022 Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Phantom Creek 2022 Grande Cuvée, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Phantom Creek 2022 Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Road 13 Vineyards 2022 John Oliver 5th Element, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Roche Wines 2022 Chateau, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Rosewood 2023 Looking Glass, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Stratus 2022 Red, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • The Organized Crime 2022 Sacred Series The Download, Beamsville Bench, ON
  • The Organized Crime 2023 Sacred Series The Download, Beamsville Bench, ON
  • Thirty Bench 2023 Benchmark Red, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Township 7 2022 Benchmark Series Reserve 7, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Trius 2023 Grand Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Van Westen 2022 Voluptuous, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Wayne Gretzky 2023 No.99 The Icon, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, ON

White Blends

Platinum Medal

  • Roche Wines 2023 Viognier Marsanne, Okanagan Valley, BC

Gold Medal

  • Creekside 2024 Iconoclast Sauvignon Semillon, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Divergence Wines 2024 MVR Bock Vineyard, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Divergence Wines 2024 Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Kew 2024 Marsanne Viognier, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • La Frenz Naramata Estate 2023 Reserve Ensemble, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Maverick 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Terravista Vineyards 2025 Fandango, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC

Library Wines

Platinum Medal

  • Poplar Grove 2015 The Legacy Library Collection, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tawse 2016 Limestone Ridge-North Riesling, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • 50th Parallel 2022 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Crown et Thieves 2020 The Dimber Damber Okanagan Valley
  • Moon Curser 2020 Dead of Night, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • O’Rourke Family Estate 2020 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Phantom Creek 2021 Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Queenston Mile 2020 Viognier Estate Bottled, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tawse 2016 Carly’s Block Riesling, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tawse 2016 Quarry Road Riesling, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gamay

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • 13th Street 2024 Whitty Vineyard Gamay, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Bachelder 2024 Kirby Cru de Niagara 45% Whole Cluster Vieilles Vignes Gamay Noir, ON
  • Orofino 2025 Gamay, Similkameen Valley, BC
  • SpearHead 2023 Blueberry Hill Gamay, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Vieni Estates 2025 Novello Nouveau Gamay Noir, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Volcanic Hills 2025 Gamay Noir, Okanagan Valley, BC

Pinot Noir

Platinum Medal

  • Little Engine 2022 Vineyard Select Pinot Noir, BC
  • Malivoire 2024 Pinot Noir Three Rows, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • Bachelder 2023 Hanck Pinot Noir, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Bachelder 2023 Lowrey Vineyard Old Eastern Block 84/88 Cuvée Pinot Noir, St., ON
  • Black Bank Hill 2023 Pinot Noir, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Cloudsley Cellars 2023 Parke Vineyard Pinot Noir, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Domaine Queylus 2022 Pinot Noir Tradition, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Fielding 2024 Rock Pile Pinot Noir, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Flat Rock Cellars 2024 Capstone Series Gravity Pinot Noir, Twenty Mile Bench, ON
  • Four Shadows 2022 Pinot Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Grange of Prince Edward 2024 Estate Series Pinot Noir Diana Block, Prince Edward County, ON
  • Hidden Bench 2023 Pinot Noir Rosomel Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2023 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Little Engine 2022 Silver Pinot Noir, BC
  • Meyer 2022 B Field Blend McLean Creek Road vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Roche Wines 2022 Pinot Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • SpearHead 2023 Jagged Ridge Pinot Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Stag’s Hollow 2022 Pinot Noir Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, BC
  • Stanners 2023 Pinot Noir, Prince Edward County, ON
  • Unsworth 2023 Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
  • Wild Goose Winery 2022 Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, BC

Chardonnay

Platinum Medal

  • Deep Roots 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Meyer 2023 Chardonnay Old Main Rd Vineyard, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Queenston Mile 2023 Chardonnay Signature Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Stratus 2024 Chardonnay Unfiltered Bottled with Lees, Niagara on the Lake, ON
  • Tawse 2023 Estate Chardonnay, West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • 16 Mile Cellar 2023 Tenacity Single Barrel Selection Chardonnay, Creek Shores, ON
  • Bachelder 2023 Hill of Wingfield Wismer-Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, ON
  • Bachelder 2023 Wismer Wingfield Vineyard Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, ON
  • Bachelder 2023 Wismer-Foxcroft NORD Vineyard Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, ON
  • Black Bank Hill 2023 Chardonnay, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Closson Chase 2023 Chardonnay Churchside, Prince Edward County, ON
  • Domaine Queylus 2023 Chardonnay Limited Edition Clone 548, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Domaine Queylus 2024 Chardonnay Réserve du Domaine, Lincoln Lakeshore, ON
  • Fielding 2025 Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Henry of Pelham 2024 Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay, Short Hills Bench, ON
  • Hidden Bench 2024 Unfiltered Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Mission Hill 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Mission Hill 2023 Terroir Collection Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Perenelle 2024 Chardonnay, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Quails’ Gate 2023 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Rust Wine Co. 2023 Chardonnay Lost Horn Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Stonebridge 2023 Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tantalus 2024 Chardonnay Mio Vineyard, ON
  • Tawse 2023 Quarry Road Chardonnay, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tawse 2023 Robyn’s Block Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • The Organized Crime 2023 Cuvée Krystyna Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, ON
  • Three Dog Winery 2024 Foxcroft Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Red Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • Moon Curser 2022 Carménère, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Phantom Creek 2022 Becker Vineyard Carménère, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Rosehall Run 2024 Tempranillo, Prince Edward County, ON
  • Tightrope 2023 Barbera Fleet Road Vineyard, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC

White Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • Clos sans frontières 2024 Chenin Blanc Clos sans frontières, QC
  • Culmina 2025 Unicus, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Terravista Vineyards 2025 Albariño, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC

Gewürztraminer

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • Rust Wine Co. 2025 Gewürztraminer South Rock Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench, BC

Viognier

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • Palatine Hills 2024 Lakeshore Viognier, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Sauvignon Blanc

Platinum Medal

  • Peninsula Ridge 2024 Reserve Fume Blanc, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • Chaberton 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, BC
  • Peller Estates 2024 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
  • Peller Estates 2025 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Queenston Mile 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Small Batch Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Stag’s Hollow 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Soaring Eagle Vineyard, Naramata Bench, BC

Syrah

Platinum Medal

  • Laughing Stock 2023 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Mayhem 2025 Syrah Gill Estate Vineyard, Golden Mile Slopes, Okanagan Valley, BC

Gold Medal

  • Clos du Soleil 2022 Winemaker’s Series Syrah, Similkameen Valley, BC
  • Corcelettes 2022 Syrah Estate Vineyard, Similkameen Valley, BC
  • Creekside 2023 Shiraz, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Moraine 2022 Syrah Anastasia Estate Vineyard, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Nk’Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Syrah Family Collection, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Painted Rock 2022 Syrah, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Poplar Grove 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Rust Wine Co. 2022 Syrah South Rock Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Vanessa Vineyard 2021 Syrah, Similkameen Valley, BC
  • Vanessa Vineyard 2021 Syrah, Similkameen Valley, BC

Riesling

Platinum Medal

  • Redstone 2023 Riesling Limestone Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • CedarCreek 2023 Aspect Riesling, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Charles Baker Wines 2022 Vinemount Ridge, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Fielding 2023 Estate Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Fort Berens 2024 Riesling Reserve Wild Ferment, Lillooet, BC
  • Fort Berens 2024 Riesling, Lillooet, BC
  • Huff Estates 2023 Day Tripping Riesling, ON
  • Orofino 2025 Old Vines Riesling Home Vineyard, Similkameen Valley, BC
  • Quails’ Gate 2025 Clone 21B Riesling, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Synchromesh Storm Haven 2023 Block 2 Riesling, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Synchromesh Storm Haven 2023 Blue Label Riesling Gold Digger, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Synchromesh Storm Haven 2023 Gibson-Block 3 Riesling, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tantalus 2025 Riesling, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tawse 2024 Quarry Road Vineyard Riesling, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • The Organized Crime 2025 Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Upper Bench 2025 Estate Riesling, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC

Fortified Wine

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • La Frenz N/V Liqueur Muscat, Okanagan Valley, BC

Icewine & Late Harvest

Platinum Medal

  • Byland 2024 Riesling Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • Byland 2024 Riesling Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Inniskillin 2024 Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Inniskillin Niagara Estate 2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Inniskillin Niagara Estate 2024 Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Magnotta 2023 Riesling Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition VQA, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Magnotta 2024 Vidal Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition VQA, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Pelee Island 2023 Riesling Icewine, Lake Erie North Shore, ON
  • Pillitteri 2024 Commendatore Sparkling Vidal Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Ravine Vineyard 2023 Riesling Icewine, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tzafona Cellars 2024 Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Whistler Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Ice Wine, Okanagan Valley, BC

Cabernet Sauvignon

Platinum Medal

  • Black Bank Hill 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Nk’Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, BC

Gold Medal

  • Mission Hill 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Painted Rock 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Palatine Hills 2021 Overtime Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Cabernet Franc

Platinum Medal

  • Inniskillin 2023 Lament Farms Cabernet Franc, St David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Gold Medal

  • Al Borgo 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Black Bank Hill 2023 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Burrowing Owl 2023 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Dandor 2023 Cabernet Franc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Inniskillin 2023 Heron Pond Cabernet Franc, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Magnotta 2024 Cabernet Franc Venture Series VQA, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Maverick 2022 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Nomad at Hinterbrook 2022 Cabernet Franc Unfiltered, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Peller Estates 2023 Signature Series Cabernet Franc, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Phantom Creek 2022 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Synchromesh 2022 Cabernet Franc Storm Haven Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Thirty Bench 2023 Small Lot Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Tinhorn Creek 2023 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Township 7 2022 Benchmark Series Reserve Cabernet Franc Raju Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, ON
  • Wayne Gretzky 2023 Signature Series Cabernet Franc, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, ON

Merlot

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • Maverick 2022 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Tinhorn Creek 2023 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Township 7 2022 Infinity, Okanagan Valley, BC

Malbec

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • La Frenz 2022 Malbec Rockyfeller Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Moon Curser 2022 Malbec, Okanagan Valley, BC

No/Low Alcohol

Platinum Medal

  • None awarded

Gold Medal

  • None awarded

Sláinte mhaith

The 2026 National Wine Awards

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Photo credit:winealign.com

The 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC) took place in Niagara Falls, Ontario in mid June. However, the results were not fully tallied and presented until July 31st.

This week I will focus on the wineries that attained the highest honours and next week I will direct attention to the individual wines that were declared the top in their class.

Winery of the Year

The Niagara region’s Tawse Winery was bestowed the honour of being Winery of the Year, for the fifth time in the Awards 26-year history. At this year’s Awards Tawse earned 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 13 Silver and 8 Bronze medals.

Top 10 Wineries

  1. Tawse Winery – Ontario – 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 13 Silver, 8 Bronze
  2. Fielding Estate Winery – Ontario – 1 Platinum, 6 Gold, 9 Silver, 5 Bronze
  3. Black Blank Hill – Ontario – 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 4 Silver
  4. La Frenz Estate Winery – British Columbia – 6 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze
  5. Bachelder – Ontario – 6 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze
  6. The Organized Crime Winery – Ontario – 4 Gold, 7 Silver, 5 Bronze
  7. Maverick Estate Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 2 Silver
  8. Phantom Creek Estates – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 8 Silver, 2 Bronze
  9. Painted Rock Estate Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze
  10. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze

Best Performing Small Winery

Black Bank Hill, located in the Lincoln Lakeshore appellation of the Niagara Peninsula, is the Best Performing Small Winery. This award goes to the top-scoring winery that produces a maximum of 10,000 cases of wine. Blank Bank Hill only opened in 2021, making it one of the most rapid rising wineries ever witnessed by the NWAC.

The winery earned 1 Platinum, 4 Gold and 4 Silver medals at this year’s event.

Top 10 Small Wineries

  1. Black Bank Hill – Ontario – 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 4 Silver
  2. La Frenz Estate Winery – British Columbia – 6 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze
  3. Bachelder – Ontario – 6 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze
  4. The Organized Crime Winery – Ontario – 4 Gold, 7 Silver, 5 Bronze
  5. Maverick Estate Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 2 Silver
  6. Painted Rock Estate Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze
  7. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze
  8. Synchromesh Wines – British Columbia – 4 Gold, 3 Bronze
  9. Laughing Stock Vineyards – British Columbia – 2 Platinum, 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
  10. Queenston Mile Vineyard – Ontario – 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze

Top 10 British Columbia Wineries

  1. La Frenz Estate Winery – 6 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze
  2. Maverick Estate Winery – 4 Gold, 2 Silver
  3. Phantom Creek Estates – 4 Gold, 8 Silver, 2 Bronze
  4. Painted Rock Estate Winery – 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze
  5. Township 7 Vineyards & Winery – 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze
  6. Synchromesh Wines – 4 Gold, 3 Bronze
  7. Laughing Stock Vineyards – 2 Platinum, 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
  8. Roche Wines – 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
  9. Tantalus Vineyards – 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze
  10. Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze

Top 10 Ontario Wineries

  1. Tawse Winery – 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 13 Silver, 8 Bronze
  2. Fielding Estate Winery – 1 Platinum, 6 Gold, 9 Silver, 5 Bronze
  3. Black Blank Hill – 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 4 Silver
  4. Bachelder – 6 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze
  5. The Organized Crime Winery – 4 Gold, 7 Silver, 5 Bronze
  6. Malivoire Wine Company – 2 Platinum, 1 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze
  7. Hidden Bench Estate Winery – 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze
  8. Queenston Mile Vineyard – 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze
  9. Palatine Hills Estate Winery – 1 Platinum, 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 5 Bronze
  10. Peller Estates – 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze

The complete list of award winning wineries is available at winealign.com/awards.

Sláinte mhaith

Blouge Wine

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Photo credit: premierligne.com

Have you heard about the latest craze for summer wine? It’s Blouge Wine. The name is a combination of the words ‘blonde’ or ‘blanc’ and ‘rouge’. Thus, the wine is a blend of both red and white grapes. However, this new wine does not have a formal definition or a defined location on wine store shelves because it is not yet an official wine category. Some experts refer to it as wine made by co-fermenting red and white grapes, while others consider it as styles of wine between red and white.

Styles of blouge wines include:

  • Short maceration of red grapes: Red grapes spend less time with their skins, producing a lighter colour and softer structure.
  • Skin contact on white grapes: This will produce a more orange wine.
  • Darker rosé styles: This includes wines that are deeper in colour and structure.
  • Co-fermentation of red and white grapes: Red and white grapes are fermented together.

Characteristically, blouge wines will be acidic like white wines, contain soft tannins, have bright fruitiness with hints of berries, citrus or cherries. It may be like a light red wine or a more complex white wine. Many blouge-style wines are best enjoyed slightly chilled, like a white or Rosé.

Because blouge is not a formal wine category, not every relevant bottle has ‘blouge’ on the label. Shoppers may need to look for phrases like red-white co-ferment, white and red grapes, field blend, light red, chilled red, or pale red.

Blouge wines generally pair well with light pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, chicken or seafood.

Before summer disappears, give blouge a try.

Sláinte mhaith

The 2026 All Canadian Wine Championships

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Photo credit: allcanadianwinechampionships.com

This past June the All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) took place in Ontario’s Lake Erie North Shore wine region. This year there were 1,085 products registered with entries submitted from all ten provinces.

If you are looking for a new wine to try or want to see how your favorite wines compare, this list may be useful for you. All prices are presented in Canadian dollars.

The 2026 trophy winners for 2026 are as follows:

Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

 Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2019 The One – $40.25  

Best Red Wine of the Year

Diamond Estate Winery & Spirits, ON – 2024 Creekside Gamay Noir – $24.95  

Best White Wine of the Year

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay – $19.54  

Best Hybrid Wine of the Year

 Jost Gaspereau & Mercator Vineyards, NS – N/V Blue Latitude Nova Scotia Cool White – $15.97  

Best Dessert Wine of the Year

Bench 1775 Winery, BC – 2022 Whistler Sauvignon Blanc Ice – $37.66  

Best Rosé Wine of the Year

Intrigue Wines Ltd., BC – 2025 Social Rosé – $23.00  

Best Fruit Wine of the Year

Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery, BC – N/V Sparkling Golden Raspberry – $31.05  

The following are the Double Gold and Gold medal winners for each grape wine category: To see the complete list, including all the silver and bronze medal winners, visit the ACWC website at allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2026-results/

Sparkling Wine-Traditional Method

Double Gold  *Trophy, Best Sparkling Wine of the Year

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2019 The One – $40.25  

Gold

  • Huff Estate Winery, ON – 2022 Cuvée Janine – $38.80  
  • Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, BC – 2023 Seven Stars RIGEL – $40.22  

Sparkling Wine–Charmat Method

Double Gold

  • Pelee Island Winery, ON – Lola Sparkling Rosé LIGHT – $13.05  

Gold

  • London Born Wines, ON – N/V Sparkling Rosé – $24.75  
  • Legends Estate Winery, ON – N/V Misfit White Bubbly – $18.00  

Sparkling Wine–Frizzante Method

Double Gold

  • Domaine Les Petits Cailloux, QC – 2024 Mousseux Blanc – $29.95  

Gold

  • Dirty Laundry Winery, BC – 2025 Let’s Get Fizzical White – $21.99  
  • Mastronardi Estate Winery, ON – 2024 Volare Sparkling Moscato – $22.95  

Pet Nat

Double Gold

  • Black Market Wine Co., BC – 2025 Nothing to Declare – $35.00  

Gold

  • Loose Wire Winery, NB – 2024 Orange Pet Nat – $30.00  

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Double Gold   *Trophy, Best White Wine of the Year

  • Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay – $19.54  

Gold

  • Stoneboat Vineyards, BC – 2025 Estate Chardonnay – $28.99  
  • Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2025 Unoaked Chardonnay – $23.90  

Chardonnay Under $35.00

Double Gold

  • Keint-he Winery & Vineyard Ltd., ON – 2023 Portage Chardonnay – $25.00  

Gold

  • 16 Mile Cellar, ON – 2023 Rebel Chardonnay – $26.95  
  • Pilliteri Estate Winery, ON – 2024 Market Collection Chardonnay – $18.00  
  • 16 Mile Cellar, ON – 2023 Renegade Chardonnay – $22.95  

Chardonnay Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • 16 Mile Cellar, ON – 2023 Civility Chardonnay – $35.95  

Gold

  • Bench 1775 Winery, BC – 2023 Chardonnay – $36.50  

Riesling Dry

Double Gold 

  • Apricus Cellars, BC – 2025 Old Vines Riesling – $34.49  

Gold

  • Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Riesling – $28.74  
  • Huff Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Day Tripping Riesling – $20.80  

Riesling Off Dry

Double Gold

  • Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2025 Riesling Classic – $29.90  

Gold

  • 50th Parallel Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Riesling – $27.00  
  • Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Private Reserve Dry Riesling – $19.53  
  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2025 Qwam Qwmt Riesling – $32.99  
  • Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, ON – 2023 Riesling – $17.95  

Sauvignon Blanc

Double Gold

  • City & Country Urban Winery, AB – 2024 Fumé Blanc – $23.00  

Gold

  • Strewn Inc., ON – 2024 Premium Sauvignon Blanc – $24.86  
  • North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Sauvignon Blanc – $19.95  
  • Bella Terra Vineyards, ON – 2025 Sauvignon Blanc – $27.12  
  • Bella Terra Vineyards, ON – 2024 Burnt Ship Bay Sauvignon Blanc – $15.75  
  • Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Sauvignon Blanc – $24.00  

Gewürztraminer

Double Gold

  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Gewürztraminer – $24.09  

Gold

  • Volta Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Traminer – $27.95  

Pinot Gris Style

Double Gold

Dirty Laundry Winery, BC – 2025 Pinot Gris – $21.99  

Gold

  • Huff Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Buried Vine Pinot Gris – $26.80  
  • Black Widow Winery, BC – 2025 Pinot Gris – $28.40  
  • Volta Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Pinot Gris – $27.95  
  • Country Vines, BC – 2024 Contact Pinot Gris – $27.59  

Pinot Grigio Style

Double Gold

  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Pinot Grigio – $29.99  

Gold

  • Palatine Hills Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Lakeshore Pinot Grigio – $19.75  

Viognier

Double Gold

  • Vanessa Vineyards, BC – 2025 Viognier – $35.37  

Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2025 Viognier – $29.89  
  • Strewn Inc., ON – 2023 Terroir Viognier – $28.25  

Other Single Vitis Vinifera Whites

Double Gold

  • Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery, BC – 2025 Siegerrebe – $22.88  

Gold

  • Sunnybrae Vineyards & Winery, BC – 2025 Kerner – $22.88  
  • Inniskillin Okanagan, BC – 2025 Discovery Chenin Blanc – $18.99
  • Valley of the Springs Winery, BC – 2025 Rivaner – $27.60  

White Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

  • Keint- he Winery & Vineyard Ltd, ON – 2025 House White – $27.00  

Gold

  • Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC – 2025 Roussanne/ Viognier – $27.00  
  • Intrigue Wines Ltd., BC – 2025 Frosted Vines – $26.00  
  • Paglione Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Cin Cin – $17.95  
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2025 Bench White – $25.30  
  • Moraine Winery, BC –  2025 Cliffhanger White – $22.00  

Single White Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Loose Wire Winery, NB – 2024 St Pepin – $25.00  

Gold

  • Richibucto River Winery, NB – 2025 Serenity – $16.79  

White Hybrid Blends

Double Gold     *Trophy, Best Hybrid Wine of the Year

  • Jost Gaspereau & Mercator Vineyards, NS – N/V Blue Latitude Nova Scotia Cool White – $15.97  

Gold

  • Planters Ridge Winery Ltd, NS – 2025 Tidal Bay – $23.29  
  • Gaspereau Vineyards, NS – 2025 Gaspereau Tidal Bay – $22.78  
  • Loose Wire Winery, NB, – 2025 Lemonade Stand – $22.00  

Orange Wines

Double Gold

  • Black Market Wine Co., BC – 2025 Orange – $29.90  

*No Gold awarded

Rosés Dry

Double Gold

  • Paglione Estate Winery, ON – 2025 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé – $19.95  

Gold

  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2025 Infinity Rosé – $28.84  
  • Clos Du Soleil Winery, BC – 2025 Rosé – $25.90  
  • The View Winery, BC – 2025 The View Pinotage Rosé – $28.69  
  • Stoneboat Vineyards, BC – 2025 Valley Rosé – $24.99  
  • Meldville Wines, ON – 2025 Malbec Rosé – $20.00  

Rosés Off Dry

Double Gold     *Trophy, Best Rosé of the Year

  • Intrigue Wines Ltd., BC – 2025 Social Rosé – $23.00  

Gold

  • Intrigue Wines Ltd., BC – 2025 Rotberger – $28.00  
  • Apricus Cellars, BC – 2025 Rosé – $34.49

Cabernet Sauvignon $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2021 Toro Nero Limited Edition – $21.95  

Gold

  • Black Sage Vineyard, BC – 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon – $32.99  

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $54.04  

Gold

  • Upper Bench Estate Winery, BC – 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – $51.75  
  • Time Family of Wines, BC – 2022 Chronos Cabernet Sauvignon – $40.24  
  • Strewn Inc., ON – 2020 Premium Cabernet Sauvignon – $36.16  

Merlot $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Palatine Hills Estate Winery, ON – 2024 Lakeshore Merlot – $19.75  

Gold

  • Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC – 2022 Merlot – $30.00  
  • Orofino Winery, BC – 2023 Merlot – $31.95  

Merlot Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • De Simone Vineyards, ON  – 2023 Merlot -$50.00  

Gold

  • Palatine Hills Estate Winery, ON – 2021 Overtime Merlot – $39.75  
  • Fairview Cellars, BC – 2021 Estate Merlot – $47.45  

Pinot Noir $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Wild Goose Vineyards, BC – 2022 Pinot Noir – $34.49

Gold

  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2023 Pinot Noir – $34.50

Pinot Noir Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Kacaba Vineyards Winery, ON – 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir – $64.95

Gold

  • Time Family of Wines, BC – 2023 Evolve Small Lot Pinot Noir – $45.90
  • Bench 1775 Winery, BC – 2023 Pinot Noir  $38.81

Cabernet Franc $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Black Sage Vineyard, BC – 2023 Cabernet Franc – $32.99

Gold

  • Orofino Winery, BC – 2023 Cabernet Franc – $31.95
  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2024 Cabernet Franc Venture Series – $14.95

Cabernet Franc Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Morandin Wines, ON – 2024 Cabernet Grande – $64.80

Gold

  • Watchful Eye Winery, ON – 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve – $41.75
  • Vasanti Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Reserve Cabernet Franc – $51.79

Bordeaux Blends $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Diamond Estate Winery & Spirits, ON – N/V  20 Bees Cabernet Merlot – $13.95

Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2019 Meritage Gran Riserva – $31.95
  • Adamo Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Cabernets – $35.00
  • Three Dog Winery, ON – 2023 Dog House Red – $17.75

Bordeaux Blends Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Vanessa Vineyards, BC – 2021 Meritage – $59.79

Gold

  • Orofino Winery, BC – 2021 Dourado – $51.95
  • Fairview Cellars, BC – 2022 The Bear – $40.25
  • Stone Eagle Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Red – $149.80
  • Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC – 2022 Garland – $74.74

Syrah/Shiraz $35 and Under

Double Gold

  • Meldville Wines, ON – 2023 Syrah – $27.00

Gold

  • Pilliteri Estate Winery, ON – 2022 Carretto Syrah – $28.00

Syrah/Shiraz Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Diamond Estate Winery & Spirits, ON – 2020 Creekside Broken Press Shiraz – $55.00

Gold

  • Ruby Blues Winery, BC – 2021 Syrah – $57.50
  • Orofino Winery, BC – 2022 Reserve Syrah – $43.95

Single Red Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Cobble Hill Winery,  BC – 2025 Castel – $34.50

Gold

  • Sprucewood Shores Winery, ON – 2025 Baco Noir Hawk’s Flight Reserve – $19.95

Red Hybrid Blends

Double Gold

  • Planters Ridge Winery Ltd., NS – 2024 Quintessence Red – $25.26

Gold

  • Dirty Laundry Winery, BC – 2024 Hush Red Blend – $24.99
  • Diamond Estate Winery & Spirits, ON – N/V East Dell Black Cab – $14.95

Other Single Red Vitis Vinifera

Double Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2022 Tempranillo – $44.84

Gold

  • Adamo Estate Winery, ON – 2023 Petit Verdot – $65.00

Other Red Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2024 Diversion – $44.84

Gold

  • Vasanti Estate Winery, BC – 2022 Canvas – $68.99

Marechal Foch

Double Gold

  • Valley of the Springs Winery, BC – 2023 Marechal Foch – $32.20

Gold

  • Little Straw Vineyard, BC – 2024 Marechal Foch – $28.75
  • Georgian Hills Vineyards, ON – 2022 Marechal Foch – $24.95

Malbec

Double Gold

  • Adega on 45th Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Malbec – $32.99

Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2022 Malbec – $44.84

Gamay

Double Gold    *Trophy, Best Red Wine of the Year

  • Diamond Estate Winery & Spirits, ON – 2024 Creekside Gamay Noir – $24.95

Gold

  • Vieni Estate Winery & Spirts, ON – 2025 Novello Nouveau Gamay Noir – $11.95

Appassimento Style

Double Gold

  • Loose Wire Winery, NB – N/V Expressimento – $25.00

*No Gold awarded

DESSERT WINES

Late Harvests

Double Gold

  • Vignoble du Marathonien, QC – 2024 Vendange Tardive Selective BIO – $28.00

Gold

  • Strewn Inc., ON – 2023 Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc – $27.12

White Icewines (Riesling, Vidal, Other)

Double Gold  *Trophy, Best Dessert Wine of the Year

  • Bench 1775 Winery, BC – 2022 Whistler Sauvignon Blanc Ice – $37.66

Gold

  • Byland Estate Winery, ON – 2024 Riesling Ice Wine – $50.00
  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2023 Riesling Icewine Limited Edition Niagara Peninsula – $40.00

Red Icewines

Double Gold

  • Tzafona Cellars, ON – 2024 – Cabernet Franc Icewine – $63.00

Gold

  • Pilliteri Estate Winery, ON – 2024 Family Reserve Corvina Icewine – $85.00

Grape Fortifieds 

Double Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2023 O’Port – $47.00

Gold   

  • Adega on 45th Estate Winery, BC – N/V Terra Quente – $29.99

 INTERNATIONAL SEGMENT FOR 2026    “Cellared in Canada”

These wines are comprised of partial or 100% imported grapes or juice. The program was introduced to assist the BC wineries after 2 harsh winters. These wines are excluded from the trophy rounds.

Single Red Vitus Vinifera

Gold         

  • Moon Curser Vineyard, BC – 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon- Confiscated – $54.04

Red Vitus Vinifera Blends

Gold

  • Privato Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2024 Privy- Afterglow Red – $27.59
  • Black Market Wine Co., BC – 2024 Collusion Series GSM – $39.10

Single White Vitus Vinifera

Gold

  • Lake Breeze Vineyards, BC – 2024 Albarino – $27.00

White Vitus Vinifera Blends

Gold

  • Jost Gaspereau & Mercator Vineyards NS- N/V – Rolling Ridge Pinot Gris – $14.79

Rosés

Gold

  • Privato Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2024 Soperesa Rosa – $27.59

Sláinte mhaith

Niagara Adventure Strikeouts

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In the past, Fielding Estate Winery was always one of my ‘go to’ wineries for Chardonnay Musque and unoaked Chardonnay. Unfortunately, they no longer produce Chardonnay Musque and produce one mass produced unoaked Chardonnay. However, I did not come away empty-handed as I did find a wine that was totally unexpected – Rock Pile Winemaker’s Red, which is a Meritage blend consisting of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 20% Malbec. Being a long time fan of Bordeaux style wines, I could not resist picking up a couple of bottles for my cellar.

Anytime I am in Niagara I always stop by Chateau des Charmes with the hope of picking up a couple of bottles of their Bordeaux style red wine, Equuleus. Not seeing any on the wine shop shelves, I enquired as to whether they had any. Disappointingly, I was advised that the last edition of Equuleus was produced in 2016, appearing on the store shelf a few years ago, and soon sold out. I was reminded that Equuleus was only produced during years having a great harvest with optimum growing conditions and 2016 was the last of those.

On a more optimistic note, it is believed that the 2025 growing season produced grapes suitable to create the next edition of Equuleus, but it won’t be known for certain until the winemaker can sample the wine after some aging. If all goes to plan, the next edition of Equuleus will reach the shop shelf in 2028. Here’s hoping.

Sláinte mhaith

The Two Sisters’ Family

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I have visited the Two Sisters Vineyards on previous excursions to Niagara and this time was no different. I treated myself to a couple of bottles of their 2019 Meritage, Eleventh Post which is a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Photo credit: twosistersvineyards.com

While there I learned about their new winery, Stone Eagle, which is located just a few kilometres from Two Sisters, on the edge of Niagara-On-The-Lake. The Stone Eagle website describes in great detail the winemaking process as well as provides a description of their vineyards. However, when I visited the winery, I quickly learned that it was not a winery in the traditional sense as there was no wine shop or anywhere to see or purchase any of the wines.

When I enquired at the reception desk, which was situated in a large vestibule of what appeared to be an elaborate event centre, I was told that they do not have any wine for viewing or much information about their wines. I was only presented with a wine list similar to one you would see in a restaurant when selecting a wine to accompany your meal. It is worth noting that the least expensive wine on the list was in the $130 plus dollar range. Again, the list contained no information other than the name and price of each wine.

I left the winery perplexed as to its purpose and why it is even called a winery. It would seem to be better referred to as an event centre where you may have access to their exclusive wine list. To try the wines it seems that you must either have lunch or dinner at the Eagles Nest restaurant or bar, which is located on the Stoner Eagle property. I did find that you can purchase Stone Eagle wines online from their website. By clicking on each individual wine you can find the associated tasting notes.

Two Sisters is also in the process of constructing a hotel in the heart of Niagara-On-The-Lake. It is to be called the Parliament Oak Hotel. Once completed it is said that the architecture will reflect the Old Town’s heritage. It will be a four-story, French chateau-style building rather than a standard, modern hotel block.

Growth and development continue to evolve in the Niagara Wine Region. Whether it is all positive or not seems to vary, depending on who you ask.

Sláinte mhaith

De-alcoholized Wine

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My wife recently came across an article about a non-alcoholic winery that has received endorsement on CBC’s Dragons’ Den television show. Based on their endorsement and our curiosity, we agreed we would purchase a boxed set of wines online, which included Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a sparkling red.

Photo credit: drinkones.com

I read that before sampling any de-alcoholized wine it is important to keep in mind that these wines cannot be directly compared to wines containing alcohol and should not be considered as a substitute. Instead, according to one source, non-alcoholic wine should be deemed as complementary to regular wine. However, in my opinion, if this beverage is not to be compared to regular wine, then don’t call it wine. Give it a different name.

De-alcoholized wine will still contain some alcohol, but only an amount to a maximum of 0.5% alcohol by volume. Unfortunately, manipulation to remove alcohol can inadvertently remove the aromas and characteristics of the grape varietal.

When the wines arrived, we first tried the Cabernet Merlot, and following the food pairing suggestions on the label, served it with pork tenderloin. To say that we were underwhelmed would be an understatement. My wife described it best by summarizing it by saying that it tasted extremely watered down. The wine had basically no aroma.

The second wine we tried was the sparkling red. It proved to be a much better experience having more of a fuller, less acid taste. There was a sweetness to the wine that I suspected was artificially added but according to the label, no sugar had been added. Also, given the amount of fizz and the length of time that the bubbles remained in both the glass and the bottle, I suspect that the carbonation was added rather than occurring naturally through fermentation.

The third wine we explored was the Cabernet Franc, which we had with spaghetti and meatballs. Although this wine similarly lacked in flavour like the Cabernet Merlot, it did have a little more of a finish to it. One advantage this wine had over the first was that our tastebuds were prepared for the underwhelming flavour and lack of richness, thus making it more palatable and less of a shock.

The final wine selection was the Cabernet Sauvignon. I expected this wine to be the boldest of the group but other than having a slightly longer finish there was not much of a difference between this and either the Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Merlot. We paired the Cab Sauv with homemade pizza, but I don’t think any food pairing is going to make the wine more endearing.

The breweries seem to do a much better job of de-alcoholizing as I have had several brands and types of non-alcoholic beer that I have enjoyed. I found strong similarities to traditional beer. On the other hand, the wines were a big disappointment as they did not come anywhere close to mirroring the alcoholized version of the same varietal. However, once I knew what to expect, I was able to be more accepting of the wine and applaud the initiative to produce a non-alcoholic version. though further effort is needed to enrich the flavour.

The one similarity the de-alcoholized wine shares with regular wine is its appearance. Though the colour may be slightly less vibrant, it is unlikely that anyone at a social gathering could tell what type of wine was in your glass.

Sláinte mhaith

Japanese Food and Wine Pairings

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Sake is the obvious choice when considering which beverage to serve alongside Japanese cuisine. However, wine, with its varied flavours, is a great match in the complex world of Japanese food.

Photo credit: unravelingwine.com

I have seen itemized Japanese food pairing lists that have contained in excess of a hundred specific food and wine combinations. However, for those who occasionally enjoy Japanese cuisine, this general guideline should provide the essential information to aid in the discovery of Japanese food and wine combinations.

White wines go well with many dishes because of their acidity and ability to compliment delicate flavours. However, red wines low in tannins will go well with stronger dishes such as ramen and teriyaki.

When having subtle dishes like sushi or sashimi, they will pair well with dry crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio or a dry sparkling wine. Ramin, teriyaki, tempura or other richer dishes will be complimented by full-bodied whites such as Chardonnay (especially Chablis) or Gewürztraminer, or lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir, Gamay or Grenache.

Spicy foods, including those containing wasabi, or slightly sweet dishes will be complimented by Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic and slightly sweet character.

Dry, un-oaked white wines or light, low-tannin reds can be an accompaniment for dishes with strong savory flavours.

As I have said many times before, don’t be afraid to explore new food and wine pairings. There are always new combinations waiting for you to discover!

Sláinte mhaith

Alternatives to Government Operated Liquor Stores

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Further to my previous post on the question of whether liquor sales should be privatized (see Should the LCBO be Privatized? April 19, 2025), today I want to look at the difference between government-controlled retail outlets versus government regulated ones. Examples of government operated retail outlets include Ontario’s LCBO, Nova Scotia’s NSLC, British Columbia’s BC Liquor Store and Manitoba’s Liquor Mart.

I can see where privately owned retail outlets could provide benefits in large cities where there is a sufficient population to support specialty wine or whiskey shops. Each store could have an expert who could provide insight on each of the various products sold. It could be a great opportunity for niche marketing and the customization of the sales environment.

However, in small centres, selections could be much more limited with options being dictated solely by profit margins. In this case, the run-of-the-mill wine and whiskey choices could be sold along side soda pop and potato chips. Store staff would be much less likely to have the expertise to assist customers making their selections.

Small wineries, distilleries and breweries could find independent liquor stores beneficial, potentially providing them with more market exposure. Government operated outlets limit retail shelf space to producers who can meet minimum production volumes, leaving many small estate wineries and private distilleries with very limited market exposure. Independent retailers could provide these wineries and distilleries with the consumer exposure that they are currently lacking.

Even though the government could continue to collect taxes on liquor sales, some fear that the revenue generated from government operated retail operations could be lost, impacting the government services currently supported by those revenues. As well, there would be job losses from the public sector if private companies take over retail operations.

Government operated liquor outlets have been instrumental in supporting the domestic alcohol beverage industry. Privatization could potentially weaken that support.

It could be argued that private liquor companies might prioritize profits over public health and safety, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. However, if sufficient regulations are put in place, private enterprise could be made to follow the same principles and practices as the government operated retail outlets adhere to.

As you can see, there is no simple solution as to which alternative is best. You will have to weigh the odds for yourself before deciding which side to support in this age-old debate.

Sláinte mhaith

The Sweetness Level of Wine

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Photo credit: totalwine.com

Wine’s sweetness is determined by the amount of residual sugar that remains after fermentation is complete. It ranges from bone dry (less than 1 gram/litre) to very sweet (over 120 grams/litre). Wine sweetness levels are often, though not consistently, categorized as bone dry, dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, sweet and very sweet. Sweetness indicators are sometimes found on the bottle label or are available on the winery’s tech sheets.

It is interesting to note that wine experts do not always agree on the names of the categories or the scale used to describe sweetness. For example, where one authority considers a certain grams per litre ratio as dry, another considers it as off-dry.

Complicating things further, you will see that some types of wine may appear in more than one category. This is because there can be differences in the sweetness level depending on the fermentation process used by individual vintners. Yeast converts grape sugars to alcohol. If fermentation is stopped early, more sugar is left in the wine. Therefore, a single varietal, for example Riesling, may appear in more than one category.

While residual sugar is the main factor, other elements such as tannins (common in red wines) can make a wine feel drier than its sugar content would suggest.

Category Residual Sugar (g/L) Description
Bone DryLess than 1 g/LEssentially no distinguishable sweetness; very crisp.
Dry1 – 3 g/L Little to no noticeable sweetness.
Off-Dry4 – 12 g/LAn evident but not overwhelming amount of sweetness
Semi-Sweet12.1 – 35 g/LOverlaps with the Off-Dry and Sweet classifications.
Sweet35 – 120 g/LA significant amount of sweetness
Very SweetOver 120 g/LVery sweet; often dessert wines.

             

Listed below, by category, are many popular wines. The wines within each grouping appear in no particular order.

Level of DrynessRedWhite
Bone DryNebbioloMuscadet
MalbecChablis
ChiantiGrenache Blanc
BordeauxPinot Grigio
Barolo
DrySangioveseGruner
TempranilloSauvignon Blanc
Cabernet SauvignonPinot Gris
Pinot NoirChardonnay
SyrahChenin Blanc
MerlotVermentinu
Cabernet FrancSémillon
CarménèreViognier
ValpolicellaDry Riesling
BeaujolaisTrebbiano
GrenacheRoussanne
ZinfandelMarsanne
Off DryKabinett
Riesling
Chenin Blanc
Muller
Semi-SweetValpolicellaGewürztraminer
LambruscoSpatules
Riesling
SweetPortLate Harvest
Maury  Riesling
White Port
Very SweetTawny PortIcewine
IcewineRiesling
Vin Santo

To avoid disappointment in purchasing a too sweet or too dry wine, your best option is to pay attention to the grams per litre sugar level and choose your wine accordingly. The sweetness categories can help guide you, but because of their inconsistencies, they should not be relied on totally.

Sláinte mhaith