Regions

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.

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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.

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Two More Niagara Wineries

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Two of the Niagara wineries I visited on my recent trip were Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery and Megalomaniac.

The property that Ravine Vineyard is located on has been owned and farmed by the same family since 1867 and the vineyard in its present form began in 2004 with the planting of the three Bordeaux reds; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, as well as Chardonnay and Riesling. Each of their wines reflect the terroir in which they grow.

Photo credit: ravinevineyard.com

The day I was there I spoke with the son of the current owner who shared information regarding differences in the terroir of each of their vineyards and how that influences the flavour of the wine. The vineyard referred to as Lonna’s Block was a former horse paddock whereas the second vineyard, Nancy’s Block, was crop fields. My host’s preferred wine was the Lonna’s Block Meritage, but I decided to make my own decision and purchased a bottle of each.

The other winery, Megalomaniac, steps away from tradition and takes a light airy approach to wine, avoiding the stigmatism that is often associated with the wine industry. The names of their wines are reflective of their light attitude; for example, My Way Chardonnay, Narcissist Riesling, To Be Frank Cabernet Franc and Much Obliged Baco Noir, which honours first responders and healthcare workers.

Photo credit: megalomaniacwine.com

Don’t let the names fool you; Megalomaniac’s wine maker provides great quality wines. I came home with some of their Much Obliged Unoaked Chardonnay and Unconventional Cabernet Merlot.

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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.

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A Visit to The Niagara Wine Region

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Not having been to the Niagara wine region since May of 2019, my wife and I decided that this spring was time for a return trip. Given that there are now around 100 wineries operating in the region, the all-important question was, which wineries should we visit? To help narrow the field I used several techniques: personal recommendations, previous award results, some of my own curiosity and follow ups from previous adventures. The result was that we ventured to 7 wineries: Domaine Le Clos Jordanne, Megalomaniac, Two Sisters Vineyards, Stone Eagle Winery, Fielding Estate Winery, Chateau des Charmes and Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

Domaine Le Clos Jordanne

Over the next few weeks I will share some of my winery experiences; some good, some not so good, but all were enlightening.

I will begin with Domaine Le Clos Jordanne, which now occupies the site of the former Angels Gate Winery. In May of 2023, Angels Gate was purchased by Arterra Wines Canada Inc. However, Arterra was not interested in continuing the production of Angels Gate wines. Instead, they were looking for a physical home for their Le Clos Jordanne French inspired wines, under the direction of their winemaker Thomas Bachelder. Bachelder is internationally recognized and is Le Clos Jordanne’s original founding winemaker who is specialized in the production of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. His terroir-revealing wines showcase how Old World, French Burgundy style winemaking techniques can apply to New World terroir with minimal intervention to produce great wines.

Following the French philosophy, Domaine Le Clos Jordanne only produces wines supported by the local terroir. Thus, the selection at the winery is limited to a variety of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. So if you are looking to purchase a wide range of varietals, or looking for something other than Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, this winery is not for you. However, if you are a fan of true Burgundy style wines, Domaine Le Clos Jordanne is worth a look.

My wife and I couldn’t resist getting some of their neutral oaked Chardonnay and a couple of different Pinot Noirs to try.

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Nebbiolo Grapes and Wines

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One of my favourite grapes, the Nebbiolo (pronounced “Nebby-oh-low”), is a mystery to many people as it is grown in just a few places in the world and is used to make only a couple of different wines. It originated in the Barolo and Barbaresco districts of the Piedmont region of northern Italy. There the grapes thrive on hillsides in the sun with clay or silt-based soil. For this reason, Nebbiolo is rarely grown outside of this region. Nebbiolo has only experienced limited success elsewhere in the world with there being just a few producers in Australia and Mexico’s Baja California.

Photo credit: strengthinperspective.com

Barolo and Barbaresco wines are both made totally from Nebbiolo grapes. Both wines consist of many integral components; individual hillsides, single vineyards and the range of styles and expressions is significant. For example, the Nebbiolo-based wines in Barolo’s La Morra are very different from the ones grown in Serralunga d’Alba. In Barbaresco, the wines from Neive are distinct from the ones grown in Treiso.

There are also excellent Nebbiolo-based wines made in Roero in Piedmont. Nebbiolo is the heart of both Roero and Roero Riserva, as it is with Gattinara, a less-known Nebbiolo-based wine.

Barolo DOCG has two classifications, a “normale” Barolo which has 38 months of aging, which includes 18 months in wood, and Barolo Riserva DOCG with 62 months aging, also including 18 months in wood.

Average price: $35 t0 $100 CDN but more expensive options are available.

Barbaresco DOCG has two classifications, a “normale” Barbaresco with 26 months aging and Barbaresco Riserva DOCG with 50 months aging. Both wines must include 9 months of their aging in wood.

Average price: $40 to $100 CDN but you can spend more.

Roero Rosso DOCG must be 95% Nebbiolo and have 20 months of aging with at least 6 months in oak. The Riserva level tends to be even softer with 32 months of aging including 6 months in wood.

Average Price: $20 to $40 CDN but is not always available in Canadian liquor and wine stores.

The nose of Nebbiolo wines tend to suggest hints of floral and light red fruits that suggest that the wine will be lighter than it is. Nebbiolo’s flavour provides hints of leather and lots of tannins along with fruity flavours of cherry and raspberries.

Nebbiolo wines pair well with beef tenderloin, ribeye steak, prime rib, roast turkey, pork sausage, braised duck, braised pork shank or prosciutto. It also compliments cheeses such as parmigiano reggiano, feta, manchego, or pecorino. A wide assortment of vegetables go well, including roasted garlic, shallots, truffles, wild mushrooms, chestnuts, butternut squash, fried polenta, olives, capers, funghi pizza, wild rice and roasted fennel.

If you like Sangiovese or cool-climate Pinot Noir you should try the offerings of Barolo, Barbaresco or Roero Rosso wines.

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Primitivo / Zinfandel Wine

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Photo credit: greatnorthwestwine.com

The Primitivo grape is believed to have originated in what is known today as Croatia. It was named Primitivo by the Italians based on the Italian word “primaticcio”, which means ‘early ripened’. The vines are believed to have been exported to North America during the early 1800s, where the grapes became known as Zinfandel. Where that name came from, I have no idea.

The most common Zinfandel is a dry, medium-bodied red wine with medium to high tannins and medium to low acidity. The alcohol by volume is usually in the very high range, in excess of 14%.

Red Zinfandel is a bold, fruit-forward red with smoky spice notes. Its primary flavours are generally blackberry, strawberry, peach, cinnamon and tobacco.

The wine pairs well with BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, roast lamb, pulled pork, pork chops, blackened salmon, bacon-wrapped tenderloin, game meats and burgers. If cheese is your thing, pair it with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda. Vegetables like caramelized onion, tomatoes, grilled eggplant, mushrooms, olives, zucchini or baked beans will also go well. Desserts such as cheesecake and dark chocolate are great options as well.

There is also White Zinfandel, which is actually a sweet pink Rosé. It has aromas of fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries and citrus.

Today, the United States, where the grape is referred to as Zinfandel, is the largest producer, with over 18,500 hectares under management. Italy, where it is still referred to by its original name, has almost 14,000 hectares of vines. Macedonia is next with 1,000 hectares and Australia with 87 hectares. Lesser amounts are grown in Chile, Canada and South Africa.

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English Wine

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England is known for its Gin and Tonic (G&T) and its bitters (beer), but did you know that the English also produce fine wine? The United Kingdom ranks 6th in the world for wine consumption, but over the past 15 to 20 years England has been making a name for itself as an up-and-coming wine producer. Most notable are its sparkling wines, which are made in the traditional way. They are finishing ahead of major Champagne houses in competitions and earning recognition around the world.

Photo credit: winefolly.com

Sparkling wines represent 65% of England’s wine production. Still white wines represent about 20% of production and reds and Rosé make up the remaining 15%.

The last official count suggested that there are about 450 wineries in England, producing around 3.2 million bottles of wine each year. Many of the wineries and vineyards are situated along the southern strip of England’s coast from Cornwall to Kent, where the climate is slightly warmer and dryer than elsewhere in the country. This area includes the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Sussex is situated alongside of the English Channel and is one of the sunniest regions in England. It benefits from the same soil characteristics as that found in France’s Champagne region. The grapes grown there include the classic Champagne grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, as well as Bacchus, which is a cross of the German white grapes Silvaner, Riesling and Müller.

The county of Kent is located to the east of Sussex along the English Channel. The viticulture includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Ortega. The Champagne house Taittinger purchased land in Kent and planted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in its English vineyard.

Kent has also drawn attention from a second French Champagne house. Pommery joined forces with England’s Hattingley Valley creating Louis Pommery England.

Each year the number of wineries continue to increase to satisfy the growing demand for English wine, in particular sparkling wine. Due to climate change, viticulture is now expanding beyond the traditional three counties right across England and even into Wales. Global temperatures have increased to the point where the temperature in England is now nearing that of the Champagne region of France during the prime of Champagne production, before the challenges brought on by climate change. 

As a result, consumers can anticipate more English wines becoming available in global markets. As the prices for land in England are drastically lower than in Champagne, producers can afford to sell their wines at more consumer-friendly prices. Also, because of the similar soil composition as found in Champagne, the flavour is much closer to Champagne than either Spain’s Cava or Italy’s Prosecco.

Cheers to the future of English wine.

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Photo credit: travelfrancebucketlist.com

Following my visit to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape (pronounced Sha-too-nuff-doo-pap) district of France in 2024, I have paid more attention to these wines and have gained a better appreciation for them. It is an appellation known for its bold Grenache-based red blends. However, the region produces both red and white wines using as many as 13 different grape varietals.

The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape translates to “the Pope’s new castle,” referring to the Popes from Rome that lived in Avignon during the 14th century.

Of the eight red varietals planted, Grenache makes up about 80%, followed by Syrah, Mourvèdre and often lesser quantities of one or more of Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarèse and Terret Noir. Thus, it is referred to as a GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre). Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds are produced with around 80% Grenache, although some wineries use 100% Grenache, bringing out a more robust, stronger flavour.

These grapes combine to create a medium-bodied, rich, spice-infused red wine. The reds are typically aged from 10 to 20 years, depending on the producer and the vintage. The flavours may include rich raspberry, strawberry and plum with notes of leather, game, and herbs such as sage, rosemary and lavender. The Grenache based reds wine tastes superb with heavier meats like lamb, beef, venison and duck.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is not as common and not as easy to find because only about 7% of the region’s vineyards are white grapes. These wines are typically a blend of the region’s Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne grapes. Although not common, Picpoul and Picardin are also permitted. The white wines are generally aged for four to five years though some can be aged longer.

The better-quality whites contain plenty of tropical fruit and floral notes and have crisp underlying acidity. They are subtly powerful and strong in alcohol, averaging 14% or more. They go well served alongside fish, veal and poultry.

It is suggested that Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines be chilled to a temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius and decanted about an hour before serving.

Don’t expect to find a 750 ml bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for under $50 CDN but the character and flavour of these wines makes them well worth the price.

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A New Ontario Winery

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According to an Instagram post just before Christmas, coming soon is the new “Skye Chase Winery” where you can “Discover what’s happening at St Thomas’ new social experience. Exceptional wine, culinary delights and a lounge with breathtaking views. Explore the new Skye Chase Winery and all it has to offer.”

Being intrigued, I did some research and learned that Skye Chase Winery was previously the Quai Du Vin Estate Winery. The vines of Quai Du Vin, now Skye Chase, date back to the 1970s with the original winery operating since 1990. Therefore, the vineyards that Skye Chase has assumed are well established and mature. It appears the new owner, Kyle MacDonald, took over ownership of the winery in 2025.

According to their website, Skye Chase’s objective is to create a winery that will establish Southwest Ontario as one of Canada’s great wine regions. They refer to themselves as a terroir-forward vineyard, letting the grapes be a direct expression of the natural environment, including the weather, soil and mineral content. They feel that this will let them make the highest quality, most interesting wines.

The head winemaker is Jay Johnston, a graduate from Niagara College’s Viticulture & Winemaking program. He has previous winemaking experience with Jackson-Triggs, Le Clos Jordanne, Hidden Bench, and Flat Rock Cellars.

The Skye Chase team has expanded the vineyards and dedicated their winemaking skills to focus on varietals best suited for the region’s unique terroir and climate. Thus, their focus is on cool climate varietals. The whites include Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. The reds are Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

They have revamped the “Fruit & the Vine” fruit wines with the new label “Wine’d Up Wine Company”. They claim, “It’s fruit wine done better, fresher, cleaner and ready for any occasion. Same flavour forward personality, just a whole new vibe.”

Skye Chase is looking to enhance the winery by constructing a new building that will feature a retail store, tasting room and Restobar.

Best of luck to the new Skye Chase Winery.

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