Canada, is a unique country regarding the subject of wine. While producing some exceptional offerings - especially Ice Wine - wine is not as appreciated in Canada as it is in most other wine-producing nations.

Arguably the finest districts for wine in Canada are the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Peninsula in British Columbia. The former is home to a wide variety of wine styles, be they spicy reds such as Cabernet Franc or Merlot or a dazzling dessert specialty, such as Ice Wine. There are also numerous styles of wines that originate in Okanagan, notably Merlot, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, which work beautifully in this cool climate. Ice wines are also made in this district as well and make a beautiful pairing with creamy deserts such as crème brûlée or strawberry shortcake.

Regrettably, Canadians seem to have an inferiority complex when it comes to their country's wines, as Canadian wines make up just less than 50% of sales in Canada. Also notable is Canada's unique wine laws that allow for the use of the term "Cellared in Canada"- wine using foreign-sourced grapes and grape-based products.

Wine is also not as popular as beer or spirits, though wine consumption in Canada is slowly on the rise. (Wine/Appellations)