by the 5VINES Team – Imagery by Adobe Stock
Some people will tell you that Canada has 10 provinces, and 3 territories and with its reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, is the 2nd largest country in the world. And they would be right.
So, it would make sense that with all that land mass and variety in climate and terroir, Canada can produce some quality wines, whiskies and beer from our abundant natural resources. And that would also be correct.
Canadian wine regions include British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Barley and wheat from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are used to brew beer and distill spirits across Canada.
If you want to keep it Canadian for your Canada Day party, we’ve road-tripped across our shelves to find you some of the best our nation offers, from backyard beers to raucous reds and wonderful whiskies.
GETTIN’ BERTA WITH ALBEERTA
Proving that “diversity” and “Alberta” aren’t mutually exclusive, this Albeerta Mix Pack includes a wide range of beer from Calgary’s Last Best, Banff Avenue Brewing and Jasper Brewing. Enjoy a couple of Jasper Crisp Pilsners, Banff Ave Light Lagers, Last Best IPAs and a couple of Babes, a tangerine-infused lager. There’s a beer in here for everything you could want to do, or not do, over a long weekend.
PRICE:$29.90 (click on image to purchase)
https://albeerta.com/
A GREAT WHITE
FROM THE GREAT LAKES
This storied Pinot Grigio comes from Canada’s most southern winery on Pelee Island in Lake Erie, Ontario. Founded in 1982, Pelee Island makes organic, sustainably farmed wines including this Pinot Grigio. This charming white by the name “Lola” is made from Pinot Gris and a smattering of Riesling. The result is a simple smooth white wine that brings melon, pear and honey notes. Pair with seafood grilled white meats or with raw vegetables and dip.
Organic, Sustainably Farmed
PRICE: $20.80 (click on the image to purchase)
https://www.peleeisland.com/
https://www.renwine.com/
JOIE DE VIVRE WHISKY
Sortilege Distillery has combined two of Canada’s greatest products, whiskey and maple syrup to make this premium brown liquor from Quebec. Based on a historical recipe from New France, Sortilege Prestige features 7-year-old whisky aged in oak barrels and pure Quebec maple syrup. Sip neat or use it as a base for Canada Day cocktails.
PRICE: $33.80 (click on image to purchase)
https://www.sortilegewhisky.com/https://univins.ca/
GO WEST WITH THIS COASTAL GIN
From Vancouver Island comes this unique gin, affectionately referred to as “The West Coast in a Bottle.” The flagship spirit of Sheringham Distillery is made with botanicals including juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander cardamom and winged kelp. Which is sustainably and locally harvested, giving this gin a subtle salinity. Highly recommended for making the best dirty gin martini you’ll ever have.
PRICE: $55.10 (click on image to purchase)
A BLUSH MADE BY BLUENOSERS
Benjamin Bridge has put Nova Scotia wine making on the map. Not only across Canada but globally, their wines have been featured on Michel Star restaurant menus courtesy of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsey. The Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 is a blend of Muscat, Ortega, Riesling, Geisenheim, l’Acadie, Vidal and Petite Pearl. A pale salmon blush to the eye, with peaches, citrus and flowers on the nose. Finally, finish with lime and lychee on the palette. This makes Nova 7 an excellent apéritif to kick off your backyard Canada Day BBQ.
PRICE: $33.50 (click on image to purchase)
FROM VINES TO PINES: THE BC BORDEAUX YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED
Osoyoos sits in the southern-most area of the Okanagan Valley and due to the climate, this region is known for its reds. Osoyoos La Rose Le Gran Vin is a Bordeaux-style blend with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. All are aged in French Oak barrels. A heavenly combination of black fruits, tobacco, cedar and spices on the nose with rich dark berries, smoke, and cedar on the palette. It is balanced with smooth tannins and acidity. Pair this luxurious red with steak, pork tenderloin, pizza and heartier pasta.
PRICE: $69.50 (click on image to purchase)
https://lamaisonosoyooslarose.com/ https://www.chartonhobbs.com/
O CANADA!
From the bays of Nova Scotia to the forests of Quebec, to the shores of the Great Lakes, to the golden expanses of the Canadian Prairies to the interior of British Columbia to the waters off Vancouver Island, there’s no shortage of choices to put some Canadian pride in your glass or cooler this Canada Day weekend.
THE 5VINES TEAM