The Rise of Ontario Sparkling Wines

Canadian sparkling wine offers amazing value and taste, so it’s no surprise the industry is rapidly growing.

The province of Ontario is producing exceptional bubbly with help from the ideal growing conditions, such as the cool climate and limestone-based soils. Niagara and Prince Edward County in particular share similar conditions to the Champagne region.

Ontario has 3 appellations: Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore. The Niagara Peninsula is also divided into 10 sub-appellations. In total, vineyards in Ontario cover around 15,000 acres of land and produce 55,000 cases of sparkling wine.

However, Canadian winemaking is relatively new to in comparison to Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less quality. Many winemakers, some who have been trained in France, are putting the méthode champenoise into practice.

This traditional method, first started in Champagne, means the wines undergo a certain winemaking process to ensure a high-quality, fine fizz.

Their relative newness also means wineries in Ontario are daring and innovative – one producer, Between The Lines winery based in Niagara-on-the-Lake caused a stir last year when they announced sparkling wine in a can!

Ontario sparkling wines:
Handsome Brut is a renowned producer in Ontario. It’s a new sparkling wine brand on a mission to prove that bubbles are the perfect tipple—for any occasion. Despite its friendly demeanour, quality and heritage are at the heart of Handsome Brut.

Produced with 100% Ontario Chardonnay grapes in the méthode traditionnelle, this VQA-approved wine is aged for two years at the locally revered Angel’s Gate Winery in the Niagara region.

Other notable producers include Huff Estates, Henry of Pelham, Trius, Hinterland and Rosehall Run and Cave Springs.