Wines of Ontario
There are three main regions where grapes are grown to produce wines in Ontario: Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula and Prince Edward County. Each is different and within each appellation there are countless variations on a theme.
For example, The north shore of Lake Erie is much further south than the others and has a little longer ripening time, allowing for more sugar to accumulate in the grape. Yeasts then get to work converting the sugar into alcohol, resulting in wines with more ripeness and body.
The Lake Erie North Shore appellation is relatively new with approximately 13 wineries and is an area worth visiting and exploring.
With over 110 wineries and over 13,000 acres of grapes, the Niagara Peninsula is the largest of the three appellations. It is further divided into ten sub-appellations. These are distinct areas reflecting the different soil types and climates.
And of course there is our own backyard, Prince Edward County. Having only achieved VQA status in 2007, with around 35 wineries and about 500 acres of grapes, it is relatively new.
The beauty of the wines grown here is that the grapes achieve full ripeness with less sugar, resulting in concentrated wines on a lower alcoholic frame.
People frequently ask about the main differences between wines from Niagara and the county. Generally, Niagara wines are riper, fuller-bodied, with more fruit expression given the longer growing season. This is a result of a few extra weeks in the spring and fall.
County wines tend to be more restrained, minerally, and acid-driven. The natural acidity of the grapes is highlighted by the soil and cooler climate.
When it comes to the two signature grapes of the county, chardonnay and pinot noir, the former tends to be more elegant, with flinty minerality and bright acidity. While the latter are generally lighter, more earthy, and subtle—often less fruit-forward than their counterparts from Niagara.
Niagara also has a larger, more established industry with many commercial-sized producers and a well cultivated wine tourism infrastructure.
In contrast, PEC has a younger wine scene with a focus on smaller lots of wine and is home to numerous small, independent wineries.
Yet the wines here are starting to gain the industry respect they deserve. At this year’s recent All Canadian Wine Awards held in Picton, more awards for county wines were won than ever before. In fact, one county wine one a trophy award, the highest in a category, the first for any county wine.
Keint-he Winery and Vineyards winemaker, Connor Van Tol, won the trophy for his 2023 Rosé.
The county’s newest winery, Volta, also won two awards. Associate winemaker at Rosehall Run, Lee Baker, made the wines under the direction of owner John Del Degan. And now, as Volta’s new full time winemaker, Chris Thompson, is leading the charge, the wines will continue to be worthy of any glass.
And with new ownership and head winemaker, Andrew Rytwinski at Three Dog also won many awards for his wines. Only proving that the wines in Prince Edward County are actually best in show!
Below is a full list of awards from 2025.
Hubbs Creek Vineyard ON Gold 2024 Pinot Gris $30.00
Hubbs Creek Vineyard ON Silver 2024 Gamay Rosé $30.00
Huff Estates Winery ON Bronze 2023 Getaway Rosé $22.00
Huff Estates Winery ON Bronze 2021 Cuvee Peter Huff $45.00
Huff Estates Winery ON Bronze 2021 Cuvee Janine $30.00
Huff Estates Winery ON DOUBLE GOLD 2023 Day Tripping Riesling $20.00
Huff Estates Winery ON Bronze 2022 Catharine's Chardonnay $34.00
Karlo Estates Winery ON Bronze 2022 Triumvirate $35.00
Karlo Estates Winery ON Silver 2023 Patio Reserve Rosé $22.00
Karlo Estates Winery ON Silver 2023 Bubble $35.00
Karlo Estates Winery ON Silver 2023 Three Witches $29.00
Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd. ON DOUBLE GOLD 2022 Portage Pinot Noir $24.80
Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd. ON Silver 2021 Portage Pinot Noir $24.80
Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd. ON TROPHY/ DOUBLE GOLD 2023 Portage Rosé $24.80
Last House Vineyard ON Gold 2022 Electrum $32.00
Last House Vineyard ON Silver 2023 Cidre Pétillant, Golden Russet $21.00
Morandin Wines ON Bronze 2024 County Pinot Gris VQA PEC $33.00
Stanners Vineyard ON Silver 2022 Cabernet Franc VQA Ontario $39.80
The Grange of Prince Edward ON Silver 2023 Estate Series Chardonnay $33.90
Three Dog Winery ON Gold 2024 Pinot Grigio $19.80
Three Dog Winery ON Silver 2023 Gamay $25.80
Three Dog Winery ON Silver 2024 Foxcroft Riesling $23.80
Three Dog Winery ON Silver 2024 Reiki Riesling $16.80
Three Dog Winery ON Silver 2024 Dog House White $14.80
Volta Estate Winery ON Gold 2023 Pinot Noir $46.95
Volta Estate Winery ON Silver 2023 Chardonnay Unoaked $24.95