Canada Day is almost here and if you’re looking for some terrific Ontario wines to celebrate, our next guest has you covered! Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s largest wine review site at nataliemaclean.com.
Hi Natalie!
Annette, great to be back with you! These Ontario wines are more than just delicious; they’re full of personal stories, family legacies, and the kind of Canadian spirit that makes you proud to raise a glass.
Let’s start with your first wine.
180 Wines Sparkling Gamay Rosé
Niagara, Ontario
We’re kicking things off with the Sparkling Gamay Rosé from 180 Wines on the Beamsville Bench in Niagara. This wine is bursting with wild strawberry, cherry blossom, and a hint of citrus zest. It’s like liquid fireworks for your taste buds as you watch the colourful ones in the sky.
180 Wines is a boutique, family-run winery created by Marzia and Bob who did a complete “180” on their lives, leaving corporate careers in Toronto to start a winery during the height of the pandemic. I have to say, they’ve got guts: quit two stable jobs to start making wine while the world is ending. But they were right! Their daughters Taylor and Sara now help run the vineyard, the bistro, and even host line dancing and vinyl music nights.
This sparkling pairs beautifully with fresh berries and soft cheeses like goat’s milk chèvre or triple cream brie. It’s a picnic in a glass, with the soundtrack of summer playing in the background.
What if we’re looking for a refreshing white wine?
Stonewall Estates Gardener’s White
St. Catharines, Ontario
Now we’re heading to the Niagara Benchlands with Stonewall Estates and their Gardener’s White. This blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris is aromatic and floral with a juicy core of peach and citrus. It’s like drinking a garden party.
It’s named after Earla Atalick, the winery’s co-owner with her husband John, and head gardener. This is Erla’s favourite wine. Originally a popular wedding venue, Stonewall opened to the public just last year. Their 120-acre property is a forested retreat with patio tastings, local fare, waterfront views of 16 miles Creek and even three roaming wine-themed cats named Brut, Tinto, and Wally, the latter short for Stonewall.
This one is divine with a lemon-herb grilled chicken salad or with a creamy Havarti cheese. Add a garden picnic blanket and you’ve got a picture-perfect afternoon.
How about a suggestion for red wine lovers?
Dim Wines Lipizzan Merlot
Jordan, Ontario
This next wine is a rich, soulful Merlot called Lipizzan from Dim Wines in Jordan. It offers velvety notes of ripe plum, black cherry, and cocoa with a smooth finish.
Each of their labels is designed to tell a story about something that happened on the farm.
Here’s the story for this Merlot: The winemaker’s mother, Ivanka, who emigrated from Slovenia to Canada in 1969, adored Lipizzan horses, a rare breed in her home country. She also adored Merlot. On the morning of her passing, neighbours’ horses broke free and ran through the vineyard, as if she was saying goodbye, galloping freely under the stars one last time. That moment inspired this wine—and yes, I get a little choked up even sharing this story with you.
Pair this with a grilled striploin steak or aged cheddar. It’s the kind of wine that makes you pause between sips and say something meaningful, even if it’s just “wow.”
Finally, what if we want a bold red to celebrate Canada Day?
Adamo Estate Winery Grand Meritage
Mono, Ontario
We’re wrapping up with a fantastic wine from Adamo Estate Winery — their Grand Meritage, which comes from Mono, Ontario, a stunning, emerging wine region just 45 minutes north of the GTA.
This bold, full-bodied red really stands out with intense fruit flavors — think blueberries, blackberries, black cherries, and even a hint of dates. It’s rich and complex, with a great balance of elegance and structure — perfect for pairing with a lamb burger or grilled eggplant with goat cheese.
Adamo Estate Winery is set against a stunning backdrop — it’s next to Hockley Valley Resort, so you can easily make it a weekend escape. Spend the night, enjoy a spa day, and of course, savor their wine.
The winery focuses on sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking. They offer winemaker dinners, movies in the vineyard, a wonderful wedding venue! It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and nature.
Natalie, thank you for sharing these inspiring Ontario wines today!
Where can we find you online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of CHCH.
