Open Magazine - Index

Open Magazine - magazine - Index

Tours
Wine
by Tara Vitas
Oh Canada—A Wine Traveller’s Journey
From Newfoundland to British Columbia, connoisseurs
of wine have an abundance of choice when it comes to the
fine wines of Canada. However, how many of us have taken
the time to tour a winery? Aside from the obvious benefits of
savoring the wines, there are the physical benefits if you take
the time. Wineries are quickly taking advantage of the tourism
industry’s thirst for more and unique venues. How about taking
a bicycle tour through a vineyard or strolling through an ecowine-growing
operation?
In Newfoundland’s Rodrigues Winery, located in
Whitbourne, they specialize in fruit wines that are certified
kosher and preservative free. Guests can take a tour of the
operation or stroll through an authentic rural cottage hospital
that is now a part of the winery.
Moving south to Prince Edward Island, wine travellers will
find the Rossignol Estate Winery in picturesque Murray River.
The winery, bounded by rolling hills of grazing sheep and the
Northumberland Strait, beckons weary travellers to stop and
take in the fine fresh air and explore the vineyards.
New Brunswick boasts no less than eight wineries
specializing in fruit wines of just about every flavour. Travellers
are invited to sample their sweet wines and ciders and tour the
countryside or drink in the glorious view of the Bay of Fundy.
From the Bay of Fundy to the Northumberland Strait, Nova
Scotia is home to 22 growers and eight wineries featuring tour
events such as “Death by Chocolate” and food such as Scotia
Crab Cakes that tempt the wine traveller.
Mais oui, there is more! Quebec is home to 50 wineries,
mainly in the southern region close to the US border. The
Quebec industry, less than twenty years old, has grown to
a significant number of wineries in a short period of time.
Guided tours are offered by most; some include a picnic basket
for your excursion.
Wines of Ontario invites guests to “travel the wine route”
of Ontario…spring, summer, fall or winter. Wine travellers can
enjoy wine tastings and guided tours of the vineyards where
t h e y will learn about wine production from
the vines to the bottle.
Summertime, for Ontario wine
16 Open Magazine Fall 2008
route travellers, boasts lush vineyards and relaxation, while fall
is a magical vision of colour and the bounty of harvest. Winter
provides guests with an opportunity to see how ice wine is
produced and spring blooms with colour and fragrance!
Wines of Ontario also suggests to “mix it up” and visit
both small and large growers. Into food? No problem, as some
wineries offer culinary experiences with renowned chefs as
well as dinners and events. Horseback riding, music, hiking,
biking, tasting and great eating are all in store depending on
location!
As our wine travellers head west, they will be
treated to the fruit wines of our prairie provinces. Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta play host to some of Canada’s most
sought-after fruit wines such as D.D. Leobard, Rigby Orchards,
Cypress Hills Vineyard and Winery, and the Chinook Honey
Company in Alberta that invites wine travellers to “buzz on in”
for mead making tours of their winery.
The last stop on our wine travellers’ journey is beautiful
British Columbia where five wine growing regions await visitors.
The warm Okanagan valley is located at the northern end of the
Sonora Desert and offers wine travellers an experience they
will not soon forget. (Yes, Canada has a desert called Osoyoos
that is part of the Sonora.)
The Gulf Islands are situated on the east coast of Vancouver
Island where Canada’s newest National Park Reserve is
situated—hiking anyone? Indulge! Take a self guided tour
through Merridale Cider Works or linger over lunch with Crush
Wine Tours.
The Fraser Valley is the largest agricultural region in British
Columbia. Its fertile basin is perfect for wine making, tours and
tasting.
The mountains surrounding the Similkameen Valley call to
the wine traveller while evoking visions of vineyards perched
on picturesque hillsides divided by sparkling rivers below.
Wine tours are available across Canada and whether
they are paired with food, fun or flair, they are an excellent
opportunity for physical activity. Call the winery prior to your
visit and ask about guided walking tours or special events.
Remember to “taste” responsibly and always have a designated
driver. Whether wine is “your thing” or not, can you imagine
a more lovely way to enjoy the great outdoors, learn and have
fun at the same time?
For further information go to:
www.canadianvintners.com
www.winesofcanada.com
www.winesofontario.org