Malivoire’s Vivant Rosé 2024 is one of eight Canadian wines that Christopher Waters recommends as the weather gets warmer.Supplied
Winemakers are riding a wave of optimism heading into the summer.
The Buy Canadian movement continues to boost demand for homegrown wine, with increased sales of still and sparkling wines reported across the country. The added exposure is hoped to boost winery tourism by anti-tariff staycationers as well as international travellers in the coming months.
Vineyards are budding, which is an especially welcome sign of recovery for grape growers in British Columbia after damaging winter conditions in 2023 and 2024. Reports from Poplar Grove in Penticton, B.C., anticipate a 60 per cent crop this fall after losing last year’s harvest to frost, while Le Vieux Pin in Oliver posted photos of flowering viognier, sauvignon blanc and roussanne vines with an enthusiastic caption: “The 2025 vintage has begun – strong, resilient and full of promise.”
Adding to the excitement are compelling new releases like this week’s recommendations. These authentic, homegrown wines are sure to stimulate your senses. The lineup includes four stellar chardonnays that show how suited that variety is to vineyards across the country. There are also a couple of rosés, a surprising pink-hued white and a charming and generous red blend from a popular British Columbia family estate to buy now.
Burrowing Owl Athene 2021 (Canada), $41
Rating: 93
Always a stand-out in Burrowing Owl’s extensive portfolio, Athene is a syrah and cabernet sauvignon blend produced from the Wyse family’s estate vineyard on Black Sage Bench in Oliver, B.C. The grape varieties are co-fermented, which results in a complex and concentrated red wine that delivers satisfying cherry, plum, peppery spice, earthy and floral notes. This is harmonious and inviting right now but has the structure and intensity to mature gracefully in the cellar. It has 14 per cent ABV and 2.5 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2034. Available direct, burrowingowlwine.ca.
Coteau Rougemont Versant Rosé 2023 (Canada), $17.85
Rating: 86
This rosé from Quebec’s Coteau Rougemont is made from a cunning mix of frontenac gris (70 per cent), petite perle (20 per cent) and vidal (10 per cent), hybrid grape vines prized for their ability to endure cold temperatures. The lightly musky aroma points to use of hybrid varieties, while the silky texture combines with persistent (tart and sweet) mixed berry flavours that makes for an expressive pink wine to sip this summer. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 1.6 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Quebec or $16.65 direct, coteaurougemont.ca.
Featherstone Pinot Grigio 2024 (Canada), $17.95
Rating: 88
Featherstone’s new owners Rayla and George Myhal and founding winemaker David Johnson continue to offer a range of crowd-pleasing and affordable wines from their Vineland estate vineyard. This white wine carries a pinkish hue from extended skin contact prior to pressing the grapes (ripe pinot grigio grapes are grayish-blue in colour). The winemaking approach also brings peach, pear and citrus flavours into the mix, which add to the appeal of this easy-going, off-dry wine. This wine has 12.5 per cent ABV and 8 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.
Malivoire Vivant Rosé 2024 (Canada), $21.95
Rating: 91
One of the trio of rosés made, each vintage at Malvoire, Vivant is produced from 100 per cent pinot noir grown on the Beamsville, Ont., estate vineyard. The dry and zesty style lives up to its name and presents an enticing mix of cherry, berry and ruby grapefruit flavours. It’s serious and refreshing, which makes it a good option to enjoy with a meal or on its own. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, malivoire.com.
Meyer Family Vineyards McLean Creek Road Chardonnay 2023 (Canada), $32.26
Rating: 93
Chardonnay continues to be a strong suit for Meyer Family Vineyards as witnessed by the stylish and sophisticated wines produced in the 2023 vintage. Made from the vineyard planted in 1994 beside the winery in Okanagan Falls, the McLean Creek Road Chardonnay broadcasts juicy citrus flavours with bright acidity and rich oak-derived notes. Vibrant and exciting at this early stage of development, this promises to develop into a rich and rewarding white wine for patient collectors. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available direct, mfvwines.com.
Tantalus Reserve Chardonnay 2022 (Canada), $56.52
Rating: 94
Following the inaugural release from the 2018 vintage, this is the second release of a reserve chardonnay from Tantalus in Kelowna. Based on grapes from vines planted in 1985 and 2006, this presents a savoury, restrained character that is beautifully balanced and opens to reveal a mix of pear, citrus and green apple with flint and nutty accents. It’s delicious now but built to last. This has 13.2 per cent ABV and 1 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available direct, tantalus.ca.
Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Watching Tree Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (Canada), $38
Rating: 93
Originally planted by the Oliveira family in 1989, the Watching Tree Vineyard in Beamsville has been a consistent source of top-quality chardonnay for Trius’s Showcase label. The current release is developing nicely, with focused citrus and peach flavours rounded out by complex nutty, toasty and spice notes. Made in a medium-bodied style, with a succulent texture and refreshing finish, this offers richness and refinement. This has 13.8 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario or $34 direct, triuswines.com.
Wending Home Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 (Canada), $34.95
Rating: 92
Wending Home co-founder Ron Giesbrecht is one of Niagara’s veteran winemakers, with a string of vintages dating back to the 1980s. Chardonnay has long been one of his specialties and this rich and refreshing example from the St. Catharines, Ont.-based winery is no exception. There’s a ripe core of peach and pear that’s enhanced by vanilla, nutty and buttery notes. The style is satisfying and round, with a a long lingering finish. This has 13.8 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2027. Available at the above price in Ontario or direct, wendinghome.ca.
