Wine and Beverages in Canada

Canadian Drink on the Map

More and more Canadians are becoming culinary tourists in their own land. Of course, food goes down well with drink and you only have to take notice of the number of culinary tourism activities that focus solely on the good grape or on a microbrewery’s fine cider.

The “Tipsy” Taste Trail – Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County – the area bordering Lake Ontario around Picton – is home to a trail similar to what’s offered in Charlevoix, a region in Quebec.
The Taste Trail has 25 stops that include a chocolaterie, cheese huts and a cooking school. Still, wine lovers know, it’s the wineries that are the real draw.

In true form, the first stop on this trail is The Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery, run by the father-daughter team of Bob and Caroline Granger. The winery – with its 50 acres of vineyards – offers tours, gourmet eats and, of course, tastings.

Let Us Be Your Guide

On the West Coast, Travel With Taste’s Kathy McAree leads daylong and weeklong culinary tours where travellers get to meet the Victoria Island farmers who grow their food and the vintners who press their grapes.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, in the nation’s capital, Savvy Grapes entrepreneur Debbie Trenholm gears up for a series of wine adventures which combine travel, wine tasting, fine dining with interactive education. A sommelier leads groups of 10 to wine regions across Canada where they can sip their way to memorable experiences.

Brew Hoo!

The fall months are synonymous with harvesting, but, if after the days get shorter, your taste runs more along the lines of Oktoberfest, there are plenty of off-path adventures for brew lovers.

The secret to the West Coaster’s famous laidback vibe may rest in Merridale Ciderworks and Vancouver Island Brewery, two drink houses that are listed under the Tourism Victoria umbrella. The latter offers quality craft brew and a chance for visitors to learn about the modern brewing process; the former turns apples into a light pub brew – how d’ya like them apples?

If you prefer a semi-organized route, surf the Ontario Craft Brewers’ site. They offer directions for five mini-tours in different regions. You lead your own tour, and they’ll show you which craft brewery is in the Capital Region, the Golden Horseshoe, the Lake Country, the Greater Southwest area, and Toronto.

And if your tour gets too tipsy (who’s idea is it to spit the good grape out – or “cleanse the palette” anyway?) take advantage of those bed and breakfasts that little ‘burgs and food-focused villages tend to boast, by virtue or necessity.

By Fateema Sayani, September 2007