The Canadian wine industry continues to grow and thrive in the 21st century, with production concentrated in two provinces: British Columbia and Ontario. Because of the harsh Canadian winters, vineyards are planted near the southern border, almost exclusively adjacent to large bodies of water that moderate the climate and prevent winter freeze and spring frosts. In British Columbia, the most venerated wine region is the Okanagan Valley, one of the world's most northerly viticulture areas. From spectacularly scenic vineyards, the Okanagan Valley produces dazzling wines made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Canada's largest wine region is the Niagara Peninsula. Climatically, this region is similar to Burgundy, which explains its success in growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Niagara also produces outstanding Riesling and noteworthy Gamay (the grape responsible for Beaujolais). Further east is Prince Edward County, a relatively new wine region that emerged in the early 2000s, which is now seeing tremendous growth. Though young, the region produces remarkable Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, in part because of its unique limestone-based subsoil.

Vines were first planted in British Columbia in 1859. There are now over 100 wineries, 5,500 acres under vine, and 60 different grape varieties planted in four distinct appellations; Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Similkameen Valley, and the Okanagan Valley. The most prominent appellations are the Similkameen and Okanagan Valleys, each of which are protected from significant rainfall from two mountain ranges. The climate here is quite hot and dry creating ideal conditions for growing grapes. Varieties that thrive here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris.

The Okanagan Valley is somewhat of a conundrum: It's one of the world's most northerly growing regions and virtually a desert. Extending 160 kilometres north from the 49th parallel, more than 300 kilometres east of Vancouver, it's an extension of the growing regions of eastern Washington State and shares the same microclimate. Its defining feature is Okanagan Lake, the largest of a chain of lakes in the valley, which tempers the summer heat and softens the winter freeze. In the growing season, diurnal temperature variation is exceptional, sunshine is consistent and resulting acidity is naturally high. Like other northerly regions in North America, initial plantings were hybrids and non-vinifera vines, but they've long since been replaced by vitis vinifera. As in other regions in Canada and Europe, forced competition from other areas (in Canada's case, thanks to the NAFTA free-trade agreement) swept away second-rate wines and spurred the plantings of quality vinifera grapes. More than 60 varieties are now grown, with especial promise shown in the Bordeaux blends.

As one of Canada’s foremost family-owned and -operated estate wine producers, Quails’ Gate is internationally recognized for their premium and terroir-focused wines. Owned and operated by the Stewart Family, pioneering horticulturists for over 100 years, Proprietors Ben and Tony Stewart’s father, Richard, put in Canada’s first successful plantings of Pinot Noir in 1975. 

If you would like more information, please visit the winery's website at: Quails’ Gate