Cheers to Canada! 5 Great Wines and Spirits to Celebrate the Long Weekend

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On CityTV’s Breakfast Television, we chat about terrific Canadian drinks from coast to coast to celebrate Canada Day.

Hey Natalie!

Hey Meredith and Tracy, great to be back with you!

Natalie, before we get started, we hear congratulations are in order. You’ve just been named the 2024 Canadian Wine Champion. Wine Growers Canada, representing 800 wineries across the country, voted to select the individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and passion for our homegrown industry.

I’m proud to be on Team Canada when it comes to wine and spirits! Every bottle of 100% Canadian wine or spirits contributes $90 to our economy versus just $16 for an imported bottle, injecting more than $20 billion.

They create 85,000 jobs, often in rural areas on family-run farms that grow grapes, wheat, rye and barley. Mostly though, I feel so fortunate to write about something that contributes to our souls with its sensory pleasure, its family roots and its wild variety!

Love the idea of supporting Canadian-made drinks! Let’s start with your first wine.

Henry of Pelham

We’re kicking off with the Henry of Pelham Sparkling Wine, a zesty Ontario bubbly, with aromas of crisp green apples and white peach. It’s only $17.95 and is perfect for a feast of steamed lobster in melting butter.

Henry of Pelham Sparkling Wine
Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

Tell us about the next wine you’ve brought today.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

I have this luscious Quails’ Gate Chardonnay from the Okanagan Valley in BC. It’s bursting with aromas of golden apples and freshly baked bread. I’d pair this with Pacific coast salmon, either grilled or smoked would be lovely.

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery Chardonnay
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada

What would you like us to try next?

Marynissen

We’re back in Ontario with this bold, savoury Marynissen Cabernet Franc. It offers seductive aromas black plums and herbs. It’s smooth and full-bodied, perfect for tourtière.

Marynissen Cabernet Franc
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

What’s up next?

Seventh Heaven

We’re heading to Quebec for this vibrant Seventh Heaven Canadian Dry Gin, which brings together seven different ingredients to create the final blend. It features aromas of herbs, cedar, wild berries and citrus peel. It’s smooth and easy drinking on its own or in a classic gin and tonic as we have here today. Enjoy with Quebec triple cream cheeses, cheddars and yes, poutine!

Seventh Heaven Classic London Dry Gin
Quebec, Canada

What’s your final recommendation to celebrate Canada Day?

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky

For our final round we’re calling all cinnamon lovers! Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is the taste of cinnamon lightning on your tongue with a kick of cinnamon spice on the finish. It’s smooth yet fiery like sitting around a campfire sharing ghost stories and then sparks fly up just at the scary part. I’d pair it with a cinnamon-dusted beaver tail, the pastry, not the critter.