297: Glorious Ontario Wines and the Stubborn, Pathological Optimists Who Make Them with Matthew Gaughan

Unreserved Wine Talk

Why do Ontario winemakers need to be exceptionally unreasonable, stubborn, and pathological optimists? Which Ontario wines should you try next, other than Icewine? Why should Ontario be at the top of your list of wine regions to visit?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm being interviewed by Matthew Gaughan on Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks

Highlights

Where is Ontario located, and what are the major wine regions within the province?

What is the Ontario wine growing season like?

When were Ontario’s first wineries established, and how has the industry developed since?

What is the history of Icewine in Canada, and how is it made?

Which notable Ontario white wine varieties should you try?

How do Ontario Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc compare to other regions?

Which unforgettable red wine varieties produced in Ontario should you try?

What should you know about the sparkling wine scene in Ontario?

How much of Canadian wine is exported, and what are some of the challenges faced by the industry?

How is wine sold and consumed in Canada?

What are some of the must-try experiences when visiting Ontario wine regions?

How do Canadian wine producers promote their wines abroad?

Key Takeaways

Why do Ontario winemakers need to be exceptionally unreasonable, stubborn, and pathological optimists? They need to brave our climate because humid summers can cause rot and mildew, rain right before the grapes are harvested, which, of course, can dilute the flavour, and then winters that can kill the vines. As one winemaker once told me, you can lose the whole field in an afternoon—a whole year’s work.

Which Ontario wines should you try next, other than Icewine? Riesling is the number one white grape variety in Ontario, and it’s really undervalued. Everybody knows Chardonnay as a brand name and feels safer with It, but once they try Riesling, they realize how much flavour they’ve been missing.

Why should Ontario be at the top of your list of wine regions to visit? First, it has stunning scenery and landscapes. Many wineries have restaurants so they offer delicious pairing menus. There are lots of other activities to do as well.

Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live

Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.

I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?

Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621

About Matthew Gaughan & Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

As a WSET-certified educator, Matthew Gaughan regularly teaches students to prepare them for exams. His podcast, Matthew's World of Wine and Drink, features episodes focusing on specific topics—grape varieties, regions—to help in that preparation and provide historical and cultural context.

To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/297.