Best Ontarian Beverage Types
Vidal Blanc, commonly known as Vidal, is a dry white wine produced from the Vidal hybrid grape variety that is grown in Ontario and the northeastern United States. The Vidal hybrid is a cross between the French Ugni Blanc and Rayon d'Or.
This hardy variety with thick skin is very resistant to cold, has high natural acidity and sugar levels, and it is very low in tannins. As a result, Vidal wine can be made in two varieties: medium-bodied dry and off-dry variety, but it can also be vinified into a luscious dessert wine or ice wine.
THE BEST Vidal Wine Varieties


Inniskillin Winery
2018 Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold 2022


MAIN INGREDIENTS
Toronto is a bold and rich classic cocktail based on Canadian rye whisky and Fernet Branca—the bittersweet Italian amaro. Other ingredients include simple syrup or maple syrup. Some recipes include bitters, and some replace whisky with brandy (usually Cognac).
The recipe was first published as Fernet Cocktail in Robert Vermeire's Cocktails: How to Mix Them. Vermeire states that the cocktail was appreciated by the citizens of Toronto. It was later featured in several other publications as a Toronto Cocktail.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Raymond Massey is a Canadian cocktail made with a combination of rye whiskey, ginger syrup, and champagne. In order to prepare it, whiskey and ginger syrup should be shaken with ice, strained into a highball glass, then topped with champagne.
The cocktail is typically garnished with lemon or lime peel. It was created in Toronto as a tribute to the esteemed actor Raymond Massey (1896-1983).
Best Ontarian Beverage Producers
Inniskillin Winery, located in the heart of Canada’s wine region in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is renowned for producing world-class wines that have won international awards and recognition. Founded in 1975, Inniskillin is a pioneer in Canadian winemaking, especially known for its exceptional ice wines.
Their dedicated approach to viticulture, combined with rich vineyards on the shores of Lake Ontario, allows them to produce wines that reflect the uniqueness of Canada’s nature and terroir. The winery prides itself on using only the highest quality grapes, often handpicked, ensuring the excellence of every vineyard.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2016

Vivino - 4.5
BEST Inniskillin Winery Wines
Pluck Tea’s Canadian teas represent the perfect blend of traditional love for tea and innovative, modern approaches. This Toronto-based company is renowned for crafting premium teas, hand-blended in small batches to ensure high quality and freshness in every package.
Pluck Tea takes pride in its commitment to local and sustainable practices - each tea uses Canadian ingredients, often sourced from nearby regions, such as lavender from Prince Edward Island and grape skins from southern vineyards. Always aiming to provide a unique experience for every tea lover, Pluck Tea offers a variety of blends - ranging from rich black teas with full-bodied flavors to refreshing green teas, calming herbal infusions, and exotic rooibos.
BEST Pluck Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Pillitteri Estates Winery represents the pinnacle of dedication, tradition, and innovation in the world of winemaking. Their wines reflect a deep respect for nature and the art of crafting authentic flavors. Specializing in Icewine, Pillitteri stands out as one of the most awarded producers of this prestigious style globally.
With carefully cultivated vineyards and a meticulously controlled production process, each bottle offers exceptional aroma, balance, and elegance. Their portfolio includes both classic and innovative wines, crafted for true enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Reid's Distillery is a family-run craft distillery devoted to the art of exceptional gin making, where passion for quality, tradition, and modern creativity come together in every bottle. Their gins are crafted using Canadian wheat and a thoughtful blend of botanicals, with wild-foraged Canadian juniper taking center stage to deliver a truly distinctive flavor profile.
Inspired by a spirit of exploration and a desire to create something uniquely their own, Reid’s combines classic distillation techniques with a bold, contemporary approach. The result is a collection of gins that are elegant, nuanced, and instantly memorable—ranging from timeless dry styles to inventive, aromatic expressions.
Jackson-Triggs is a symbol of dedication, innovation, and excellence in the world of winemaking. Their philosophy blends a modern approach with a deep respect for tradition, resulting in wines that captivate both the palate and international acclaim.
Renowned for their diversity and consistent quality, Jackson-Triggs offers everything from approachable everyday wines to limited-edition releases that showcase the true character of each varietal. Every bottle reflects craftsmanship, experience, and a meticulous attention to detail.
But Jackson-Triggs is more than just wine—it’s about creating meaningful experiences. Whether through the enjoyment of their wines or the cultural events they host, every encounter with the brand is a reflection of their commitment to excellence and lasting impressions.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022, 2020, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
BEST Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery Wines
Henry of Pelham crafts wines with true character, deeply rooted in the terroir of the Niagara region. Their carefully cultivated varieties reflect a perfect balance of tradition, expertise, and respect for the land. Renowned for their exceptional expressions of Baco Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, the winery also produces award-winning sparkling wines under the Cuvée Catharine label.
Each bottle carries the mark of authenticity—crafted with precision and a passion passed down through generations. The wines are known for their purity, freshness, and expressive aromatic profiles, making them perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
BEST Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery Wines
Muddy York Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery founded in 2013, known for its handcrafted, award-winning beers. Their lineup includes traditional ales and modern IPAs, offering a wide range of flavors for beer lovers to enjoy. As a family brewery, Muddy York Brewing Co. places great importance on ethical business practices and community values.
Their code of conduct reflects a strong work ethic and moral standards, focused on creating a welcoming and safe environment for both visitors and staff. Muddy York Brewing Co. continues to nurture its passion for craft brewing, blending tradition and innovation in every sip to deliver an authentic experience to beer enthusiasts.
BEST Muddy York Brewing Beers
Peller Estates Winery is a renowned Canadian winery located in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula, one of Canada's most celebrated wine regions. With over 50 years of experience, Peller Estates has become synonymous with high-quality Canadian wines that reflect the richness of the region's terroir.
The winery is known for its handcrafted production and innovative winemaking techniques, using the finest grapes from its vineyards and other local sources. Peller Estates produces a wide range of wines, from Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, to the iconic Icewine varieties, which are a true Canadian hallmark.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2021, 2020, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2020
Big Head Wines is a winery located in the heart of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region in Ontario, Canada. It is known for producing high-quality wines, with a special emphasis on innovative production techniques and unique flavors. Big Head Wines is dedicated to crafting wines with character, using methods such as wild fermentation, the appassimento method, and various aging vessels to enhance the depth and flavor of their wines.
The winery focuses on small-batch wines, allowing for greater control over quality and experimentation with different styles. The winery is open to visitors and offers various wine tasting options
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017
BEST Big Head Wines Wines
Forty Creek Whisky is a Canadian distillery located in Grimsby, Ontario, renowned for its innovative approach to whisky making. Founded in 1992 by John Hall, an experienced winemaker, the distillery has set new standards in the Canadian whisky industry.
One of Forty Creek’s key innovations is the separate fermentation, distillation, and aging of different grains—corn, rye, and barley—before they are carefully blended. This unique method allows each grain to contribute its own character to the final flavor profile.
AWARDS

The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023, 2022

The Luxury Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Forty Creek Distillery Spirits
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