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
Best Ontarian Beverages
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2022 is an exceptional Canadian dessert wine that reflects Inniskillin’s commitment to creating world-class ice wines. Made from 100% Vidal Blanc grapes from vineyards in the Niagara region, this wine offers a wealth of aromas and flavors that captivate wine lovers.
The wine has a deep golden color with hints of orange, indicating its maturity. The aromas are rich and varied, with prominent notes of roasted pineapple peel, candied papaya, creamy peach, apple pie spice, and fragrant nectar. On the palate, this ice wine is full and rich, with vibrant acidity and bubbles that cut through its dense texture.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
Georgian Bay Berry is a herbal blend that brings the essence of Canadian nature into every cup. This caffeine-free rooibos tea features rich flavors of wild raspberry and blueberry, carefully combined with dried goji berries, calendula petals, and apple pieces.
Inspired by the founder's childhood experiences of foraging for fruits around Georgian Bay, this tea offers an authentic Canadian taste that transports you to nature with every sip. Georgian Bay Berry is perfect for those seeking a refreshing beverage, whether enjoyed hot during the colder months or iced on a warm summer day.
This caffeine-free rooibos tea is enriched with authentic Canadian maple syrup and naturally sweet licorice root, creating a harmonious balance between rich and subtle flavors. The addition of freshly roasted cocoa husks from Toronto adds depth and sophistication to this unique blend.
With the natural sweetness of maple syrup, the tea offers a mild yet rich flavor. The calendula petals in this blend contribute delicate floral notes that balance the overall experience. This tea is the perfect choice for those who appreciate distinctive Canadian flavors, providing enjoyment in every sip.
Reid’s Signature Gin is an elegant dry gin that blends timeless distilling traditions with Canadian character and a modern approach to flavor. Crafted from high-quality Canadian wheat and infused with hand-harvested Canadian juniper and wild sweet fern, it delivers a perfectly balanced profile—crisp, aromatic, and refreshing, with subtle earthy and piney notes.
Its refined composition makes it exceptionally versatile—ideal for a classic gin and tonic, a sophisticated martini, or inventive cocktails. Whether sipped neat, over ice, or mixed, Reid’s Gin offers an experience that brings together tradition, nature, and artisanal skill in every drop.
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2023
Jackson-Triggs Reserve Vidal Icewine 2018 is a luxurious Canadian dessert wine crafted from the Vidal Blanc grape, known for its ability to retain freshness and develop rich flavors under extreme conditions. This Icewine opens with enchanting aromas of dried apricot, orange zest, peach, white plum, and stewed pear.
On the palate, it offers a luscious balance of honeyed sweetness and bright acidity, revealing layered notes of cooked pear, papaya, and stone fruit, all wrapped in a smooth, lingering finish. Ideal when served chilled, it pairs beautifully with dishes like seared scallops, sushi, spicy Thai cuisine, fresh fruit desserts, crème brûlée, and cheeses such as triple cream Brie, goat cheese, or Parmesan.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
Pluck Tea - Classic Earl Grey is an elegant and aromatic tea that delights with its sophisticated flavor. Inspired by traditional recipes, this blend brings together the perfect combination of black tea and delicate notes of bergamot, giving it a distinctive citrus freshness.
Every cup of this tea provides a calming moment, ideal for unwinding after a busy day or as a refreshing start to your morning ritual. The high-quality tea leaves are carefully selected and paired with natural bergamot essences, making each sip rich and harmonious.
Pluck Tea - Earl Grey Cream is the perfect blend of classic Earl Grey flavor and subtle, creamy notes. This tea is carefully selected and crafted from high-quality black tea leaves, enriched with the natural aroma of bergamot, which provides a distinctive citrus fragrance.
You'll enjoy the richness of flavors that unfold in your mouth, with a creamy finish that strikes the perfect balance between brightness and smoothness. Pluck Tea - Earl Grey Cream offers a unique experience that combines tradition with a modern, delicate touch, creating an unforgettable moment of enjoyment with every sip.
2018 Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine is an exceptional Canadian dessert wine that boasts richness of flavor and complexity. This specialty comes from the renowned Inniskillin winery, known for producing top-quality ice wines. The wine is made from the Vidal grape variety, which is ideal for creating icewine due to its ability to maintain high acidity while offering rich aromas. 2018 Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine features a golden-yellow color and a mature, complex aroma.
The nose is filled with rich notes of honey, ripe fruits like peach and pineapple, along with subtle woody hints from aging in oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is incredibly balanced, with the sweetness derived from the concentrated sugars of the ice-harvested grapes, yet it maintains enough freshness from its natural acidity.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
Vivino - 4.3
Pillitteri Estates Winery Reserve Vidal Icewine 2014 is a premium dessert wine that reflects the winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional Icewines. Made from the Vidal grape variety, this wine stands out with its rich golden hue and intensely aromatic profile.
On the nose, it reveals vibrant notes of candied apricot and lychee, while the palate offers a beautifully balanced harmony between natural sweetness and refreshing acidity. This elegant contrast makes it a perfect companion for decadent desserts or mild, creamy cheeses.
AWARDS
Vivino - 4.2
Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine is an exceptional product that combines elegance and strength in one glass. This distinctive Canadian ice wine, made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, comes from vineyards in the heart of the Niagara wine region.
Its production requires the perfect moment – the grapes must be harvested only when temperatures drop below -8°C, allowing for the concentration of sweetness and deep aromas that make this Icewine so special. Its color is a deep ruby red, and the nose reveals a richness of dark fruits, such as ripe black currants, cherries, and blueberries, complemented by subtle hints of spice and vanilla.
On the palate, Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine boasts a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, offering a refreshing finish while the richness of the flavors lingers.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022, 2021
Vivino - 4.4
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