In the past couple of decades, Sweden, the UK, and Canada have been producing delicious wines and gaining a stellar reputation in the process. In this article we look at the varieties of grapes they are growing in cooler climates, we’ll discover what makes wines from these countries so special and take a look at the rise of wine tourism.
Wine Production in Britain
The number of British wineries has grown from less than 100 in 2005 to 197 operating in the UK as of 2021 according to Statista. Many of these wineries are winning awards for their offerings too. Cornish winery Camel Valley has even been defeating world-renowned Champagne brands on a global stage with its decadent sparkling wine.
British sparkling rosé and white wines are now being promoted in prestige circles and are being served by royalty in Buckingham Palace to heads of state. And they are revered by culinary alumni such as Gordon Ramsay, Michel Roux, and Jamie Oliver.
Which Grapes Can Grow in Britain?
The landscapes in Britain are fertile – perfect for growing vines. Combined with modern techniques and winemaking technology, owners have managed to find several grape varieties that work well in cooler climes.
The main specialities here are premium English sparkling white and rosé, classic cuvées and still wines, primarily produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir grape varieties. As the chalky and porous terroir in some areas is similar to that of the Champagne region of France, it lends itself perfectly to grapes that produce wines of the sparkling variety.
Wine Venues in England
Many vineyards in southern England are now established enough to offer experiential days including guided public or private five-star wine tours, tastings, and food pairings. Stays in charming boutique hotels and guest houses on the land itself can be found in the regions of Kent, Sussex, Devon, Cornwall, and further north into the West Midlands.
Swedish Wine Production
Wine production has been around for 20 years in Sweden, but the country only stepped onto the international wine stage a couple of years ago. Today, there are around 40 commercial vineyards, and over 150 belonging to hobbyists. Most vines are cultivated in southern Sweden, by the coast line, in Skåne and Blekinge, which all have suitable terroir and reasonable climates for grape growing in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which Grape Varieties are Grown in Sweden?
Over 90% of the grapes grown in Sweden are of the Solaris variety which produces white or sparkling wine. However, Rondo grapes are also frequently used for producing red wines. Both varieties are resilient and can withstand harsher temperatures. Most Swedish white wines are similar tasting to Sauvignon Blanc, with a fresh, aromatic citrusy flavour, which makes them a unique and popular addition to the wine market.
Swedish Wineries are Offering Wine Tastings
Most Swedish vineyards offer tastings and tours, plus, as they are focused on agrotourism, Bed & Breakfast style accommodations with meals and activities are available in some locations. Åhus Vingård is a Swedish vineyard owned by two friends, with a common passion to produce great-tasting wines locally in the south of Sweeden. This small winery is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Skåne and offers a guided tour of the vineyard and wine tastings as well as selling their wines.
Wine Production in Canada
Canada has been producing wine for over 200 years, with its most popular export being ice wine made from frozen grapes. Today, most wine production happens in Ontario and British Columbia, although Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, and New Brunswick are also home to multiple vineyards. The country is so vast and the terrain so diverse, that often grapes that grow well in one region, won’t grow at all in another province.
Which Grape Varieties Grow Well in Canada?
Canadian producers offer internationally acclaimed sparkling wines and the popular ice wine. Most of the country’s world-leading ice wines are produced from the Riesling or Vidal grape varieties which grow well in cooler temperatures.
Sparkling wines are produced mainly in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, with the latter focusing on grape varieties such as Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
However, in Ontario, harsh winters mean that vineyard owners have to focus more on hybrid varieties such as Marquette and Maréchel Foch. These produce dark-fruity red wines.
All wines in Canada are certified similarly to DOC in Italy or AOC in France. Any Canadian wine with VQA certification has met a certain set of criteria before being permitted for sale.
Canadian Wine Tourism
Visiting a vineyard in Canada for wine tasting alone is a thing of the past. There are over 200 wineries just in British Columbia, and with niche venues adding restaurants, luxury spas, hotels, and even kayak trips to tastings, it’s easy to see why wine tourism is becoming so popular in Canada.
