The top 15 wineries in Ontario

The top wineries in Ontario are concentrated in the Niagara and Prince Edward County regions and responsible for producing some of the finest Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc in the world. Those aren't the only grapes that have success in this province, but they do tend to makeup the lion's share of our best bottles, which are now internationally recognized for their quality.

Here's a round-up of some of the top wineries in Toronto.

Thirty Bench
One of the flagship properties on the Beamsville Bench, this winery produces excellent Riesling and Cabernet Franc (which is often blended with other varietals) from old vines that show off the potential that this microclimate has to produce complex wines with healthy minerality. Bonus points for an excellent visitor experience.

Hidden Bench
Established by Harald Thiel over a decade ago now, Hidden Bench makes only high quality wines in low qualities in an effort to do justice to the Beamsville Bench. There are a number of varietals planted here, but the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are standouts. That said, their Nuit Blanche wine, a white Bordeaux blend, is legendary among wine geeks.

Fielding Estate
Fielding Estate should be commended for its cheerful "Fireside" white blend, which offers surprising quality at under $15. If you're looking for more complexity, the winery's single white varietals are also highly recommended, including Riesling and Gewurztraminer. On the red side of things, Fielding makes one of Ontario's best cabernet blends.

Norman Hardie
It's all about the Burgundian varietals at this Prince Edward County trailblazer. Part of the region's reputation for making top notch Pinot is built on Hardie's wines, which aim to express the unique character of this cool weather climate.

Closson Chase
One of Prince Edward County's oldest producers, Closson Chase only offers Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, both of which express the limestone rich soil that marks these vineyards. It's amazing to think that the winery is less than 20 years old given the quality that it's now known for.

Five Rows
The quintessence of a boutique wine, Five Rows wine comes from two vineyards planted predominantly with Pinot Noir. There are five other varietals that come in quantities of about a 100 cases per year including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Riesling.

Stratus
Everything about Stratus screams quality, from the slick tasting room to the stately branding, but the wine must stand on its own apart from such things, which it most certainly does. It's not cheap, but Stratus aims to make complex blended wines worthy of age and special occasion enjoyment.

Leaning Post
If you ever doubt that the Niagara region is capable of producing world class Pinot Noir, uncork a bottle of Leaning Post and be amazed at the almost cherry cola-like palate of this wine. The 2010 vintage is outstanding.

Charles Baker
Charles Baker turns out some of the finest Riesling in the province, which is a good thing because that's all this boutique label produces in conjunction with Stratus. These are fantastic small-batch wines.

Karlo Estates
Another Prince Edward County Winery, Karlo bucks the trend here by splitting its focus on a diverse set of varietal including rare-for-Ontario plantings of Sangiovese and Petit Verdot. The results are intriguing and often outstanding.

Tawse
Tawse is another winery that capitalizes on the micro climate and limestone-rich soil of the Beamsville Bench to turn out excellent Riesling and surprisingly lush Cabernet. The 2011 Van Bers Vineyard Cabernet Franc is one of the best expressions of this grape that you'll encounter in the province.

Le Clos Jordanne
More than a few people would say that Le Clos Jordanne is Niagara's preeminent producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which are early ripening grapes well-suited to the local climate, which the winemakers here believe is a foil for Burgundy.

13th Street
13th Street has vineyards all around the Vineland region, which manifest in blends as well as single varietals. If there's a signature wine here, I'd say it's the Syrah, which isn't a common grape in the region but still shines under the stewardship of winemaker Jean-Peirre Colas.

Cave Spring
Bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to winemaking, but a production as well established as Cave Spring has some advantages, including mature wines that produces lovely Riesling. The Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are also worthy of praise.

Reif Estate
One of the older wine operations in Niagara, Reif boasts an array of plantings across the region from Gewurztraminer to Merlot and much in between. Their "First Growth" series, which features low yield wines from the estate's oldest vines, is worth the investment for a sample of the quality that Niagara is capable of.

Share your favourite Ontario wineries in the comments.

Photo of Closson Chase vineyards.

by Derek Flack via blogTO