Canada's climate is obviously quite cool, and it can be fairly difficult to ripen red vinifera grapes on a consistent basis, much like some of Europe's more extreme fine wine regions. Red wine will vary quite markedly in quality depending on the general success of the vintage. Indeed, such are the vagaries of climate that wineries often need to plant sturdier hybrid varietals such as Marechal Foch and Gamay Noir in case their Merlot and Pinot Noir crops fail to ripen. Ontario, and more specifically the Niagara Peninsula accounts for the bulk of red wine production; however, the more temperate

Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is an emerging region which has shown promise with reds. Just north of Washington State's increasingly renowned Columbia Valley, the Okanagan looks like a fine bet for future development.