Who We Are

About Artisan Wine Co.

Canadian Craft Wines

Wine is a staple of the table. Whether it’s a special occasion, a daily ritual, or a moment shared amongst friends, wine provides a source of discovery, knowledge, comfort and connection.

Artisan Wine Co. was founded in the Okanagan Valley with a deep commitment to highlighting the best of Canadian wine. We’re proudly family-owned and have grown and evolved to offer a portfolio of exceptional wines from both the sunny Okanagan and the charming Niagara region of Ontario.

We try to create something for every palette and occasion, so you’ll see that our brands range from classic and traditional to bold and fun. What ties them all together is our love of Canadian wine, and our pursuit of excellence.

What are VQA wines?

VQA stands for the Vitners Quality Alliance – an independent body that monitors wines made in Canada. Whenever you see the ‘VQA’ designation, you can rest assured that the wine will be high quality and authentically Canadian in origin.

ON VQA

Every bottle of ON VQA wine is made with 100% Ontario-grown grapes. No concentrate. No water. No exceptions. All wines are tested and tasted to ensure they pass every quality standard. All labels are reviewed and inspected to ensure they are truthful and accurate compared with the wine in the bottle.

100% of grapes
must come from any specific vineyards mentioned on the label
100% of grapes
must come from the specific region mentioned on the label
85% of grapes
must come from the vintage stated on the label
85% of grapes
must be the stated varietal

BC VQA

BC VQA wine is 100% grown and produced in British Columbia. These wines are evaluated by a governing body to ensure they meet the criteria of the highest quality of wines.

There are 9 geographical indications and 5 sub-geographical indications. In addition:

85% of grapes
must be the stated varietal
85% of grapes
must come from the vintage stated on the label
95% of grapes
must come from the specific region mentioned on the label

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Wine, Explained.

The world of wine can be intimidating, with all the varietals, appellations, vintages, etiquette and tasting notes. But you don’t need a PhD to enjoy it! Here’s our answers to a few frequently asked questions…

How long does a bottle of wine last when opened?

The unfortunate answer is that it depends. A quick rule of thumb is that lighter whites and rosés can last 5-7 days in the fridge, while red wine can last 3-5 days in a cool dark place. Always remember to seal any open bottles before putting them away. The good news is that wine gone bad is essentially vinegar – so it’s completely harmless, and you’ll likely notice with your first sip.

Does glassware matter? How do I choose a glass for my wine?

The short answer is no. Wine will taste delicious in pretty much any glassware. However, some glasses can increase the breadth of aroma and bring out more flavours in the wine. Our tip would be to use a wider, more curved bowl for reds and a narrower bowl with a smaller opening for whites.

What does 'vintage' mean?

Vintage does not mean ‘old’ – it just represents the year the grapes were harvested. A wine without a vintage means it’s a blend from harvests over multiple vintages.

What does ‘appellation’ mean?

Appellation is a fancy term for the origin of the wine. It is generally a legally defined and protected area related to where the grapes are grown.

What does ‘varietal’ mean?

The word varietal is used to describe wines made from a single variety of grape. For example, a glass of Chardonnay would be a varietal wine, made from Chardonnay grapes.