Oh, Canada! Our beautiful neighbor to the north isn’t usually associated with the wine industry but there are definitely some gorgeous hidden gems up there. In the great state of Saskatchewan, there is a city called Saskatoon which is known as the “Paris of the Prairies.”
Saskatoon gets this nickname primarily from the recent surge in trendy food and drink spots that are earning it a spot on Canada’s hottest food cities list. Chef Dale McKay, a trainee of Gordon Ramsay, Daniel Boulud’s former executive chef and a Top Chef Canada winner, is a native of Saskatoon who recently returned to his hometown and began building up the food and wine industry there. Although he started in Vancouver, the rent prices were far too high to be successful, so he turned to Saskatoon to build upon the economic climate and entrepreneurial spirit of the city.
Now, over the last decade, more renowned chefs and restaurateurs have planted their culinary roots in Saskatoon and are helping to put it on the map amongst places like San Francisco, Vancouver, and (you guessed it) Paris. Hence the nickname.
So, now that we’ve convinced you to make the trek up north, we know what you’re wondering: where can you drink wine while you’re there? No worries, we’ve got you. Check out the following wineries for a glimpse into the industry of the Paris of the Prairies.
Living Sky Winery: Located just outside the heart of Saskatoon, this winery is producing award-winning wines and ciders through sustainable and eco-friendly methods. They are also known for their various fruit wines made with unusual produce like currants and rhubarb.
Lake Saskatoon Winery: Born out of Romanian traditions, this is actually the northernmost winery in the world. Like Living Sky, they make gorgeous grape wines but also experiment with other fruits like berries and cherries, considering their unique climate.
Vintner’s Cellar: This is a special kind of winery in that they let you make your own! You can choose for their high-quality grapes and ferment your own bottle, which is ready for pickup in six weeks. It’s a unique experience that you can’t find many other places!
Cypress Hills Winery: If you want to experience Saskatchewan wines without traveling to Canada, this is a great winery to sample from. They have a wide selection of grape wines as well as those infused with other fruits, and they’re available online.
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