You could feel it in the air—before a single glass was poured.
Before the first bubbly hit the glass.
Before the first winemaker took the mic.
This wasn’t just another wine tasting.
It was a movement.
One that started three years ago with a wild idea—sparked by a conversation between Marcel Morgenstern and myself, Carl Boucher.
And this June, in our third edition, that idea didn’t just come to life.
It evolved.
It deepened.
It roared to life in a way that reminded us exactly why we started this in the first place.
From coast to coast, Canada’s top winemakers showed up.
Not just with their bottles—but with their stories, their passion, and their belief that Canadian wine deserves to be experienced, side by side, as one.
Together with Marcel as my co-emcee, and with my wife and business partner Mira working tirelessly behind the scenes, we welcomed over 100 guests to what turned out to be the most unforgettable edition of the Pan-Canadian Masterclass yet.
And what followed… was pure magic.
These were more than just wines—they were statements. Each one told a story of place, people, and passion… and together, they formed a coast-to-coast showcase of Canadian excellence.
Photo Credit: photography by Karen Black.
Did you know you can get your own Pan-Canadian Six Bottle Collector Pack to taste at home? Complete with an exclusive video and bonus gifts from the wineries. Click here for details and to order.
Journey Across Canada: 15 Wines That Shaped the Masterclass
Each wine was handpicked to represent the terroir, talent, and uniqueness of its region. Here’s the full lineup from the June 21, 2025 Masterclass tasting, complete with photos, winemakers, and winery links.
Above from left to right: Dean Stoyka (Stratus), Brian Schmidt (Vineland), Melissa Muscedere (Muscedere Vineyards), John-Daniel Steele (Garnet Valley Ranch and Okanagan Crush Pad), Richard Da Silva (Da Silva Vineyards), Ilya Senchuk (Leaning Post), Marcel Morgenstern (Bella Terra), Fabian Reis (Ferox), Ann Sperling (Dobbin Estate), Rob Hammersley (Black Market Wine Co), Sue-Ann Staff (Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery), Carl & Mira Boucher (Carl's Wine Club), Keith Tyers (Closson Chase), MacKenzie Brisbois (Trail Estate). Photo Credit: photography by Karen Black.
🌟 1st Stop: The Bubble - Nova Scotia!
NV "Élevage" Brut – Benjamin Bridge | 94pts
Nova Scotia – Gaspereau Valley
Winemaker: Jean-Benoit Deslauriers
Fresh, textured, and terroir-driven. This méthode traditionnelle bubbly opens the palate with finesse, texture, layers and complexity. A brilliant welcome from one of the East Coast's most iconic producers. Arguably the most spectacular wine of the entire line-up.
Exclusively available in the six bottle Collector Pack here.
Learn more about Benjamin Bridge on their website here.
🌟 2nd Stop: The Chardonnays
2022 Chardonnay – Trail Estate | 92+pts
Prince Edward County, ON
Winemaker: Mackenzie Brisbois
Zippy acidity meets a mineral backbone. A precise expression of County Chardonnay from one of the region's most respected voices.
Buy it on the Trail Estate website here.
2021 "Senchuk Vineyard" Chardonnay – Leaning Post | 94+pts
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, ON
Winemaker: Ilya Senchuk
Broad and textural with great tension and citrus energy. Ilya's signature precision shines through. This was my highest rated wine of the lineup at 94+ points.
Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here.
Buy it from Leaning Post here.
2022 Chardonnay – Garnet Valley Ranch | 92pts
Garnet Valley, Summerland, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Matt Dumayne (represented by John-Daniel Steele at the Masterclass)
Organic, mountain-grown, and laser-focused. A BC Chardonnay with altitude, attitude, elegance and precision.
Buy it from Garnet Valley Ranch / Okanagan Crush Pad here.
🌟 3rd Stop: The Riesling
2020 "White Cap" Riesling – Dobbin Estate | 94pts
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON
Winemaker: Peter Gamble
Complex, lifted, and beautifully balanced. acidity and sweetness meet at the perfect point. A masterclass in Riesling from a vineyard with big ambitions and serious pedigree.
Buy it from Dobbin Estate here.
🌟 4th Stop: The Pinot Noirs
2022 "South Clos" Pinot Noir – Closson Chase | 92pts
Prince Edward County, ON
Winemaker: Keith Tyers
Earth, red cherry, silky texture, tremendous length. this is the quintessential definition of elegance: The County in a glass from a master of Burgundian varietals. Burgundy reference: Think Cote de Beaune here.
Learn more about Closson Chase here.
2022 Pinot Noir – Da Silva Vineyards & Winery | 93pts
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Richard Da Silva
Vibrant fruit meets Okanagan spice. A standout expression from a family deeply rooted in BC winegrowing. Burgundy reference: Think Nuits-Saint-Georges here.
Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here.
Buy it from Da Silva Vineyards here.
🌟 5th Stop: The Cabernet Francs
2021 Cabernet Franc – Painted Rock Estate Winery | 92+pts
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Gabriel Reis
Polished, age-worthy, and structured. A wine that commands attention on any list.
Buy it from Painted Rock here.
NV "Legacy" Cabernet Franc Infinity Vintage – Vineland Estates Winery | 93pts
Niagara Escarpment, ON
Winemaker: Brian Schmidt
Solera-style magic: layers of vintages meld into a seamless and soulful red. Just like the story behind it, his wine is very special.
Buy it from Vineland Estates in Magnum format here.
2018 "Chestnut Tree" Cabernet Franc – Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery | 92+pts
Vinemount Ridge & Twenty Mile Bench, ON
Winemaker: Sue-Ann Staff
Legendary wine. Legendary tree. A Niagara classic with elegance, power, aging potential and wonderful energy.
Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here.
Buy it from Sue-Ann Staff here.
🌟 6th Stop: The Merlots
2020 Merlot – Ferox by Fabian Reis | 94pts
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Winemaker: Fabian Reis
Velvety and structured. A modern classic from one of Ontario's brightest young stars. Merlot could become Niagara-on-the-Lake superstar varietal, and this is a prime example.
This wine is now Sold Out. Learn more about Ferox here.
2020 Estate Merlot – Black Market Wine Co. | 92+pts
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, BC
Winemaker: Rob Hammersley
Plush and dark-fruited with a spicy edge. A BC Merlot that over-delivers in every way. The structure of this Merlot will keep that vintage upright for another decade +.
Get it in the six bottle Collector Pack here.
Learn more about Black Market Wine Co. here.
🌟 Final Flight: The Syrahs
2020 Syrah – Muscedere Vineyards | 94pts
Lake Erie North Shore, ON
Winemaker: Melissa Muscedere
Meaty, smoky, and unmistakably cool-climate. A rare Syrah from a rising region. This is a wine with tremendous personality!
Buy it from Muscedere Vineyards here.
2020 Syrah – Stratus Vineyards | 93pts
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Winemaker: Dean Stoyka
Concentrated, structured, and seamlessly balanced. Stratus continues to raise the bar.
Buy it from Stratus here.
2022 "Expression" Syrah – Clos du Soleil | 93+pts
Similkameen Valley, BC
Winemaker: Michael Clark
Floral, spicy, mineral-rich. A refined Syrah that captures the essence of this wild valley.
Buy it from Clos du Soleil here.
Four More Events That Brought the Community Together
While the Saturday Masterclass was the main event, the full Pan-Canadian experience unfolded over four incredible days filled with connection, wine discovery, and celebration.
🍷 Thursday, June 19 – Welcome Reception at Bella Terra Vineyards
Over 80 guests joined us at Bella Terra Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake to kick things off. Sixteen wineries poured a total of 25 wines from across Canada. It was like a coast-to-coast tasting garden party.
🚌 Friday, June 20 – Vineyard Tailgate, Tastings & Winery Visits
We loaded up the bus for a day of behind-the-scenes experiences with 35 members and winemakers. We started in the vineyard at Vineland Estates with Brian Schmidt, tasting Cabernet Franc 327 and 214 clones (and Carl's Wine Club's Celebration Red!). Lunch at Good Earth followed, featuring off-menu gems poured by Ilya Senchuk. Then it was on to Leaning Post, where Ilya and Nadia led an unforgettable private tasting of more than a dozen wines. We wrapped the day with a sunset dinner at The Shore overlooking Lake Ontario.
🥂 Saturday, June 21 – The Masterclass Official After Party Dinner
After the Masterclass tasting, guests reconvened at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for a celebratory steak dinner catered by Vintages Group. We revisited the wines from earlier in the day—plus a few special bottles brought by the winemakers themselves.
🚗 Sunday, June 22 – Behind the Scenes Winery Visits
The weekend closed with a tour of three of Ontario’s most exciting wineries. We began with a private tasting in the Tower at Dobbin Estate as well as a deep dive into Pinot Noir clones with Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling. At Tawse, we cooled off in the barrel room with rare samples and current releases. And finally, at Malivoire, guests were greeted by legendary Shiraz Mottiar and winemaker Elisa Mazzi for an intimate tasting of club-only and top-tier Gamay and Pinot.
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors
Events like this are only possible with the support of partners who believe in the future of Canadian wine. We’re incredibly grateful to all wineries involved and to our 2025 sponsors:
ASL Print FX, an AWT Company – Canada's leading wine label printing company, and long-time supporter of Canadian wine branding.
Enovino Wine Aerators – the smart, elegant way to aerate any bottle, used by pouring staff and guests throughout the events.
St. David's Chocolate Co – crafting small-batch, wine-pairing chocolate from Niagara.
Remix Responsible Snacks – delicious, nutritious, and Canadian-made snacks.
Coventry Transportation – thank you for getting our guests and winemakers to each destination with style and ease.
🛒 Grab your Pan-Canadian Six Bottle Collector Pack and enjoy exclusive wines from this year’s Masterclass, plus video insights from the winemakers and surprise gifts from the wineries.
Cheers,
Carl
