In the world of fine wine, true artistry lies in patience and restraint — in knowing when to let nature lead and when to perfect her gifts. From Niagara’s limestone-rich soils to British Columbia’s sun-warmed slopes and the storied vineyards of Spain, three visionary estates are mastering this delicate balance. At On Seven, Mission Hill, and Marqués de Riscal, craftsmanship meets culture, architecture meets earth, and every pour tells a story of devotion, patience, and place.
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE WINERY
Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Mission Hill. Family Estate
The Mission Hill winery in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley has been blazing trails for decades. When Anthony van Mandl bought a bankrupt winery in 1981, he visualized a thriving wine industry based on premium-quality grapes and meticulous wine-making. And he made it happen. His 1992 Grand Reserve Chardonnay was named best Chardonnay in the world at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London in 1994. Back then, the international wine cognoscenti could be forgiven for not knowing Canada even made wine. Mission Hill is the only Canadian winery to be named winery of the year six times, most recently in 2025 by the WineAlign National Wine Awards. Chalk this up to Van Mandl’s vision. His uncompromising dedication to quality and excellence is on full view to visitors at the stunning estate designed by architect Tom Kundig.
Mission Hill Family Estate
Oculus 2020 This wine represents the epitome of Mission Hill’s prowess, since 1997 occupying the apex role as the winery’s flagship. The proportions of this Bordeaux blend vary. The 2020, aged 19 months in French oak, puts Merlot front and centre. The wine received 100 points from veteran wine critic John Schreiner. It’s easy to see why, with its powerful yet finessed red and blue fruit backbone overlayed with herbaceous tones and remarkable structure. Best 2030 and beyond. $225, missionhillwinery.com
MARQUÉS DE RISCAL
Rueda, Spain
MARQUÉS DE RISCAL
At once steeped in tradition and focused on innovation and sustainability, Marqués di Riscal was founded in 1858 in the Rioja Alavesa wine region. They were the first to bottle a Rioja, in 1862, adopting Bordeaux-style vinification techniques to the appellation. Not long after, in 1895, Marqués di Riscal became the first non-French wine to win the Diploma of Honor at the Bordeaux Exhibition. That innovative spirit maintains — today, their entire holding of 330 hectares in Rueda is farmed organically, demonstrating a commitment to biodiversity in their vineyard ecosystems. Starting in the early 1970s, Marqués di Riscal led the modernization of the region and its wines, leading to what we know today as Rueda’s signature fresh, fruit-driven dry whites. Winery visitors experience a deep dive into its history at the City of Wine complex, which features a stunning avant-garde hotel designed by Frank Gehry.
Marqués de Riscal Verdejo
Marqués de Riscal Verdejo 2023 Epitomizing the crisp, easy drinking style of contemporary Rueda, this white is made from the region’s indigenous verdejo grape, a highly aromatic variety that is remarkably versatile with food or for sipping on its own. Expect pineapple and citrus aromas leading to a refreshing palate of tree fruit, tropicals and fresh savoury herbs. $18.85, lcbo.com
ON SEVEN ESTATE WINERY
Niagara, Ont.
On Seven Estate Winery
A relative newcomer to the Ontario wine scene, On Seven Estate Winery specializes in the Burgundian varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Global rock-star winemakers Anne Sperling and Peter Gamble set out to make absolutely top-drawer wines, with vines sourced directly from the famous French region. Chardonnay vines were planted in 2014 and 2015 — with Pinot Noir going in the ground in 2017 — on five acres in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Those Chardonnay vines are now producing concentrated and expressive fruit. Yields are kept low to ensure concentration and quality and the hand-picked grapes are placed in small crates to preserve integrity before being delivered to the winery. The results are stunning — comparisons to the white wines of Burgundy’s Meursault appellation are well deserved.
The Pursuit 2021 Chardonnay
The Pursuit 2021 Chardonnay Just 164 cases of this wine were made from 100 percent organic fruit, hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, then aged in French oak for 20 months. The wine is aromatic with notes of apricot, almond and fresh spices (fennel, coriander), with a touch of smoke and wet stone. A precise, supple wine. It will evolve splendidly for five years or so. $48, onsevenwinery.ca
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