How to Pair Wine/Cider and Pie: Embrace the Flavours of Ontario VQA Wines and Ciders

As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, it’s clear that pie season has officially arrived in Ontario. And what better way to celebrate this cozy time of year than by indulging in delicious slices of pie paired with the finest Ontario VQA wines and ciders? In this blog, we’re going to take you on a delectable journey through the world of wine, cider, and pie, exploring how these flavorful combinations can elevate your taste experience. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a cider enthusiast, we’ve got you covered. Let’s raise our glasses and forks to the perfect pairings!

Pairing Tip #1: Apple Pie and Ontario Ciders Let’s kick things off with a classic pairing – apple pie and Ontario ciders. With an abundance of apple orchards in the region, Ontario produces some of the finest apple ciders you can find. The natural sweetness and tartness of apple pie harmonize beautifully with the crisp, refreshing taste of a well-crafted cider. Look for local Ontario ciders with a balanced apple flavour, and you’ll be in for a treat.

Recommended Pairings:

• Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a glass of crisp and dry Ontario cider for a delightful contrast of flavours.

Pairing Tip #2: Pumpkin Pie and Chardonnay, a quintessential autumn dessert, deserves a wine pairing that can complement its creamy, spiced filling. Ontario’s Chardonnays offer a perfect balance of fruitiness and oakiness, making them an excellent match for the rich, nutmeg-infused pumpkin pie goodness.

Recommended Pairings:

• A slice of homemade pumpkin pie alongside a glass of well-chilled Ontario Chardonnay. The buttery notes in the wine will enhance the pie’s velvety texture.

Pairing Tip #3: Pecan Pie and Icewine For those with a sweet tooth, pecan pie is a heavenly choice. Its gooey caramel filling and crunchy pecans demand a wine with equally luscious sweetness and complexity. Enter Ontario Icewine. Made from grapes frozen on the vine, Icewine offers an intense sweetness and a harmonious balance of flavours.

Recommended Pairings:

• A small slice of pecan pie paired with a glass of Ontario Icewine for a symphony of sweetness. The wine’s acidity will cut through the pie’s richness, leaving you with a memorable finish.

Pairing Tip #4: Cherry Pie and Pinot Noir, with its vibrant red filling, pairs exceptionally well with Ontario’s Pinot Noir. This red wine variety is known for its bright red fruit notes and subtle earthiness, making it an ideal partner for the fruity and slightly tangy cherry pie.

Recommended Pairings:

• A slice of cherry pie served with a glass of chilled Ontario Pinot Noir for a combination of fruity and slightly spicy flavours that dance on your palate.

Conclusion: As Ontario’s landscapes transition into a sea of fall colours, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by indulging in the local flavours of wine, cider, and pie. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of Ontario VQA wine or enjoying a crisp cider, there’s a perfect pairing for every pie lover. So, go ahead and gather your friends and family for a cozy evening of wine, cider, and pie – the perfect way to embrace the flavours of Ontario during pie season.

Cheers, and happy pie-pairing!

Diane ❤️