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Ontario’s Cabernet Francs: Standout Bottles Worth Discovering
Originally from France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc has found an ideal home in Niagara and the Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC Wine Country). Our moderate growing season allows the grape to develop ripe fruit while retaining the freshness and structure that make it so distinctive.
Ontario's Cabernet Franc has never been better. The best examples combine dark fruit, warm baking spices, vanilla and cocoa with just enough acidity and tannin to keep every sip interesting. And yes, there's that familiar green pepper finish...sometimes!
Muscedere: Crowd-Pleasing Without Compromise
Muscedere's Cabernet Franc from Ontario's Essex Pelee Island Coast proved that approachable doesn't have to mean ordinary.
Vintage after vintage, the wines impressed with generous aromas of blackberry, cherry and ripe red fruit, supported by gentle baking spices and just enough structure to keep things interesting. Rather than leaning heavily into the grape's herbal side, Muscedere allows the fruit to shine, producing Cabernet Francs that are smooth, balanced and remarkably easy to enjoy.
Whether you're introducing someone to Cabernet Franc for the first time or looking for a dependable bottle to share over dinner, Muscedere consistently delivers wines that appeal to a wide range of palates without sacrificing character.
Paglione: A Regional Standout
Paglione's 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve from the Essex Pelee Island Coast was one of those wines. In fact, it earned the comment "the best one in the region so far" in our tasting journal. Beautiful dark berry fruit, exceptional balance and impressive depth made this one of our most memorable Cabernet Francs on this tasting journey.
The wine showcases everything that makes the variety thrive in Ontario: concentrated fruit, refined structure and enough freshness to remain elegant from the first sip to the last. If you're looking for a winery that deserves a place on your Cabernet Franc tasting itinerary, Paglione should be near the top of the list.
Kern & Co: An Unforgettable Bouquet
Some wines win you over before you've even taken a sip, and Kern & Co.'s 2018 Cabernet Franc is one of them.
It delivered one of the most striking aromas in our tasting journal, bursting with dark cherry, vanilla, warm baking spices and a touch of nutmeg. The palate followed through beautifully, adding layers of smooth fruit and subtle oak that created a wine with remarkable harmony and elegance.
Rather than relying on bold tannins or pronounced herbal notes, Kern & Co. lets the fruit and spice take centre stage. It's a Cabernet Franc that rewards slow sipping and proves that Niagara can produce reds with both character and refinement.
King & Victoria: Rich, Approachable and Full of Character
King & Victoria's 2022 Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend was another notable discovery in our tasting journal.
Bursting with ripe black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, the wine combines generous dark berries and cherries without the tartness, soft tannins and subtle spice to create a red that's both approachable and beautifully balanced. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon lends extra depth and structure, while the Cabernet Franc retains the freshness and vibrancy that Niagara does so well.
Whether you're relaxing with a glass by the fire or pairing it with grilled meats or aged cheeses, this is a wine that overdelivers. It's an excellent example of how thoughtful blending can elevate an already outstanding Cabernet Franc.
Other Standout Cabernet Francs
Several additional wineries consistently produced exceptional Cabernet Francs that deserve a spot on a wine lover's list:
- Thirty Bench Cabernet Franc 2022 - blueberry, cherry, vanilla and clove with a hint of green pepper all in excellent balance with a long finish
- Dandor Estates Cabernet Franc 2023 - notes of red cherry, gala apples, smooth vanilla, oak with baking spices to finish - no green pepper!
The Biggest Surprise
One of the biggest misconceptions about Cabernet Franc is that it should taste like green peppers.
While herbal notes are part of the grape's identity, Ontario's producers have shown the herbs don't need to dominate. Our favourite wines consistently featured ripe black cherries, blackberry, cassis, vanilla, cocoa, baking spices and subtle black pepper, with herbal notes playing a supporting role rather than taking centre stage.
That makes today's Ontario Cabernet Franc more approachable than ever while still offering plenty of complexity for experienced wine drinkers.
Final Pour
Cabernet Franc has quietly become a varietal of note in Ontario.
Whether you enjoy lighter, food-friendly styles or richer bottles built for cool evenings and hearty meals, there's never been a better time to explore what Ontario wine regions have to offer. As more producers continue to innovate their approach, Cabernet Franc in our humble opinion, one of Ontario's signature red wines and well worth exploring.
