What's Your Wine Pairing Skill Level?

Discover how confident you are with wine pairing and Canadian wines. In just 4 quick questions, we'll assess your current knowledge about food and wine combinations, regional Canadian wines, and expert pairing techniques. Get personalized guidance on your next steps to become a wine pairing master—plus exclusive tips you won't find anywhere else.

When you're planning a dinner with a traditional Canadian dish like tourtière or salmon, how do you typically choose a wine?

I grab whatever looks good or ask a friend—wine pairing feels too complicated. I use the basic rule: red wine with meat, white wine with fish, but I'm not always confident. I consider factors like acidity and the cooking method, and I've had some great results. I systematically match wine body to food weight and consider complementary or contrasting flavours.

How familiar are you with Canadian wine regions and the styles they produce?

I didn't know Canada had quality wine regions—this is new to me. I've heard of Ontario and BC wines, but I'm not sure what makes them different. I know Ontario produces crisp whites and BC produces bold reds, and I've tried a few. I'm familiar with multiple Canadian regions and regularly seek out wines from each for specific pairings.

Which of these wine characteristics do you actively consider when pairing with food?

Honestly, I mostly just look at the label or price. I think about whether it's red or white, and maybe if it's dry or sweet. I consider acidity, tannins, and body—though I don't always get it perfect. I evaluate acidity, tannins, body, and flavour intensity to create intentional pairings.

Have you experimented with contrasting wine pairings (like spicy food with slightly sweet wine) or do you stick to traditional matches?

I haven't really thought about pairing strategy—I just pick something and hope it works. I stick to traditional matches because they feel safer and more predictable. I've tried a few contrasting pairings with mixed results, but I'm still learning. I confidently use both complementary and contrasting strategies, and I actively experiment to discover new combinations.