Pop a Bottle

Fatherhood manifests itself in a variety of ways, leaving lasting marks on the people in its wake. Case in point: the big-dreaming men below, who carved paths of viticultural significance, impressing upon us hallmarks of winemaking and exemplifications of family values. This month, for Father’s Day, pop these bottles and sip away with daddy in sight or mind—or simply in honour of the following fabulous idealists whose dedication to grapes granted us many delicious moments of celebration. —Laura Starr

dom pérignon. Though there is historical debate over whether Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon was the first to discover the traditional method of making sparkling wine, there is no arguing that his work as a cellar master set the extraordinary standards of one of the world’s most acclaimed and prestigious Champagnes. Sip this luxuriously rich wine, which, at $225, is toasty and rich, with hints of honeyed lemon peel and savoury, smokey herbs, and toast to the Father of Bubbly! domperignon.com

moray tawse. Moray Tawse’s affection for Burgundian wines converted him from a financier to a trailblazing winemaker who put Ontario on the viticultural map. Unrivalled in awards, with an unmatched portfolio of organic and biodynamic wines, his Vineland-based winery has extended its vinous fingers into the soils of Burgundy (Marchand-Tawse) and partnerships with the likes of Canadian music icon and Order of Canada recipient Jim Cuddy. While Tawse’s personal life may remain tightly corked (though his Instagram boasts some adorable fam shots), his reputation from countless business ventures speaks volumes to his integrity. Recommended: the Cuddy by Tawse Chardonnay, $25, which is beautifully bright and fruit forward with structured acidity and an impressively modest creamy- and toasty-ness. tawsewinery.ca

don maximiano errázuriz valdivieso. Don Maximiano, the innovative founder of Viña Errázuriz (1870), has passed down his passion for wine and business savvy through three generations of family. Besides being a visionary, setting a remarkable benchmark for quality Chilean wines, he was the first to plant French grapes in the Aconcagua Valley, one of the five principal wine regions of Chile. His legacy wines still lay in the museum-esque Errázuriz Historical Winery. The Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenere, $24, is a deep, bold red showcasing dark, ripe red-fruit characteristics and spicy layers of cocoa and mocha. errazuriz.com

david enns. David Enns is the owner of Laughing Stock Vineyards—an exceptional B.C. winery producing benchmark Okanagans, from powerful Bordeaux blend Portfolio (big, ripe tannins, concentrated cassis and black cherry, with sweet spice and chocolate undertones, $45) to innovative and playful Amphora (an orange wine made in an ancient technique, $21). A family-owned vineyard (props to his business partner and wife, Cynthia), the Enns made a risky decision to leave successful former careers to pursue winemaking. The gamble paid off: not only have they garnered global attention, they also provided their three boys with a powerful parental lesson: don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. laughingstock.ca