Results from the 2026 Nationals – Merlot

Announcing the Results from the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada

The 2026 Nationals took place in Niagara, Ontario from June 12th to 18th. Today, we are pleased to announce the winners in the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and No/Low Alcohol categories. Category results will be rolling out throughout the rest of July, concluding with the Winery of the Year announcement on July 31st. We hope that you will stay tuned to follow the results!

Merlot

Category Overview by Sara d’Amato

Go straight to the winners.

Widely loved yet under-defended, merlot holds its place as one of the world’s most important grape varieties, the backbone of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, and the force behind icons like Château Pétrus. Still, its reputation took a cheeky hit in the 2004 film Sideways, and it hasn’t entirely shaken the stigma. Too widely planted, some say; too often uninspiring, others argue. Perhaps what it really needs is a more balanced spotlight.

That’s especially true in British Columbia, where merlot has long been a cornerstone. Pre-freeze, it was the province’s most widely planted grape with 1,861 acres (753 hectares), according to Wines of BC. But consecutive cold events in 2022 and 2024, along with ongoing drought, triggered significant losses for the province, including the removal of 2,490 acres of total vines from production in 2025, much of which has largely been replanted now. Yet, in 2026, pinot noir has just overtaken merlot as the provinces’ most planted variety, as per B.C. ‘s Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s latest report.

Nationally the story is similar. Merlot is still a major player, including in Ontario where it’s among the most productive varieties. At the National Wine Awards, it accounted for 56 entries this year (3.3% of total submissions), surpassing cabernet sauvignon. British Columbia continues to lead, claiming all three gold medals and 75% of silvers. Still, Ontario is gaining ground, particularly in warmer regions like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Lakeshore and Lake Erie North Shore.

Merlot may be one of Canada’s most marketable grapes, and its paradox is part of the appeal. It ripens earlier than most Bordeaux reds, making it well-suited to climates on the cooler side, yet it remains vulnerable to winter cold. For growers, it’s a calculated risk; for consumers, a reliable favourite.

From a judging perspective, the challenge lies in finding truly exceptional examples. That said, what’s increasingly compelling is the sense of place expressed in merlot. Canadian examples often show brighter acidity alongside good ripeness, avoiding softness while maintaining structure. Tannins can still veer toward astringent, but the category is steadily improving..

And the winners are…