When it comes to wine in Ontario, the possibilities often seem endless. From the vast landscapes of Niagra-on-the-Lake to the more hidden gems of Prince Edward County, vineyards are scattered across the province. One of the lesser-known spots is hidden just before the Detroit border and offers a variety of different flavours to choose from. The best wineries in Essex County are endless, but we’ve created a list to help your plan your first, or even tenth, visit.
Adrian and I made our way down to Essex County this March as we scouted out some of the best places to hit up this summer. Luckily, we were not disappointed. The warmer than normal weather had us already feeling like we were living those summer days.
From never-ending vineyards to gorgeous views of the water, it seems that this quaint little area had everything we were looking for.
Starting in the 1860s, the first commercial estate winery was opened in Canada on Peele Island. As part of the Essex community, these wineries have decades of experience under their belts and you can taste that with every sip.
Of course, there were a few wineries that ended up standing out to us the most. Whenever I find myself on a wine tour I keep two things in mind while exploring the vineyards: taste and aesthetic.
Luckily, these six places match all the criteria.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
When it comes to wineries within the area, Sprucewood is definitely one of the more lavish buildings. Not only does the rocky exterior make you feel like you’re walking into a castle, but their wine also tastes like it’s fit for royalty.
Opening its doors in 2006, this family-owned estate offers breathtaking views and an assortment of wines that will please any pallet.
Viewpointe Estate Winery
This winery is named Viewpointe for a reason. The estate is one of our favourite spots to visit when we are in the area due to the gorgeous views of Lake Erie.
If you’re looking for a place to bask in the sun while taking in the views with a glass of wine in your hands, this is the place to do so.
Colio Estate Winery
If you are looking to try a vast collection of wines, Colio Estate is the place for you. While this winery may look like a quaint location, the possibilities of wines are endless.
Being the makers of Girls Night Out, Bricklayer’s, and Unwined, there are dozens of flavours and blends to choose from.
Oxley Estate Winery
Built in the 1920s, Oxley Estate Winery is a beautiful barn that features a variety of blends including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Regent.
One of the main features of the winery that I love the most is the massive outdoor fireplace that will keep your warm throughout the chiller spring and fall months.
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42
If you’re looking for a good bottle of wine, and the perfect photo-op, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery is the perfect place to visit.
The modern building not only offers a variety of delicious wine, but also has a bistro which serves delicious farm to table meals. Once your bellies are full, you can head on over to the nearby lavender field that serves as the perfect photo opportunity to end your visit.
Muscedere Vineyards
While wine is the most important factor of the best estates, having some cuddly farm animals to play with is a nice bonus.
Muscedere Vineyards not only offers some great vintages, but they have two adorable goats that love attention.
Explored the best wineries in Essex County already? Why not check out some of the wineries in Prince Edward County instead?
