The essential Ontario winery list

4352 Mountainview Rd., Lincoln | rosewoodwine.com

Rosewood produces a range of varietal and blended wines, as well as meads made from honey with minimal added sulphur and filtration. Plus, no added sugar, acid or fining. Owned and operated by a multi-generational beekeeping family, Rosewood matches old-world winemaking with modern approaches to produce balanced, story-driven wines. Its newly renovated bottle shop is open year-round, as is the kitchen, where guests can enjoy wine flights, wine by the glass and cuisine by a two-Michelin-star-trained chef. From May to October, enjoy your wine on the vineyard patio.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay

Dining

Yes

Region

Niagara Escarpment

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

260 County Rd. 2, Bailieboro | rollinggrape.com

The Kawarthas’ first grape-to-glass vineyard creates seven exceptional wines in an untraditional place using top-tier grapes and unique varieties. Enjoy live music on the outdoor wine-and-dine patio, stop by for brunch on Sundays or book an afternoon tea on certain sunny summer afternoons.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Gamay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Marquette

Dining

Yes

Region

Kawartha Lakes

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

271 Chrislea Rd., Vaughan | magnotta.com

A proud Ontario family winery and grape grower since 1990, Magnotta is Ontario’s third-largest winery. Growing grapes on its 180-acre family-owned and -operated vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula, it has earned over 5,000 awards for its vintages, including Winery of the Year at Vinitaly. With more than 180 world-class wines, it has one of Canada’s largest VQA portfolios. Tour its state-of-the-art winemaking, production and bottling facilities, underground barrel cellar and outdoor patio, or visit the on-site microbrewery for craft beers and the copper pot distillery for unique spirits.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Ice wine. Plus, beer and spirits available.

Dining

By-the-glass service with small bites

Region

York

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

4890 Victoria Ave. N., Vineland Station | foreignaffairwinery.com

Nestled in the heart of Niagara’s Benchlands, the Foreign Affair Winery is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Known for its elegant white wines, rich, full-bodied reds and delightful sparkling wines, the winery draws inspiration from the Amarone wines of Italy. Established in 2000, it offers a unique and diverse selection of award-winning wines made from high-quality European vinifera varietals. Whether you’re enjoying a tasting in the cozy barrel lounge or sipping wines by the glass on the seasonal patio, the Foreign Affair Winery provides a warm and inviting experience that showcases the best of Niagara’s wine country.

Types of wines

Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay

Dining

Yes

Region

Niagara Escarpment

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

1786 Youngs Point Rd., Lakefield | cheekyduckvineyard.com

World-class grapes meet small-town hospitality at Cheeky Duck. Lakeview’s newest dining haven invites you to indulge in extraordinary dishes prepared by a Michelin-trained chef, alongside meticulously crafted wines from its five-acre vineyard. Bonus: enjoy live music every Sunday afternoon.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Vidal, Cabernet Franc Rosé

Dining

Yes

Region

Kawartha Lakes

Tastings/Tours

None

Events

Private with catering available

5572 Bethesda Rd., Stouffville | willowspringswinery.com

Willow Springs Winery produces award-winning VQA red, white and ice wines from its 11-acre vineyard. Hand-harvested grapes are crushed and fermented in small batches, then aged in oak barrels to create an elegant and distinct collection. Enjoy views of the vineyard from the Testa pavilion, which makes an ideal backdrop for a picnic, party or wedding.

Types of wines

Merlot, Moraine Red, Marquette, Pinot Noir, Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Moraine White, Rosé, Ice wine

Dining

Yes

Region

York

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

7258 County Rd. 50 W., Harrow | sprucewoodshores.com

This winery’s stately building is situated on a tranquil 52-acre estate, surrounded by beach, lush vines, gardens, ponds and neighbouring wetlands. It’s Ontario’s only beachfront winery, offering shaded outdoor seating on a covered patio where you can enjoy light food alongside quality wines.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, Cabernet Franc, Mulled, Fruit, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Dining

Yes

Region

Lake Erie North Shore

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

2452 County Rd. 36, Buckhorn | kawarthacountrywines.ca

This picturesque family-owned winery in Buckhorn specializes in innovative fruit wines, coolers, ciders, vinegars and gourmet preserves. Its complimentary tasting bar is open for all visitors, but for a more in-depth experience, tour the winery and production space, or indulge in a private tasting with a knowledgable bartender.

Types of wines

Fruit, Cooking, Dessert, Dry, Meads, Off-Dry, Sparkling

Dining

Yes

Region

Kawartha Lakes

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

1774 Danforth Rd., Hillier | traynorvineyard.com

This 5.5-acre winery has been growing high-quality grapes and producing award-winning wines since 2014. Traynor Family Vineyard believes in the importance of sustainability, from its vineyard practices to its low-intervention winemaking methods. Tour the vineyard, sample the wines, and meet the people behind the bottles.

Types of wines

Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fume Blanc, Pinot Gris, Fruit, Sparkling, Fortified

Dining

None

Region

Prince Edward County

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

1186 Greer Rd., Wellington | casadeestates.com

With over 65 acres of planted vines, Casa-Dea Estates is one of few wineries producing true Prince Edward County VQA wines. Opened in 2000, it shares its location today with Rosehall Run Vineyards and Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard. Romance—represented by a goddess symbol on all of its bottles—inspires all that they do, and fresh food is served at its restaurant and patio.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Zweigelt, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot Grigio, Fruit, Sparkling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Pecorino, Adamo, Melon de Bourgnogne, Fortified

Dining

Yes

Region

Prince Edward County

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

3016 County Rd. 8, Picton | waupooswinery.com

This 100-acre waterfront property was the first winery in Prince Edward County. With its first vines planted in 1993, Waupoos Estates has since expanded its vineyards to grow 18 different grape varieties. Sample award-winning wines and grab a sweet treat from the chocolate and gelato store. Pro tip: pop by Clafeld Cider House, its sister business, for fresh apple sips, too.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Fruit, Gamay, Vidal, Sparkling, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Geisenheim, Gewürztraminer

Dining

Yes

Region

Prince Edward County

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

8704 Essex Rd. 9, RR5, Amherstburg | dancing-swallows.com

A trip to DSV is truly a unique experience. In its colourful outdoor tasting garden, under a canopy of maple trees, wine is served from a repurposed shipping container surrounded by tables and Muskoka chairs, where you can sit, sip and enjoy a selection of snacks. You’re also welcome to bring along your own picnic.

Types of wines

Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Baco Noir, Pinot Noir

Dining

Yes, small snacks

Region

Lake Erie North Shore

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

1 Colio Dr., Harrow | coliowinery.com

At this winery in Canada’s warmest wine-growing region, on the shores of Lake Erie, winemaker Allison Christ ensures patience, determination and perseverance are at the heart of every bottle. Colio’s expansive collection and over 500 awards are a testament to the pride they take in winemaking. Tour the winery, shop retail boutiques and relish in charming hospitality.

Types of wines

Dry, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Craft, Sparkling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Merlot, Fruit, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon

Dining

None

Region

Lake Erie North Shore

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

3550 King St., Vineland | kacaba.com

After saving this prime Niagara Escarpment benchland from a developer’s bulldozer, Michael Kacaba launched Kacaba Vineyards Winery in 1997. Today, Kacaba Vineyards Winery is a premium small-batch winery that crafts a full range of vino, including its highly awarded estate-grown syrah, which is one of Ontario’s oldest plantings. Sample rich, aromatic wines boasting multiple awards from Canadian and international competitions, including the U.K. Decanter World Wine Awards, while enjoying views of Toronto across Lake Ontario. Bonus: guided tours are available seven days a week.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier/Pinot Noir, Syrah

Dining

None

Region

Niagara Escarpment

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details

3100 Concession Rd. 3 Adjala, Palgrave | windrushestatewinery.com

With 68 acres of gorgeous views, a unique chateau and a state-of-the-art winery, Windrush offers a truly special experience that combines natural beauty, fine arts and great VQA wines. Chief winemaker Jonathan Boyle and legendary vintner Jim Warren create quality collections bursting with flavour. Plus, the winery donates 10 per cent of its profits to provide opportunities for at-risk youth.

Types of wines

Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Rosé

Dining

Yes

Region

York

Tastings/Tours

Click here for details

Events

Click here for details