An escape to Wine Country Ontario is one of my favourite ways to get a break from city life (seriously: I try to visit at least once a month if I can). There’s just something so special about the breathtaking vistas, mouthwatering cuisine, down-to-earth locals and world-class wineries…
My travel buddy Britney at Hidden Bench Estate Winery.
The more I travel the more I understand just how lucky we are to have a such an incredible wine country right in our own backyard. Located in the world’s fine wine zone — along with Bordeaux, Italy and Oregon — Ontario has three unique appellations that I highly recommend you explore (and keep exploring given the rapid growth). A weekend getaway with friends/someone you love is the best way to do it so here are some tips to help you plan your next visit…
How To Plan The Perfect Getaway To Wine Country Ontario
1. Determine Your Route
With over 150 VQA wineries, you’ll need to have some sort of plan (although I HIGHLY encourage being spontaneous along the way as well). A bit of research will help maximize your time since you sadly won’t be able to hit up all the estates in one go. My biggest tip? Grab the official Travel Guide (you can download it for free here) to help you decide which region to explore and identify 5-6 wineries that you want to check out during your weekend getaway. Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley is my personal fave so if you end up there you MUST check out these wineries: Domaine Queylus, Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery, 13th Street Winery, Vineland Estates Winery, Leaning Post Wines, Flat Rock Cellars, Megalomaniac and Kew Vineyards Estate Winery (I explain why here).
#GotTheGuide aka my Wine Country Ontario Bible – Photo captured by Britney.
2. Make Restaurant Reservations In Advance
The restaurants in Wine Country Ontario are incredibly popular — and for good reason: talented chefs, al fresco dining and FRESH ingredients. The perfect trifecta. This means the tables book up fast so do yourself a favour and make reservations well in advance. If you’re spending the weekend in Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley like we did on our most recent trip, I highly recommend feasting at the restaurants at these two wineries:
Redstone Winery – Arrive hungry and opt for the six-course tasting menu which features regional cuisine. Not only were these guys the 2017 Winery Of The Year, but their kitchen is putting out some stellar and very memorable dishes. Highlights during our meal: Dressed Tigchelaar Strawberries, Warm Green Asparagus, Roasted Sablefish and the Queen Scallop & Butter Lettuce Soup. If the weather is nice, definitely sit outside on their gorgeous patio…
The Good Earth Winery – Nicolette is a GEM and may just be my favourite local. Find her, chat with her and within minutes I’m sure you’ll understand why. A native of Niagara, she’s somehow managed to create the loveliest community hub on her estate — going far beyond wine tastings with live music sessions, cooking demos and a delightful bistro. Order the Kimchi Fried Chicken Sandwich (served with seasonal iced tea – we had strawberry which was the best I’ve ever tasted) and their wood fired pizzas — you will not regret it! Don’t leave without trying their first sparkling: Aria sparkling rosé…
Photo at Good Earth Winery captured by Britney.
3. Sort Out Transportation
Okay sooo no drinking and driving. That’s obvious, right?! I’m usually lucky enough to head over to wine country with an amazing DD — this time it was the lovely Britney who whisked us around in the most stylish Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. If you’re going on a road trip in wine country make sure to sort out who will be the DD beforehand. That being said, you’ll want to give your DD a chance to enjoy the wineries too so I recommend checking in to your hotel and taking an Uber/Taxi to a few (especially your last stop so you can enjoy dinz with pairings).
Alternatively, if you want to leave the car at home all together, there are many wine tours that depart from Toronto (I personally love iYellow Wine Escapes) or you can fly over with FlyGTA in 10 mins like I recently did…
Consider taking a flight over via FlyGTA for special occasions ($99 each way). Epic views await!
4. If Driving, Prep Your Car For The Road Trip
Aside from all the safety essentials, make sure you’ve stocked your car with: snacks, water, layers/umbrellas (because a little rain shouldn’t keep you away) and throw in a few hard copies of the Travel Guide. As a passenger, it’s my favourite way to help navigate our beaut wine country. Inside you’ll find interesting facts about wine tasting, a brief description about the wineries and essential information (like opening/closing times so you can avoid disappointment).
The only travel guide I carry as a hard copy!
5. Stop For Fresh Fruit & Veg Along The Way!
Don’t just zoom by the cute stands — STOP. Chat with the local farmers, learn about what’s in season, taste fresh fruit & veg… Oh, and take a picnic blanket so you can have an impromptu picnic. Road trips are more fun when you stop along the way and sprinkle in some spontaneity!
We stopped at a fruit stand on S Service Rd and Victoria Ave. Photo captured by Britney.
6. Book Accommodations In The Heart Of Wine Country
There are soooo many cute Inns, B&Bs and hotels in Wine Country Ontario. This time around we stayed at one I’ve been eyeing for years: Inn On The Twenty. Surrounded by wineries, cute shops and delish restaurants (including their own), the property just oozes charm. My fave building was their historic Vintage House (circa 1840) where the spa is tucked away. With only 28 guestrooms the Inn books up fast so make your resos a few months ahead!
Photo at Inn On The Twenty captured by Britney.
I think that just about covers all of my main tips for the perfect getaway to Wine Country Ontario. While there’s so much to do in the different regions, I think you’ll have a memorable trip regardless of which direction you head if you plan it around the breathtaking wineries that dot our province. They truly are world class…
Photo at Megalomaniac captured by Britney.
**GIVEAWAY: Now is your chance to win your own getaway! Head to this Instagram post, like it and tell Wine Country Ontario which VQA winery you want to visit this summer via comment using the hashtag #GotTheGuide for your chance to win a getaway worth up to $1000! Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 13, 2018. Must be 19+ to enter. Ontario residents only.
A huge thanks to Wine Country Ontario for hosting us on this press trip. As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. If you’ve been following along on my blog/social the past five years you’ll know I often visit and promote our incredible wineries!
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