Back like a boomerang. With a growing list of unique accommodations, spectacular wineries and outdoor activities, I knew it wouldn’t be long before we returned to EPIC Wine Country. In fact, a trip to this glorious region in Ontario has become somewhat of an annual tradition for me and Irene…
If you haven’t heard of EPIC Wine country, listen up! Located as far south as northern California and Tuscany, the wine region produces some of the world’s finest grapes and award-winning varietals. Here you’ll get a chance to taste delicious and unique wines, take in stunning views and connect with passionate winemakers. It’s laidback and inspiring. The kind of place you visit if you want to avoid the crowds and rushed experiences in some of Ontario’s other wine regions…
Time slows down in Windsor Essex so you’ll want to build out a leisurely itinerary that grants you space to linger. It’s during these relaxed visits where you’ll have memorable conversations with locals and truly get a sense of place. Here are some of the spots we recommend adding to your itinerary:
Where To Stay In EPIC Wine Country
Magnolia Ranch
This bed and breakfast is located in the heart of EPIC wine country which means you can walk or bike to wineries! I’d stay here every weekend if I could — the property is GORGEOUS and the hosts provide outstanding hospitality. Trust me, it’s a special place.
The Vintage Grape Houseboat
Have you ever slept on a boat? We hadn’t so our stay at this Airbnb was VERY memorable! They have three restored houseboats cleverly named The Vintage Grape, Cabern”Eh”, and Merlot docked at Colchester Beach and Harbour. We stayed on The Vintage Grape and loved it. It has a full kitchen and washroom, but you also get access to the marina’s facilities which we found super helpful when getting ready. Stay here for EPIC sunrises, sunsets and stargazing!
Where To Eat And Drink In Essex County
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
This winery makes some of the most interesting and elegant wines in the region. But it doesn’t stop there. The property is STUNNING. This time around their lavender fields were in full bloom so it truly felt like we stepped into a painting! You’ll want to perch on their patio to enjoy vineyard views. Order the seasonal quiche, salad drizzled with homemade blueberry lavender dressing and a glass of their 2021 Gewürztraminer. Thank me later.
Iron Kettle Bread Boutique
There’s a reason this bakery has a cult following: THEY’RE AMAZING. They were sadly closed when we popped by, but they were kind enough to gift us a generous basket of fresh baked goods which we later enjoyed on the boat. We loved their sourdough multigrain bread, flaky croissants and Montreal-style sesame bagels. They’re now one of my favourite bakeries in Ontario!
Cured Craft Brewing Co.
This spot surprised us. We went in expecting great beer and decent food, but were amazed by the delicious dishes we tried! Made with local ingredients and meat from their own butcher shop across the street, the food here really shines. I also really loved the historic building the brewery is housed in. It dates back to 1911 and has been beautifully restored and repurposed.
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
Wine is about the four Fs: food, fun, family and friends. These were the first words shared with us at Cooper’s Hawk and the mantra really resonated with us. This winery is such a gem! The wines were fantastic (I recommend the Heritage) and you’ll want to carve out a few hours to linger on their wine terrace. We didn’t want to leave!
VIN Winery
We were beyond impressed by this new addition to the Windsor Essex wine region! The property is home to Wedding in the Woods, has a patio where you can enjoy VIN wines or BREW beer and has forested trails you can explore. The owners are innovative, understand trends and seem to have boundless energy. With plenty more ideas in the works, I’m sure they’ll be making waves for years to come.
The Little Cider Company
This small cider company stole our hearts. Mary Beth uses Ontario dessert and heritage apples from her family farm to make ciders with love and pride. All of the ciders we tried were fabulous so I recommend popping by. Our favourite was The Harrow Blue which has a delicious and distinct blueberry flavour!
Viewpointe Estate Winery
You really can’t beat the views at Viewpointe Estate Winery so make sure to pop by for a tasting or lunch (or both)! The fish tacos, pulled pork nachos and 2012 Cabernet Franc VQA are my picks at this popular stop.
Colio Estate Wines
Fun fact: Colio Estates Wines was one of the first wineries in the region to be granted a license after prohibition. They’ve been around since 1980 and currently have a very passionate female winemaker at the helm. Allison is producing some incredible, award-winning wines so put this winery on your list. Her Lily Sparkling and 2020 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay are my personal favourites, but you’ll want to sip your way through a flight to find yours!
Dancing Swallows Vineyard
The patio at Dancing Swallows Vineyard has a very special vibe and kind of feels like a cross between Canadian cottage and wine country! Here you’ll be welcomed by 5th generation family members and can enjoy a relaxing tasting in their backyard. They make a limited quantity of wines which aren’t available at the LCBO so you’ll have to visit them to get a taste.
Muscedere Vineyards
So this may just be my favourite stop in Essex County. I always leave Muscedere with a huge smile on my face because the family who owns this winery is just the best. A typical visit includes mom’s freshly-made pizza from the wood burning oven, a tasting led by her charismatic daughter and a brief interaction with dad as he gathers the farm animals or tends to the vineyard. Let’s just say, it’s an experience.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
A picnic at Ontario’s only beachfront winery is a must! Start your visit in the tasting room where you can order a grazing lunch and pick out a wine (we chose their Beach Glass Riesling Pinot Grigio blend). Then, head straight to the beach and take in the beautiful views!
Oxley Estate Winery
I’ve been visiting this winery for a while and feel like I’ve watched it blossom over the years. A local favourite, Oxley has plenty of outdoor seating (in sunny and shaded areas) where you can enjoy tasty bites paired with some amazing wines. Head here with girlfriends and stay a while. I’ve heard their Sunday Sounds and Howl at the Moon Dinners are amazing so I’ll be back to experience those.
What To Do In Essex County
There are plenty of unique experiences in Essex County so you certainly won’t be bored. Whether you visit the beach, hit up some breweries or wineries, shop local or explore the area via bike, boat or foot, you are in for a treat! Here are a few experiences I think you should definitely add to your itinerary:
Bike Through Wine Country With The Grove Bike Co.
I LOVE biking through wine country, but I’ve never tried exploring via electric bike. Total game-changer. I can’t believe I waited this long to try!! We absolutely loved it. The team at The Grove Bike Co. will make sure you understand how to operate the bikes with a brief 101 and then you’re welcome to explore wine country like we did OR you can ride the 50 km Greenway Trail. I highly recommend this activity.
John R Park Homestead
I don’t typically recommend guided tours, but this one is a must. The original house, farm and buildings from 1842 are fascinating and the special programming makes this experience truly memorable. Best part? You get to try traditional recipes and can participate in workshops. We wove baskets during our visit!
The Fruit Wagon
Farmer Doug holds a special place in our hearts so we always make it a point to visit when we’re in the region. His enthusiasm for apples is unparalleled. This time around he got us excited about his Geneva Red apples so we can’t wait to see what he has in store next time. Pop by for fresh produce and great conversations!
The Farmhouse Market
A quick chat with Elisa and you’ll immediately feel her passion for all things local. She’s personally hand-selected everything at this market (which is located on her family’s farm) and is hyper-focused on showcasing produce and products made right here in Ontario. It was hard to decide, but we selected a few items for dinner and enjoyed a local feast on our boat!
Aziz Fruit Stand
You can feel the deep family roots as soon as you step inside Aziz Fruit Stand.That’s because the Lebanese-German family has owned this produce stand in Leamington for over two decades! When we arrived, mom was at the back and her two daughters were running the produce stand and The Wooden Spoon Bakery. You’ll want to head here for fresh produce and some of the best baked goods around (they even have gluten-free and vegan options). Yum!
A huge thanks to Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for hosting us and sponsoring this post. As always, reviews and opinions are my very own.
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