Wine has fans all over the world and some places are more well-known for their incredible wines – such as Italy, France and Spain. But slowly and steadily there’s one place on the planet that is receiving better and better praise for the wines that are coming out of there – and that’s Ontario.
Whilst the province has been getting noted recently for the great online casinos available for Ontario players to enjoy, Ontario has also finally been getting worldwide acclaim for its wines. Once you look deeper into the wineries that are based there, it’s amazing that it didn’t reach this acclaim sooner.
With that, we’re going to take a deeper look at some of the best wineries you can find in the province.
Karlo Estates
Based in Prince Edward County, this woman-owned winery has become a must-visit for wine fanatics visiting the area. You can sample some of the absolutely delicious wines in the 200+-year-old barn and whilst you’re enjoying your drink, try some plant-based nibbles as well – Karlo Estates has a great selection of cheeses that are dairy-free and charcuterie that’s planet based.
The vineyards themselves are totally idyllic, perfect for a relaxing stroll through one lazy afternoon. You may even spy the limestone bridge, which is one of the largest mortarless bridges you can find in North America.
Karlo, the owner, built the winery around the whole idea of sustainability and wanted her offerings to be totally respectful to mother Earth whilst still being incredible wines in their own right. Her most notable wine is the well-known ‘Triumvirate’, a mouth-watering blend of three different types of Bordeaux grapes.
Sandbanks Estate
Whilst Prince Edward County has risen to prominence as one of the premier producers of wine in Ontario, Like Napa Valley has in California, there are smaller places that have some hidden gems when it comes to wineries. Sandbanks Estate is based in one of these lesser-known areas – Wellington.
This winery was opened relatively recently, in 2001, with just seven vines. Those seven vines created 150 cases of an almost legendary Baco Noir 2 years later, and this small batch of wines was reserved purely for locals – who were extremely glad since they loved the wine!
Fast forward to today and the winery has plenty more acres of land and plenty more vines, which produce some very popular Cabernet, Blanc, Baco Noir, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Vidal, amongst small batches of other wines. The climate of the area makes the grapes great for the Noirs and Francs.
Visitors can enjoy flights on the stunning grounds or can book a group for a nice wine-tasting session with friends.
13th Street Winery
Situated in Ontario’s famous Twenty Valley region, 13th Street Winery offers plenty more than just wine – it is a winery, art gallery and fresh bakery all rolled into one neat little bundle. The wines that visitors can sample include rose, white, red and sparkling – all with different wines in each category.
Whilst you’re sampling your wine of choice, make sure you take a stroll through the riveting gallery room, have a mooch around the wonderful sculpture gardens and then peruse the farmhouse bakery. The bakery especially has some delectable freshly baked treats and a menu for more casual dining.
Recently added is the option for visitors to stay overnight at one of two luxury properties located on the grounds. There’s a cottage and a farmhouse to choose from and both are absolutely perfect to spend a night whittling away the hours over a glass or two.
Hinterland Wine Company
Another Winery based in Prince Edward County, Hinterland has a focus on natural wines and sparkling varieties. The winery uses classic methods, such as fermenting in the bottle, the double fermentation or Charmat method and an ancestral method which dates all the way back to the 15th century.
The natural wines that are on offer have a unique spin on the familiar grapes you may be accustomed to, breathing unique blends with added complexity. This can lead to wines that have sediment on the bottom – but don’t be worried, because the added complex fruity notes are to die for!
Visiting the winery is also a treat. They have great views over the vineyard and wildlife from the farm next door can be seen roaming about. You can even get guided and curated tastings for a full-on experience.