New and emerging wine regions in Ontario

Norfolk and Elgin Counties

Burning Kiln Winery

One of the best Norfolk County wineries, Burning Kiln Winery, has been welcoming guests since 2011 to its scenic vineyards featuring grape varieties from Pinot Grigio to Petit Verdot.

Located just outside of Turkey Point, it’s hard to resist sitting back and savouring a glass of something delicious on the inviting patio, complete with red umbrellas, twinkling string lights and a communal fire pit. The Back Kitchen serves up tasty snacks and classic comforts made with fresh, local ingredients.

Before you get too comfortable on the patio, sharpen your palate with a guided tasting, tutorial or tour.

Location: 1709 Front Road, St Williams

Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery

If you’re looking for things to do near Port Dover, take a trip up the road to Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery in Waterford. Enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of cider and take in the relaxing aroma of lavender on this beautiful 52-hectare farm.

The farm dates back to the early 1800s as a tobacco producer for many years before transforming into one of Ontario’s most scenic wineries.

In addition to full-bodied reds and light whites, the winery produces unique lavender-infused bubblies, dessert wines and hard cider. Winery experiences include a 15-minute welcome tour, a guided vineyard tour and an immersive behind-the-scenes harvest to glass tour.

Location: 410 Concession 12 Townsend, Waterford

Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill Estates

Overlooking Lake Erie, Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill Estates is a rustic winery producing both grape and fruit wines as well as small-batch ciders.

Sample wines by the glass or mix and match with tasting flights. Pair with snacks, such as salsa, olives and charcuterie. And visit the farm to pick your own blueberries during harvest season.

Location: 1195 Front Road, St Williams

Hounds of Erie Winery

Located on the north shore of Lake Erie in the picturesque community of Clear Creek, Hounds of Erie tends to unique vines and apple trees used to make hand-crafted wines and hard ciders.

As the name suggests, the winery welcomes four-legged family members—and even hosts breed-specific meetups during the Dog Days of Summer from May to September.

Location: 377 7th Concession Road Enr, Clear Creek

Frisky Beaver Wines

Playful branding like the Blushing Beaver rose and the Cocky Cabernet aside, Frisky Beaver Wines are getting noticed.

There’s a glass for every palate at this welcoming winery located just minutes outside of Port Dover. During the summer, enjoy a glass of Frisky Beaver wine while listening to live music on the estate’s patio.

Location: 455 Radical Road, Simcoe

Inasphere Wines

With arguably the best views in all of Norfolk County, Inasphere Wines is a fully functioning winery and farm.

Sample a Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling Riesling in the hilltop tasting room, which overlooks the fields and meadows below with Lake Erie in the distance.

Visit The Cabin shop for estate-grown veggies as well as local produce from surrounding Norfolk County farms.

Location: 1454 Front Road, St Williams

Quai Du Vin Winery

Located just east of St. Thomas, family-owned Quai Du Vin Estate Winery was the first VQA winery to operate in Elgin County.

Relax with a glass on the modern patio, explore the grounds with a customized tasting flight in hand and enjoy live music events on select summer days. From traditional Cuvée Brut sparkling wine to smooth Cabernet Franc red wine, there’s something here for every palate.

Location: 45811 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas

Huron and Lambton Counties

Alton Farms Estate Winery

Since 2005, one of the wine pioneers along Huron Shores, Alton Farms Winery, has produced handcrafted wines using traditional techniques to maximize flavour and minimize environmental impact.

Tasting experiences include wine and chocolate pairing or put your palate to the test with the blind tasting. Learn about sustainable farming practices on a vineyard tour and explore groomed trails throughout the property at your own pace.

Location: 5547 Aberarder Line, Plympton-Wyoming

Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery

Established in 2019, Shale Ridge is a relative newcomer to the Lake Huron wine scene.

Producing farm-to-glass, low-sugar wines and ciders made from a variety of tree and stone fruits, Shale Ridge Winery products are crafted from estate-grown or locally sourced produce.

Check out the pairing menu—the Roman-style “Pinsa” crust pizzas should not be missed. Book a “swing table” so you can sway in the wind, savouring great wine, food and a splendid Lake Huron sunset.

Soon-to-open Shale Ridge Nordic Spa, featuring Nordic plunge, Finnish sauna, thermal pools, aromatherapy steam and salt rituals, is yet another reason to put this spot on your must-visit list.

Location: 9090 Widder Road, Thedford

Dark Horse Estate Winery

George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, “People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it,” perfectly captures the spirit of the duo who defied skeptics and turned Dark Horse Estate Winery into a reality.

Preparations began in 2014 with vines planted the following season. After years of determination, innovation and sheer grit, this thriving eight-hectare vineyard now surrounds a stunning, manor-style production facility.

Located just minutes from Lake Huron’s legendary beaches, including Grand Bend, and next to the Huron Country Playhouse, a tasting and tour at Dark Horse Estate Winery is the perfect addition to any itinerary.

Location: 70665 B Line, Grand Bend

Hessenland Inn & Schatz Winery

With a winery, elegant accommodations and fine dining, this is the perfect wine and food weekend destination. Hessenland Inn is an upscale, boutique country hotel with an on-site restaurant, expansive gardens and the Schatz Winery.

Sample sparkling Vidal or the oak-aged Marquette at the wine shop and book a wine tour for a more immersive experience.

Location: 72981 ON-21, Zurich

Cornerfield Wine Co.

Carved into a corner of a working farm in 2015, Cornerfield Wine Co. is just a stone’s throw from the shoreline and among the best Lake Huron wineries.

Although a relatively new vineyard, traditional winemaking practices and a family-first approach result in craft wines that reflect a true labour of love.

Sample complex and well-balanced reds, whites and rosés in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Appointments are required for groups of six and up.

Location: 74444 Bluewater Highway, Bayfield

Maelstrom Winery

With almost three and a half hectares of flourishing vineyards, this boutique winery has come a long way from the first test plot of vines planted in 2009.

Maelstrom Winery was among the first to tap into the unique terroir of Huron County and discover the potential for the production of cool climate varietals such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Marquette and Cabernet Franc.

Tour the winery and vineyard and sample the wine with a tasting flight.

Location: 78925 Sanctuary Line, Seaforth

2nd Streetlight Estate Winery

Between Blacks Point Beach and the Maitland River, you’ll find this hidden gem. While the vineyards were planted in 2016 with Cabernet Franc, Baco Noir, Vidal, Chardonnay and Riesling, 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery first opened its doors to wine lovers in 2018.

And the love affair is going strong. Try the “KIN” sparkling wine, which blends Chardonnay and Riesling for a tasty way to celebrate life’s everyday achievements. Or sample the “Good Red” baco-blend—an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser.

Location: 36594 Huron Road, Clinton

Bayfield Berry Farm

In true farm-to-table fashion, Bayfield Berry Farm grows, processes and creates homegrown products available at the market, bakery and cafe.

From Saskatoon berry wine to German plum schnapps, sustainably farmed fruit is transformed into tasty and creative concoctions.

Location: 77697 Orchard Line, Bayfield

Southern Georgian Bay

Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery

Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery produces exceptional small-batch cider and wine that exemplify the Grey County and Georgian Bay terroir in a setting that is equally delightful.

Perched along the Niagara Escarpment, enjoy expansive views over the turquoise waters of the bay. Sample a flight at the tasting bar and treat yourself to the Vintner’s Plate, a rotating spread of different cheeses, meat and bread.

Location: 599448 2nd Concession Road North, Annan

Georgian Hills Vineyards

One of the original vineyards in the region, Georgian Hills has perfected the art of creating wines and ciders that celebrate the soil, climate and character of the county.

Discover your favourite flavour over generous tastings, with five wines and ciders per tasting and take in a gorgeous view of the vineyards and orchards.

Location: 496350 Grey County Road 2, Clarksburg

Creemore Hills Winery

Committed to low-intervention winemaking, Creemore Hills Winery stands out for its focus on estate-grown wines and artisanal techniques. The vineyard produces Estate Rosé, Chardonnay, Riesling and other cool-climate favourites.

Enjoy wine sampling in the contemporary tasting room with views of the surrounding farmland.

Location: 2607 Concession Road 5, Creemore

Muskoka

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery

Set on a working cranberry farm in Bala, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery crafts distinctive wines that capture the essence of the land. Specializing in locally grown cranberry and fruit blends, wines are bright, balanced and refreshingly different from traditional grape varietals.

Enjoy sample seasonal releases out on the summer patio or inside the original family farmhouse, now McArthur House Café.

Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala

Algoma Highlands

Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm and Winery

Sample bold, small-batch blueberry wines that showcase the richness of Northern Ontario’s landscape. Wines are made from handpicked wild blueberries and carefully fermented to preserve the fruit’s natural depth and complexity.

Explore the range of dry to semi-sweet blueberry wines with vibrant berry notes and smooth finishes during a wine tasting in the farm shop.

Location: 1 Pinewood Drive, Wawa

From lakeside patios to hilltop tasting rooms, winemakers in Ontario’s new and noteworthy wine regions offer exceptional tasting experiences in unforgettable settings.