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 relaxing on the patio, sharpen your palate with a guided tasting, tutorial or tour. Book the three-bedroom farmhouse for overnight stays.

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, when it was a tobacco producer for many years before becoming 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 tastings, workshops, special events like concerts in the vineyard and boutique accommodation options.

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. Enjoy curated food and wine and visit the farm to pick your own blueberries during harvest season. Choose from four unique accommodations for a wine country getaway.

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.

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, including the rich and complex flavours of the Smoke & Gamble wine collection.

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

Huron and Lambton Counties

Alton Farms Estate Winery

One of Huron Shore’s wine pioneers, Alton Farms Winery, produces 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 walking trails throughout the property at your own pace.

Location: 5547 Aberarder Line, Plympton-Wyoming

Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery

A relative newcomer to the Lake Huron wine scene, Shale Ridge is making a big splash.

The winery produces farm-to-glass, low-sugar wines and ciders from a variety of tree and stone fruits, estate-grown or locally sourced.

The pairing menu includes Roman-style “Pinsa” crust pizzas that 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.

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

Location: 9090 Widder Road, Thedford

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, 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. A two-bedroom suite accommodation is available for couples or friends' vineyard getaway.

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 to discover the potential for producing 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

Perth County

The Perth Farmhouse

This scenic winery, cidery and farm is located west of Toronto between Kitchener and Stratford. It offers wine and cider tastings, goat picnics, brunch and unforgettable countryside experiences.

Location: 4596 Wilmot Easthope Road, Perth East

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, the wines are bright, balanced and refreshingly different from traditional grape varietals.

Enjoy sample seasonal releases on the summer patio or in the cafe.

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

Hastings County

Potter Settlement Winery

Award-winning Potter Settlement Artisan Winery is a small winery on the edge of the Canadian Shield in Tweed, between Toronto and Ottawa. The region’s soil is rich with minerals that shape the distinct character and flavour of the wine.

Using traditional winemaking combined with contemporary techniques, the small-batch winery produces wines such as Maple Noir, made with locally sourced maple syrup, award-winning Marquette wines and exclusive dandelion wine, a delicate flower wine inspired by a recipe that dates back to 1560. Book a wine tour to learn about the area’s history and sample the wine.

In the winter, glide through the forest on the ice skate trail. On a crisp, clear night, you might even catch a rare glimpse of the northern lights overhead.

Location: 1445 Potter Settlement Road, Tweed

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