Lush green vines grow in front of a winery estate.

Grand Bend | Dark Horse Estate Winery

Ontario's west coast wineries

Lush green vines grow in front of a winery estate.

Grand Bend | Dark Horse Estate Winery

Breaking ground outside of Ontario’s established wine regions these trendsetters are leading the charge to bring unique and delicious wine experiences to the west coast of Lake Huron.

Located in one of Ontario’s beachiest destinations for sunshine, surf and stellar sunsets, you can now add vineyard visits to your west coast vacation.

Alton Farms Estate Winery

40 km east of downtown Sarnia, Alton Farms Estate Winery was established in 2005, one of the first along Huron Shores, and is devoted to producing handcrafted wines focused on traditional techniques, sustainability practices and maximum flavour.

When you book your tasting experience, consider a wine and chocolate pairing, or test your palette with the blind wine tasting. Either way, make time in your visit to explore the gorgeous walking trails across the property.  

Location: 5547 Aberarder Line, Plympton-Wyoming
 

Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery

Established in 2019, Shale Ridge is a welcomed newcomer to the west coast wine scene producing fresh farm to glass wine and cider using apples, grapes, peach, pear, berries, mint and hops grown on the farm or sourced locally.

Sample wine and cider with a side of whimsy and book the swing table experience. Your tasting table is outfitted with swings instead of chairs so you can sway in the wind as you savour great wine and take in a splendid sunset!

Location: 9090 Widder Rd, 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” could well apply to the husband and wife duo who bucked the doubters and naysayers to make Dark Horse Estate Winery a reality. And not just a reality but a success.

Preparations began in 2014 with vines planted the following year, and after years of determination, innovation and sheer grit, the thriving eight hectare vineyard surrounds a stunning, palatial manor-style production house with walkout patios overlooking the vines.

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

Location: 70665 B Line, Grand Bend
 

Schatz Winery & Vineyard

Wine lovers, welcome to your new, favourite winery.

Located on the grounds of one of Ontario’s most elegant accommodations, this property delivers on the perfect wine and food weekend destination.

Hessenland Inn is an upscale, boutique country hotel with onsite restaurant, expansive gardens and now … an onsite vineyard. Visit the wine boutique to sample and select the bottles you want to take home.

Location: 72981 ON-21, Zurich
 

Cornerfield Wine Company

Carved into a corner of an established working farm just south of Bayfield and minutes from Lake Huron’s shoreline, Cornerfield Wine Co. is a small batch winery that was first established in 2015.

Although a relatively recent vineyard, almost 200 years of agriculture on the land resulted in fertile, nutrient-rich soil, and strong family traditions make this small, but glorious winery, a true labour of love.

Sample carefully produced, complex and well-balanced reds, whites and rose in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

Location: 74444 ON-21, Bayfield
 

Maelstrom Vineyard & Winery

With almost three and a half hectares of flourishing vineyard, this boutique winery has come a long way from the first test plot of vines planed in 2009. Maelstrom was the first winery to tap into the unique terroir in Huron County, only to discover the potential for production of cool climate varietals such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Marquette, Cabernet Franc, as well as a lovely ice cider.

Book a visit and learn all about this delightful success story from the owners themselves as you tour the winery and vineyard and sample their wine.

Location: 78925 Sanctuary Line, Seaforth

Last updated: September 12, 2023

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