Are you looking to explore the vine-kissed landscapes, indulge in the flavors of the finest wine, and immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Ontario’s wine country? Pack your bags and let your taste buds run wild with this comprehensive guide to Ontario’s Wine Region. From the sprawling vineyards of Niagara to the breathtaking beauty of Prince Edward County, Ontario has a thrilling wine trail to satiate the wine lover in you. Get ready for a glass-clinking adventure as we take you along on an enchanting journey to discover Ontario’s various wineries and everything they have to offer! Cheers!
1. Introduction to Wine Country Ontario’s 2023/24 Travel Guide
Ontario’s wine country is gaining popularity thanks to its exceptional cool climate wines and picturesque landscapes. Wine enthusiasts can now plan their perfect getaway with the help of the Wine Country Ontario 2023/24 Travel Guide. This comprehensive guide features a whopping 150 Ontario VQA wineries and provides a wealth of information on where to eat, drink, play, shop, and stay in the province’s various wine regions. From Prince Edward County to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the guide covers everything a wine lover needs to know.
In addition to winery listings, the guide contains a fold-out map, making exploring different regions a breeze. Newcomers to VQA wines can also utilize the guide to find their perfect wine match, while more seasoned enthusiasts make use of the mobile-friendly itinerary planner for a custom experience. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable wine adventure right in your own backyard with the Wine Country Ontario 2023/24 Travel Guide. [1][2]
Key events and festivals in Ontario’s wine region
Ontario’s wine region is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike. With the new Wine Country Ontario 2023/24 Travel Guide, you can easily explore the area’s rich winery offerings and breathtaking landscapes. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in this wonderful region is by attending some of the key events and festivals that celebrate the unique qualities and tastes of Ontario’s wine country.
The Niagara Wine Festival is an annual event that occurs in September, offering visitors a chance to explore over 150 Ontario VQA wineries, delicious culinary delights, and live entertainment. Another popular event is the Wine and Food Festival in Prince Edward County, which showcases the region’s wineries, restaurants, and artisan producers. Lake Erie North Shore also holds its annual Epic Wineries Festival, a celebration of the diverse wine styles and tastes available in the emerging wine region.
In addition to these main events, wineries themselves often host a variety of smaller festivals and gatherings throughout the year, focusing on specific aspects of wine production or seasonal local cuisine. With the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide to assist you, planning your visit to these vibrant events has never been easier. So gear up, and treat yourself to an unforgettable wine country adventure in Ontario. [3][4]
Recommended wineries and vineyards to visit
Ontario’s wine country is truly a treasure trove of experiences for wine enthusiasts. With the release of the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide, exploring the region and its 150 VQA wineries has never been easier. This comprehensive guide, available in print and digital formats, highlights popular wineries and vineyards while also providing information on local eateries, accommodations, and activities in various regions across Ontario.
Notable wineries in Prince Edward County include the esteemed Quai du Vin Estate Winery and Shale Ridge Estate Winery, both of which offer exquisite wines produced from 100% Ontario-grown grapes. In the Niagara Escarpment & Area, visitors should not miss the picturesque Good Earth Winery & Vineyard, as well as the acclaimed Redstone Winery and Tawse Winery.
As for those venturing to the Emerging Regions and Niagara-on-the-Lake & Area, the innovative Niagara Custom Crush Studio stands out, along with the enchanting Black Bank Hill and the dynamic duo of AMO Wines and Drea’s Wine Co.
With the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide, aspiring oenophiles can easily find their next favorite winery and experience the beauty and variety of Ontario’s wine country. A visit to these captivating wineries reveals the rich flavors and unique character of the region’s cool climate wines, and offers an unforgettable adventure for all. [5][6]
Tips for touring and tasting in Ontario’s wine country
Ontario’s wine country is a treasure waiting to be explored, and with the release of the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide, planning your visit has never been more accessible. A comprehensive guide featuring 150 Ontario VQA wineries, this latest edition offers an interactive digital version for those who prefer to go paperless, while a hardcopy version can be found at participating wineries, Ontario Tourism Information Centres, and an additional 400 LCBO stores across the province. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious beginner, this guide is the key to unlocking a memorable experience in Ontario’s wine region.
This year’s guide not only highlights the numerous wineries to visit but also shares recommendations on where to eat, drink, play, shop, and stay. With five distinct regions to explore – Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, the Emerging Regions, Niagara Escarpment & Area, and Niagara-on-the-Lake & Area – the possibilities are endless. Interactive maps and custom-built itineraries through the user-friendly winecountryontario.ca website make planning your trip to this striking landscape a breeze.
Visitors new to VQA wines can use the guide to find their perfect match from over 800 options. By searching by variety, style, price, and more, you’ll to discover your new favorite VQA wine or winery before your journey even begins! Embrace the cool climate wines of Ontario and embark on an unforgettable adventure – connect with @winecountryont and share your experiences using the hashtag #GotTheGuide. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next wine escapade with the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide and explore the various wineries that await! [7][8]
Food and wine pairings to try in the region
In the vibrant region of Ontario, food and wine enthusiasts will find a delightful array of culinary experiences awaiting them. With an abundance of local produce, carefully crafted wines, and talented chefs, the food and wine pairings offered in this region are nothing short of extraordinary.
One must-try pairing in the area is an elegant Niagara Riesling, paired with a dish featuring fresh, locally-caught fish. The crisp acidity and refreshing minerality of the Riesling perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the seafood, making for a mouthwatering culinary experience.
For those seeking to indulge in richer fare, the region’s renowned Cabernet Franc wines are a wonderful choice. These bold, fruit-forward reds are exceptional when paired with dishes featuring tender, slow-cooked meats, such as braised short ribs or a decadent beef bourguignon.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a true exploration of Ontario wine country without enjoying a glass of the region’s world-famous Icewine. This sweet, luscious dessert wine is a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of desserts, from rich chocolate cakes to tangy fruit tarts. No matter your palate, there is a perfect food and wine pairing waiting for you in the beautiful vineyards of Ontario.
How to plan the perfect wine country vacation in Ontario
Planning the perfect wine country vacation in Ontario has never been easier, thanks to the 2023/24 Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide. This comprehensive guide is packed with information on over 150 Ontario VQA wineries, making it an essential tool for mapping out your ideal wine tour experience. Covering regions such as Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, the Emerging Regions, Niagara Escarpment & Area, and Niagara-on-the-Lake & Area, the guide ensures that you can easily find wineries, eateries, and accommodation options to suit your tastes.
Alongside the informative print guide, there is an interactive digital version available and a mobile-friendly trip planner tool. Using the planner, travelers can build a custom itinerary with selected wineries, restaurants, and accommodations, while the website offers additional resources to help you find your perfect VQA wine match before your visit. Don’t forget to share your journey on social media with the #GotTheGuide hashtag and enjoy exploring Ontario’s captivating wine country. [11][12]
2. Features of the Travel Guide
The Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide is a comprehensive resource for visitors looking to explore Ontario’s diverse wine regions. This user-friendly guide allows travelers to plan their wine country escapades with ease, offering valuable insights into the various appellations, varietals, and wineries throughout the province.
Featuring both digital and print formats, this guide is easily accessible for all types of users. Additionally, the mobile-friendly interface provides a hassle-free experience for those on-the-go, ensuring that travelers can make the most of their time in Ontario’s wine country.
A key feature of the Travel Guide is its detailed maps that help you plan your visit and locate wineries in each region. Many wineries now require reservations for tastings and enhanced experiences, so it’s essential to plan ahead and contact your desired destinations in advance. And to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, the guide also offers helpful tips on responsible wine tasting and etiquette, encouraging visitors to ask questions, try new things, and embrace the adventure of wine discovery. [13][14]
3. Where to find the Travel Guide
If you’re planning to explore Ontario’s wine country, the Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide is a must-have resource to make the most of your journey. This comprehensive guide, available in print and digital formats, covers the various wine regions, including Niagara Escarpment, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lake Erie North Shore, and Prince Edward County. You can order a printed copy by visiting the Wine Country Ontario website or download the mobile-friendly version for easy access on your device. The guide offers helpful tips on how to enhance your tasting experiences, as well as information on how to engage with VQA wineries via social media and order your favorite wines directly to your home. Don’t forget to use the handy online tool to filter through VQA Wines based on varietal, price, sugar content, and more, making it easier than ever to plan your perfect wine country escape. [15][16]
4. Interactive digital version of the Travel Guide
Discovering the wonders of Ontario’s wine regions has never been easier, thanks to the interactive digital version of the Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide. With its user-friendly design, the digital guide allows you to explore over 150 VQA wineries spread across various regions, including Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Escarpment & Area, Niagara-on-the-Lake & Area, and the Emerging Regions. This way, you can plan your winery visits seamlessly and efficiently from the comfort of your home, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your wine journey.
The guide also features a comprehensive overview of where to eat, drink, play, shop, and stay in the wine regions, ensuring that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Moreover, with the Customizable Wine Country Ontario Itineraries tool, you can create your perfect travel plan with wineries, restaurants, and accommodation options that suit your preferences. All you have to do is select your desired region and add your choices to build a personalized itinerary that can be printed or shared with friends and family.
Embrace the opportunity to explore Ontario’s unique wine offerings and visit the picturesque vineyards that create the fantastic VQA wines we all love. With the digital Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide, you will have all the tools you need at your fingertips to embark on an unforgettable wine adventure. So, cheers to making unforgettable memories in Ontario’s enchanting wine regions! [17][18]
5. Highlights of wine regions in Ontario
Ontario is a hidden gem when it comes to wine production, with the province being responsible for about 85% of Canada’s wine output. Its location is ideally suited for grape cultivation, sharing similar conditions with renowned wine-producing regions such as Bordeaux in France and California in the US. Among the top grapes produced here, you’ll find Vidal, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
The four key winegrowing regions in Ontario include the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lake Erie North Shore, and Prince Edward County. The Niagara Escarpment, known for its gentle lake breezes and lush soil, is home to some of the best-established wineries in Ontario, such as Ravine Vineyard, Creekside Estate Winery, and Domaine Queylus. For wine enthusiasts looking to explore new offerings, there are also several emerging regions experiencing steady growth.
In addition to its quality wine, Ontario is an excellent destination for wine tourism, attracting around 1.6 million visitors annually. There is a wide variety of wineries to explore, offering unique experiences and opportunities to taste some of the finest local wines. Make sure to include a visit to Ontario’s wineries during your next trip to Canada to discover the province’s many sparkling secrets. [19][20]
6. Custom itinerary planner on Wine Country Ontario’s website
Planning a visit to Ontario’s beautiful wine country just got easier with the custom itinerary planner available on Wine Country Ontario’s website. This user-friendly, mobile-friendly tool simplifies your trip planning experience by allowing you to choose your desired region and select the wineries, restaurants, and accommodations you wish to include in your personalized travel plan.
Start by exploring the different regions in Ontario, including Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Escarpment & Area, Niagara-on-the-Lake & Area, and the Emerging Regions. Each region offers a unique selection of wineries, restaurants, and local attractions that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Once you have made your selections, the custom itinerary planner will help you map out your journey, providing you with a detailed itinerary that can be printed or shared on social media. Not only does this tool save you time and effort, but it also encourages you to explore new wineries and learn about the diverse wines produced in the province.
Embrace the convenience and plan your perfect wine country getaway with Wine Country Ontario’s custom itinerary planner. Rediscover the beauty of Ontario’s wine regions, and immerse yourself in the local culture, food, and hospitality that make a trip to the area truly unforgettable. Cheers to creating lasting memories and indulging in the finest wines Ontario has to offer! [21][22]
7. New VQA winery listings in the Travel Guide
Ontario’s Wine Country is continuously growing, with new VQA wineries popping up and enhancing the already diverse selection of vineyards in the region. Let’s discover some of these newest additions to the official Travel Guide, offering unique wines and exceptional experiences for wine lovers.
Blueberry Hill Estates, nestled in the heart of Norfolk County, is a family-owned winery and blueberry farm specializing in artisanal fruit wines. Using sustainable farming practices, they offer a delicious range of blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry wines, promising a unique tasting experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Located on a picturesque vineyard in the Niagara Peninsula, De Simone Vineyards is dedicated to crafting premium, small-batch VQA wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and stunning views of the Vinemount Ridge while sipping on elegant Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc varietals.
Leaning Post Wines, situated in Winona Ontario, focuses on producing small-lot, single-vineyard wines that express the distinct soils and climate of their origins. With a commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention, they are gaining a reputation for their beautifully balanced and terroir-driven offerings.
With so many new VQA wineries in Ontario to explore, it’s the perfect time to get out and discover the incredible diversity of the region’s wine offerings. Be sure to support these local businesses and indulge in tastings that showcase the best of Ontario’s wine country. [23][24]
8. About the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario
The Wine Marketing Association of Ontario (WMAO) plays a crucial role in promoting the exceptional quality and unique characteristics of VQA wines produced in Ontario. As an organization committed to supporting Ontario’s wineries and winegrowers, WMAO ensures that the brand signature, Wine Country Ontario, remains synonymous with impeccable taste, warm hospitality, and the ultimate wine country experience.
The organization’s commitment to promoting local cuisine and year-round activities complements its focus on the extraordinary wines that can only be created with 100% Ontario-grown grapes. As a trademark of the WMAO, Wine Country Ontario is a promise of authenticity, reflecting the passion and dedication that goes into crafting world-class cool climate VQA wines.
By engaging with the WMAO and exploring all that Wine Country Ontario has to offer, wine enthusiasts from around the world can gain a greater appreciation for the exceptional wines and unforgettable experiences available in Ontario’s picturesque wine regions. So, whether you consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur or a wine-curious novice, the WMAO and Wine Country Ontario are your essential guides for embarking on an unparalleled journey of wine discovery and adventure. [25][26]
9. Wine Country Ontario’s promotion of Ontario’s wine-growing regions
Ontario’s Wine Country, located between 40° and 44° North, is situated in the heart of the world’s fine wine zone. The Canadian province stretches across 17,000 acres and is home to complex limestone-based soils, which were created by glaciers thousands of years ago. The unique combination of latitude, lakes, and limestone provides the foundation for Ontario to produce globally acclaimed wines.
The region’s appellations are known for their distinctive and memorable wines, crafted in the cool climate of Ontario. Located near three of the five Great Lakes of North America, Ontario’s Wine Country benefits from the largest freshwater system in the world. This unique location allows wineries to thrive in the province, producing fine wines that cater to every taste.
Whether you’re exploring the cool climate winemaking in “The County,” enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Lake Erie’s North Shore, or visiting the bold, up-and-coming wineries of the Emerging Regions, there are plenty of opportunities for wine enthusiasts to discover the diverse flavors of Ontario’s Wine Country. So, why not embark on a journey to experience the exceptional wines and stunning landscapes that this vibrant region has to offer? [27][28]
10. Connecting with Wine Country Ontario on social media
If you’re eager to explore the world of Ontario VQA wines, Wine Country Ontario has several social media platforms to help you stay updated with their wineries’ latest offerings and promotions. By following Wine Country Ontario on Facebook and Twitter, you can discover delicious recipes, intriguing wine pairings, and exciting events happening at various wineries.
In addition, Wine Country Ontario also offers a monthly newsletter that you can sign up for. The newsletter provides exclusive promotions, food and VQA wine pairing inspirations, and insights into Ontario’s wine-making community. Following them on social media and signing up for their newsletter is a fantastic way to stay connected with Ontario’s wine regions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore and enjoy the unique qualities of Wine Country Ontario. Immerse yourself in the panoramic scenery, exceptional cool-climate VQA wines, and diverse experiences that can only be found in Ontario’s premiere wine regions. [29][30]
