Now that the warmer weather has hit Ontario and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel on the pandemic front, it’s time to start thinking about sipping and swirling in the province’s breezy vineyards. From Prince Edward County (PEC) to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), wine season has arrived in Ontario in all of its refined and experience-rich glory. Perhaps one of the best ways to take in the vineyards, wine, and local eats is on a well-curated wine tour. Here are some of our favourites.
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Afternoon Half-Day Wine & Cheese Tour by Niagara Vintage Wine Tours
Discover new wines from the best Niagara vineyards and the region’s unforgettable cheeses in style with Niagara Vintage Wine Tours’ afternoon half-day wine and cheese tour. Guests are transported in Mercedes Benz vehicles for well-curated and informative day, where they’ll visit three award-winning wineries, experience a cheese and wine tasting seminar, and have return trips from local accommodations. Find more information here.
Half-Day Tour from P.E.C Wine Tours
In PEC, local company PEC Wine Tours’ most popular option is their crowd-pleasing half-day tour. With a knowledgeable local guide at the wheel, the tour includes four tastings each at some of the region’s most celebrated vineries: Sugarbush Vineyards, Harwood Estates, Sandbanks Winery, and Huff Estates. Making things safe and easy, the tour includes complimentary pickup at accommodations within a 5km radius of Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington. Find more information here.
County Casual Tours
Personable husband and wife team David and Jo – former Toronto residents – share their love for PEC’s with visitors through their company, County Casual Tours. Guests enjoy good conversation with the pair from the comfort of two VW Atlas SUVs as they roll through the pristine wine country and explore its wineries. Guests have the option of half-day or full-day tours, with flexible itineraries (an appreciated bonus) based on interests identified during pre-tour discussions. Find more information here.
Iflytoto Niagara Wine Experience
Iflytoto takes your wine tasting experience to memorable new heights with a scenic flight to Niagara and its vineyards. The experience starts in the VIP lounge at Buttonville with complimentary catered refreshments before you jet off on your refined wine tasting excursion of three award-winning wineries, including the renowned cellars of Peller Estates. If your heart desires, this package includes lunch with a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Find more information here.
Farm Dog Cycle Tours in Lake Eerie North
The Essex County and Lake Eerie North region is emerging from the shadows of the Niagara region and PEC as a celebrated spot for wine producing – and tasting – in its own right. Perhaps the best way to sip what the region has to offer on its celebrated wine route is on a bicycle during a tour from Farm Dog Cycle. The charming local company offers a variety of customizable winery tours throughout the breezy region. Find more information here.
Engagement Wine Tour by Niagara Vintage Wine Tours
Niagara Vintage Wine Tours’ Engagement Wine Tour will (hopefully) be the most memorable and important wine experience of your life. This well curated tour for two features a private sedan or SUV, dining, grand tours and private tastings, an educated sommelier, and personalized touches – made perfect with the help of an event planner – for the question-pop climax (think: helicopter rides, underground barrel cellars, and private picnics). Find more information here.
North Shore Wine Adventure Grape Vine Tours
In Essex County and Windsor, Grape Vine Tours is a leader in showcasing the best of the region. Offering excursions for groups of 2 to 12 wine enthusiasts, the tours include pickup anywhere in Essex County or Windsor. The North Shore Wine Adventure includes a wine tasting at three wineries, a tour of wine production facilities, lunch at a winery restaurant, and shopping at winery boutiques. Custom experiences can also be arranged. Find more information here.
***Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, tour availability and schedules are subject to change.
