My 5 Favourite Windsor-Essex Wineries You Need to Visit
Looking For The Best Wineries In The Windsor-Essex Area? Keep Reading To Find All The Details!
So what are my favorite Windsor-Essex Wineries then?
Windsor-Essex might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine country, but it should be!
With its sunny climate, fertile farmland and growing wine scene, the region is home to some fantastic wineries worth exploring.
From relaxing vineyard views and wine tastings to local food and unique experiences, there is plenty to discover.
After exploring the Windsor-Essex area, I’ve picked out my 5 favourite Windsor-Essex wineries that I think deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a fun road trip, these wineries are perfect for discovering a different side of Southern Ontario.
Where Is Windsor-Essex Located?
Windsor-Essex is located in Southern Ontario, at the southwestern tip of the province, directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan.
The region includes the City of Windsor and surrounding communities in Essex County, including Kingsville, Leamington, Amherstburg, etc.
Located about a 4-hour drive from Toronto, Windsor-Essex makes a great road trip destination.
Its southern location also gives the region a unique climate that is ideal for growing grapes, making it one of Ontario’s emerging wine regions.
What Is EPIC Wine Country?
EPIC Wine Country is the name given to the wine-growing region of Essex County and Pelee Island in southwestern Ontario.
EPIC stands for Essex Pelee Island Coast, highlighting the region’s location along the shores of Lake Erie.
The region is home to a collection of wineries, vineyards and wine experiences, making it a great destination for wine lovers.
From established wineries to smaller family-run vineyards, EPIC Wine Country offers plenty of opportunities to taste locally produced wines while exploring the beautiful Windsor-Essex countryside.
My 5 Favourite Windsor-Essex Wineries
There are 18+ wineries in the region, but below you will find my 5 favourite ones.
1. North 42 Degrees Estate Winery And Serenity Lavender
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery is a family-owned estate winery located in Colchester, right in the heart of Windsor-Essex wine country.
The 17-acre estate vineyard produces award-winning wines from grapes grown right on the property, with the vineyard surrounded by Carolinian forest and Lake Erie breezes.
Also, the winery is home to Bistro 42, which is a stunning farm-to-table restaurant.
It serves seasonal dishes inspired by European cuisine, with locally grown ingredients used throughout the menu.
You can enjoy your meal while taking in views of the vineyard and surrounding gardens, and the restaurant offers wine pairings to complement the dishes.
Their lineup includes popular varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, along with whites like Riesling and Chardonnay.
Also, they produce rosé and sparkling wines, giving you plenty of options to choose from during a tasting.
What makes North 42 Degrees especially unique is that it is also home to Serenity Lavender Farm, creating a beautiful combination of vineyards and lavender fields.
During lavender season, the fields become a beautiful backdrop for photos and a lovely addition to a winery visit.
With wine tastings, a restaurant, vineyard views and a lavender farm all in one location, North 42 Degrees makes it easy to spend several hours here.
2. Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards is a beautiful 70-acre estate winery located in Harrow, Ontario, in the heart of Windsor-Essex wine country.
The winery produces a variety of wines, making a tasting a fun way to discover some of the flavours of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region.
This winery is known for its exceptional reds, such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot, as well as whites like Riesling and Chardonnay.
One of the highlights of a visit is the Vines Restaurant, an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a meal paired with Cooper’s Hawk wines.
During warmer months, the patio is especially lovely, offering views of the surrounding vineyards while you eat and sip your wine.
Also, Cooper’s Hawk has the Hawk Trail, a 1.5-kilometre nature trail that winds through restored natural habitat on the property.
The trail is home to native plants, wetlands and plenty of opportunities to spot local birds and wildlife.
We visited Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards and the wines, and the grounds were both exceptional. We didn’t have a chance to try the food, but it looked yummy.
3. Paglione Estate Winery
Paglione Estate Winery is a Tuscan-inspired winery in Harrow, Ontario, that brings a little taste of Italy.
The winery was founded by Santino “Sam” Paglione, an Italian immigrant who dreamed of owning a winery.
His Italian heritage is reflected throughout the property’s architecture, food and wine.
The winery itself has a distinctive Old World look, complete with a stone façade, clay tile roof and turret, making it one of the more unique-looking wineries in the region.
Paglione is also home to an Italian-inspired trattoria serving wood-fired pizza, antipasti, handmade gelato and other Italian dishes.
You can enjoy your meal indoors or on the patio while taking in views of the surrounding vineyards.
The winery produces small-batch wines using locally grown grapes, with varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay.
I would say that Paglione was by far my favourite winery that we tried. The food and wines were both outstanding, and loved the entire vibe of the place.
In terms of food, we ordered the Bruschetta and a Stallone Pizza sooo good!
4. Viewpointe Estate Winery
Viewpointe Estate Winery is a family-operated winery located along County Road 50 in Harrow, right on the shores of Lake Erie.
What makes Viewpointe stand out is its spectacular panoramic views of the lake, which you can enjoy from the spacious lakeside patio and lawn.
Some of the wines you can find include Cabernet Franc, Merlot blends, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.
Also, they offer their popular Auxerrois, a crisp white wine that pairs particularly well with seafood and appetizers.
The winery also has an on-site kitchen serving casual seasonal food.
Including homemade pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and local favourites such as Lake Erie fish and chips.
Viewpointe also hosts live music, seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, making it more than just a place to stop for a wine tasting.
We visited Viewpointe Estate Winery and did the wine tasting. In my opinion, this winery had the best views, but my least favourite wine option of the five.
5. Black Bear Farms Of Ontario Estate Winery
Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery Inc. is a family-owned and operated winery on a working farm in Kingsville, Ontario.
Rather than focusing primarily on grape wines, Black Bear Farms specializes in fruit wines made from berries and fruit grown right on the family farm.
Their 83-acre farm produces everything from strawberries and raspberries to blueberries, black currants, gooseberries, peaches and pears, many of which are turned into unique wines.
What makes a visit particularly fun is the sheer variety of fruit wines available.
Also, you can find their wines only here; they don’t sell to the LCBO.
Their Papa’s Special Reserve, made with red and purple raspberries, is one of their signature wines and won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships.
Their Elderberry wine has also received major recognition, including Double Gold and Best of Category at the same competition.
The winery has a charming, down-to-earth farm-country atmosphere.
Making it a great stop if you’re looking to try something completely different from the typical Cabernet or Chardonnay.
It’s also a fun place to pick up a bottle as a unique souvenir from Windsor-Essex.
Especially if you’re a fan of sweeter or dessert-style wines.
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FAQs: Windsor-Essex Wineries
Let’s take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about the Windsor-Essex wineries.
What type of wine does the Windsor-Essex area produce?
Windsor-Essex is part of Ontario’s Lake Erie North Shore wine region.
It its warm, sunny microclimate makes it particularly well suited to growing both red and white wine grapes.
The region has one of Ontario’s longest growing seasons and benefits from the moderating effect of Lake Erie, which helps grapes ripen fully while maintaining good acidity.
The area is particularly known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay for the reds.
Riesling and Pinot Gris are also important white varieties that are available.
Also, you’ll find Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Gewürztraminer at some local wineries.
The region is especially good at producing fuller-bodied, fruit-forward red wines.
Meanwhile, its whites tend to have refreshing acidity and floral or tropical fruit characteristics.
In addition, there are some really interesting varieties beyond traditional grape wines.
A few Windsor-Essex wineries produce fruit wines made from locally grown berries and fruit, while others experiment with less common grape varieties and blends.
How many wineries are in Windsor-Essex?
Windsor-Essex is home to more than 18+ wineries, making it one of Ontario’s most exciting wine destinations.
The region’s wineries are primarily located along the Lake Erie North Shore, with many clustered around Harrow, Kingsville, Amherstburg, etc.
When is the best time to visit the wineries in Windsor-Essex?
The best time to visit the wineries in Windsor-Essex is from late spring through early fall, particularly June to October.
Summer is a popular time to visit because the vineyards are lush and green.
Also, many wineries offer outdoor patios, live music, food events and other seasonal experiences.
September and October are especially great for wine lovers because you can experience the region during harvest season.
The vineyards take on beautiful fall colours, and wineries host harvest-themed events, including the annual EPIC Harvest Festival.
That said, there really isn’t a bad season for a winery visit.
Many Windsor-Essex wineries are open year-round, and the region hosts wine events throughout the year.
Can you visit multiple wineries in one day?
Absolutely! Visiting multiple wineries in one day is one of the best ways to experience Windsor-Essex wine country.
Many of the wineries are conveniently located along County Road 50 and the Lake Erie North Shore.
This makes it easy to visit several without spending too much time driving between stops.
For a relaxed day, I would recommend planning for 2-3 wineries.
This gives you enough time to enjoy a tasting, explore the properties, stop for lunch and take photos without feeling rushed.
You could easily spend an hour or two at some wineries, especially those with restaurants, patios, gardens or other attractions.
One of the easiest areas to build a winery-hopping itinerary is around Harrow and Colchester, where several wineries are clustered along County Road 50.
Can you visit Windsor-Essex wineries without a car?
Yes, you can visit Windsor-Essex wineries without a car, but you’ll want to plan your transportation in advance.
Keep in mind that the wineries are spread throughout Essex County and many are in rural areas.
Therefore, public transportation and ride shares aren’t the easiest way to get between them.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives, including organized wine tours or cycling tours.
One of the easiest options is Grape Vine Tours Inc.
It offers door-to-door pickup and drop-off from hotels, B&Bs, and residences throughout Windsor and Essex County.
Their tours typically visit three wineries and can include lunch and tasting fees.
Another option is a guided cycling wine tour, such as Wine Trail Ride.
It combines several winery stops with cycling along quiet country roads and the Chrysler Canada Greenway.
To find a map of the area where the wines are located, check out this EPIC Wine Country Map.
Final Thoughts: My 5 Favourite Windsor-Essex Wineries You Need to Visit
Windsor-Essex may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Ontario wine country.
However, after exploring the region, I can honestly say it deserves a spot on your wine-travel list.
From picturesque vineyards and lakeside patios to Italian-inspired wineries, fruit wines and farm-to-table dining, each winery has its own personality and something different to offer.
My five favourites are a great starting point for discovering what makes Windsor-Essex wine country so special.
Whether you’re a serious wine lover or simply looking for a fun getaway from Toronto, you can easily spend a few days exploring the wineries, enjoying local food and taking in the beautiful Lake Erie scenery.
