When the leaves start to change colours, and the breezes of autumn cool down the days and nights, wine lovers in Ontario know it’s time for the beginning of yet another beautiful  friendship that’s cultivated yearly under the harvest moon. After all, what would September be without a drive into the country, winding through picturesque landscapes on the way to wines unknown? Indeed, it’s true—for many, there is no better time to see what Ontario wines are made of than during the fall.

Wine Country Ontario has defined five regions in the province as top-quality wine destinations, and these are: Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island; Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley; Niagara-on-the-Lake; Prince Edward County; and Other Regions. Within each of these areas is something for every palate and taste, including VQA-certified wines that are 100% Ontario-made, from grapes to glass, eco wine-growing within the Sustainable Winemaking Ontario program, and on-site dining experiences that use ingredients provided by local growers and suppliers.

Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island

Located in southwestern Ontario, the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island wine-growing region is known for its full-bodied wines, many of which are easily accessible at the Shores of Erie International Wine Festival, in early September. Pelee Island is also recognized as having the longest growing season in the country, thanks to its position as Canada’s most southern point.  Wine Country Ontario–recommended wineries in the region include: Colio Estates Wines (check out their CEV Meritage Cabernet Franc and Merlot); the Pelee Island Winery (don’t miss their Lighthouse Riesling); the Smith and Wilson Estate Winery (try the 2007 Double Barrel for a unique Bordeaux blend); the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion (a large and locally supplied wine store and gift shop built close to the ruins of Vin Villa, Canada’s first winery); and the Sprucewood Shore Estate Winery (sample their award-winning Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon).

Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley

Boasting over 40 wineries, the Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley region is an excellent place to visit during the fall months. The Bruce Trail footpath and Lake Ontario provide the nature and the scenery, the golf courses, heritage sites, museums, and art galleries provide the entertainment, and the vineyards provide an intimate look inside some of Ontario’s most well-known wineries, including: the Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery (Baco Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay are the highlights at this popular Ontario winery): the Tawse Winery (the 2010 winner of the Winery of the Year Award at the Canadian Wine Awards); the Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery (bring home the rare Shiraz Icewine to sip while watching the next hockey game); the Magnotta Winery (home of Canada’s first Amarone-inspired VQA red wine); and Thirty Bench Wine Makers (one of Niagara’s first boutique wineries, and where oenophiles don’t want to miss the single-block, old-vine Riesling). Each of these wineries offers year-round tours and tastings, and a full Niagara wine experience (including tours, tastings, cuisine, concerts, and wine seminars) is available every mid-to-late September at the 10-day Niagara Wine Festival, based in St. Catharines.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located nearby the Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley region is the acclaimed community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This world-famous wine-country destination did not earn its reputation by mistake—each of its vintners knows exactly how to take advantage of the natural surroundings to produce top-quality wines that pair easily with the delicious local cuisine and fantastic entertainment that are equals parts of the essence of Niagara-on-the-Lake. For enjoyable and informative tours, tastings, and events, try the Hillebrand Winery, the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery, the Peller Estates Winery, Inniskillin, or Stonechurch Vineyards.

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County, on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, in eastern Ontario, is quickly becoming Ontario’s newest wine darling, known for its mineral-driven wines offered at locations such as: the Sandbanks Estate Winery (complimentary vineyards tours every day at 12 pm); the Huff Estates Winery (stay and play at the estate’s inn); and the Casa-Dea Estates Winery (don’t miss out on the 2008 Cabernet Franc). The Grange of Prince Edward Winery also hosts an annual Taste! Of Harvest Party at the end of September, during which guests take wagon rides and walking tours through the estate’s vineyards as they learn about the entire wine-making process.

Other Regions

Beyond the borders of the four regions described above are many more wine-tasting and touring adventures, including the Oak Heights Estate Winery, in Warkworth (west of Belleville), Milan Wineries Inc., in Toronto, and the Willow Springs Winery, in Stoufville.

So, what is everyone waiting for? Throw on a warm sweater, pack the camera, turn on the GPS, and discover what it means to be part of the fall harvest in Ontario wine country!

Carla MacKay, My Destination Ontario
September 2011