WINERIES
The reputation of viticulture in our region has begun to attract wine connoisseurs from across the world. Authentic experiences await you in the tasting rooms and chef's tables scattered along Lake Erie's shore. This area is positioned on the 42nd parallel, a circle of latitude we share with the famous wine-making regions of northern California and central Italy. It's no wonder that our wineries grow some of the best grapes in Ontario or that they're producing some of the very best wines.
Most of the wineries in the Town of Essex are family-owned and operated, which means nearly every spot will feel like home. Enjoy stunning views and behind-the-scenes tours of wine cellars and vineyards. In every season of the year you can expect to be wowed by knowledgeable owners, dedicated hosts, and award-winning winemakers.
WINE AND DINE
Cooper's Hawk Vineyard & The Vines Restaurant
Inspiration for their name and their branding came from one of the many birds that frequent Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards. But it’s not just the birds that love to swoop in on this winery! Grab some friends and fly over to the Cooper’s Hawk tasting bar where knowledgeable staff will guide you on a journey of flavours. Enjoy a cool glass of your favourite on the outdoor patio, or stop in at The Vines Restaurant for a bite to eat. Surrounded by wide windows, with an expansive view of the vineyard, The Vines serves gourmet meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Pair your meal with an award-winning wine and you’ll understand why the birds keep coming back.
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW)
Go with the nautical theme and bring your “CREW” along for a tasting tour at Colchester Ridge Estate Winery. Learn about the 12-acre vineyard and award-winning wines from their friendly, knowledgeable staff. Sip a glass of award-winning POSH Cuvée or Flagship Chardonnay outdoors, while a Lake Erie breeze blows gently through the picnic area. Did you know they offer FREE DELIVERY in Windsor Essex? Send an email to orders@colchesterridge.com and they will be able to help you out!
Muscedere Vineyards
Sip and savour with the Muscedere family. Located further inland than other wineries in Essex, Muscedere is also one of the smallest with 14 acres of planted vines. Commitment to quality means that they harvest the grapes by hand and produce small batches of exceptional wines. From May through October, sink your teeth into a thin-crust wood-fired pizza while sipping a glass of award-winning 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. On bright sunny days, dive into a lively conversation while relaxing on the patio or staying cool in the shade of the gazebo. And don’t forget to visit the goats. They’re family too!
North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42
You’re in for a “scentsational” experience at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery. As the only winery in the province to offer a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, North 42 is also singular as the southernmost winery in the province to pair grapes and lavender. And that’s not all. Their farming expertise extends to fresh fruits and vegetables that are harvested daily from the two-acre on-site garden. Enjoy a farm-to-table feast and a glass of wine at the newly opened Bistro 42, then stroll through the lavender and visit the gift shop at Serenity Lavender Farms.
Oxley Estate Winery & Restaurant
Pass beneath the arched entrance to Oxley Estate Winery and enter a world of wine-infused warmth. Located on a high bluff overlooking Lake Erie, the property offers stunning views of land and lake from the Wine Garden patio. Inside the renovated 1920 barn that serves as a retail store and event centre, winemaker Peter Pfeifer and a team of talented chefs create memorable flavours. Enjoy a Lake Erie perch entrée with a glass of 'Wowza White' or opt for a light appetizer to pair with your Cabernet Merlot. The seasonal menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Outside, position a Muskoka chair alongside the wood-burning fireplace and enjoy a glass of your favourite with a homemade dessert.
Paglione Estate Winery & Restaurant
Enjoy “wine from a simpler time” at Paglione Estate Winery. Sip and savour seven unique vintages, including fan favourites like Summer Light Pino Noir or the 2016 Riesling. Relax on the colourful patio and sink your teeth into a wood-fired pizza, hand-made and freshly baked with local ingredients. Don’t forget dessert! Sample a variety of creamy Italian gelato and take in the authentic Tuscan-style architecture. Nestled in the heart of EPIC Wine Country, Paglione’s traditional charm and cultural experience provide a little taste of “la dolce vita.”
Viewpointe Estate Winery
Vin Winery
The newest winery in the Town of Essex. Vin Winery is home to the Wedding Venue, Wedding in the Woods. Stop by for some delicious wine, gorgeous scenery and feel like you've been whisked into a dream world.
Fun fact, did you know vin directly translates to wine? Now you know! Come check out this modern winery - it might be newer, but it brings big flavour notes in their wine.
FINE WINE
Colio Estate Winery
Colio Estate Wines is celebrated for its award-winning wines. It is also hold historical significance as the winery that revived viticulture and wine making in Essex County. When Colio secured its winery licence in 1980, it began a regional renaissance in wine-making that hadn’t been seen since before Prohibition. Today, Colio manages over 200 acres of vineyard property on Lake Erie’s north shore and has captured over 400 medals in national and international competitions. Its Bricklayer’s cache series showcases the best that the region and the Colio vineyard have to offer, while the Girls’ Night Out series offers flavour combinations for every occasion. Colio wines are available at LCBO stores and 14 retail boutiques across the province, including the original location in Harrow.
Erie Shore Vineyard
Quality over quantity is the focus at Erie Shore Vineyard. Located just a few hundred meters from Erie’s shore, the winery benefits from lakeshore breezes that flow across the property to the vineyard beyond. Relax and enjoy the scenic view while sipping a glass of their critically acclaimed Unoaked Chardonnay or one of the many vintages available at the on-site retail store. You’ll discover extraordinary fruity flavours in some of the wines. The owners say this is partly due to the unique genetics of the grapes, their proximity to the water, and a great deal of precise care. As one of the oldest wineries in the area, Erie Shores Vineyard is a must-stop destination when exploring the region’s wine route.