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ESSEX COUNTY WINERIES & BREWERIES Your Taste of the County.

Discover good food and great drink in Windsor-Essex County.

ESSEX COUNTY WINERIES & BREWERIES Your Taste  of the County.

Experience where the good things grow..

At ECWB, we feature local wine, beer and experiences throughout the county. Located on the 42 parallel, Essex County grapes grow in a climate similar to Bordeaux, France and the wine regions of California. Our goal is to promote and inspire the public about our surrounding vineyards and breweries by pairing good recipes with great drink and company. Browse our weekly pairings, local hot spots and best vineyards to learn more about what Windsor-Essex County has to offer.

EXPLORE Windsor-Essex County.

Brewed on the backroads.

Taste the 42nd parallel.

Local restaurants.

Get inspired latest pairings., pets at essex county wineries & breweries, gl heritage brewing co’s stompin’ grounds coffee cream ale with carrot cake truffles., sandwich brewing co. ruby sue canadian dark mild with an irish breakfast..

• Explore Wineries
• Explore Breweries

Enjoy Viewpointe

Viewpointe Estate Winery offers wines and winemaking from a different pointe of view. It’s an essential stop along the Southwestern Ontario wine route.

Afternoon at the View

Join family and friends on our lakeside patio, perfect for a fun-filled leisurely afternoon. Enjoy the view and lunch with our casual, take-away style food service.

Leashed, friendly pets are welcome on our patio and in our retail shoppe.

What’s New at the View

Perch-a-Palooza August 24th – Tickets on sale now

Our annual Perch-a-Palooza festival is happening on Saturday August 24, 2024 from 12pm-8pm at Viewpointe!

Entertainment by Jen Knight, Paul Beresford, Canadian Goldrush, and Mojo Wailers.

All ages welcome. Advance tickets for Admission to this event is $15. No refunds or rain date.

This year we are pre-selling tickets for Perch & Chips – $22 – 4 piece Lake Erie Yellow Perch fillets with house-made tartar sauce, french fries, coleslaw & lemon

Click this link to get your tickets and pre-order Perch & Chips now ! Or call the winery at 519-738-0690 for more details.

Road Closure & Detour

Please be advised that the road our winery is located on is currently closed on the West end – you must come from the East of County Road 50.

If you are planning a winery tour with stops at Viewpointe / CREW / North 42 and Sprucewood / Erie Shore, budget for more time to take the detour. Consider adding Cooper’s Hawk Winery to your itinerary, it is along the detour route on Iler Road.

We hope to see you soon!

Save the Date for our Upcoming Events!

Canada Day Weekend – Live music and BBQ specials all weekend long June 28 – July 1st

Perch – a – Palooza on Saturday August 24th

Polka Party on Sunday October 6th

Sit back, relax, and enjoy live music on Viewpointe’s lakeside lawn during one of our summer concerts or afternoon sessions. Explore the EPIC wine trail as you hop from winery to winery, tasting delicious food and wine pairings as you go. Embrace Essex County’s agricultural heritage at our Lighted Tractor Parade. Browse the Event Calendar to plan your next visit to Viewpointe.

Special Occasions

Viewpointe has indoor and outdoor spaces for organizing various events. Our “Room with a View”, the second-floor Erie Room, offers stunning views of Lake Erie and comfortably seats 120. Complete the event inquiry or send us an email to start planning your event with us.

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Retail Shoppe & Tasting Bar

Hours Daily 11am-5pm (to 6pm Sat&Sun)

We deliver within Ontario

For groups of 8 or more please contact us here to let us know when to expect you

Kitchen Hours

Full Menu Daily (Charcuterie Box only on Tuesday) 12pm-4pm (to 5pm Sat&Sun)

151 County Road 50 East, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0 519-738-0690 1-866-372-8439 [email protected]

Its’s Easy With Grape Vine Tours

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Winery Tours to Essex County’s North Shore

Grape Vine Tours offers excursions for groups of 2 to 12 visitors. We will pick you up at your residence, hotel, B&B or marina, anywhere in Essex County or Windsor. You will be toured to 3 outstanding wineries, 2 wineries & 1 brewery, or 3 breweries to sampling each winery’s award winning wines, or brewery’s award winning brews.

Grape Vine Tours allows you to enjoy the winery, wines and scenery without worrying about driving. Custom experiences can also be arranged. Please let us know what places you would like to visit and we will arrange it.

What People Have to Say!

• Thank you Peter our wine tour was great, the venues were all ready for us and Dave was excellent I would recommend the service to others. -Greg Payne
• Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how pleased we were with our tour today. This was not our first rodeo but we can say with clarity that Norma has made our day more enjoyable than any of our previous guides. This is not complaint about those we have had before but a compliment to her. All the best. -Charlie Elliott
• The wine tour was amazing! We wanted to thank you! Norma was amazing! We are grateful for her and your company for the great experience! Cheers! -Lorraine and Len
• Just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the group tour. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and all wonderful comments. Thank you also for the wine that you sent for Brian and I. I am really enjoying it. The group plan to do something similar next year, possibly the same location, which they loved. So you may not be done with me yet LOL. Thank you again for everything. Every detail was appreciated. -Margaret
• Thanks had a great tour with Dave!! 5 star! -Tracy
• I am absolutely floored at the service I have received today from sherry. As well as all the work you (Peter) have put in to our lovely day. Thank you and your team so much for everything. We will return. -Daniella
• Please thank Linda for a fabulous tour. She was great and we enjoyed every minute of it. Linda also gave us a lot of interesting information about the local area. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide! And the wine was good too! -June
• Our guide Sherry was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. We had a great day with her and plan to return to the area and do another tour. -
• We want to thank you for the wonderful day we had with you. We appreciated your knowledge of your region, your courtesy and your good driving. We will recommend you as much as we can. We will enjoy the wine we bought thinking of you. Thank you very much and take care. -Micheline, Hélène and Luc
• Thanks for arranging such a great day! Norma was so wonderful, patient and kind - she really made the day special. Just thought you should know she is truly top notch! Wishing you and your team the best! Stay Good, Anne - Anne Dumais

Wine and Brew Along the North Shore

Visit 2 craft breweries for tastings. Each Brewery offers a flight of their craft beer consisting of 3 or 4 samples. Wine tasting at 2 wineries with tasting fees included. Lunch at one, at winery or brewery. Tasting fees and lunch included in price. A tour of winery production facilities Shop at winery boutiques. Many wines are only available at the winery.

Craft Brewery Experience

Visit 3 craft breweries for tastings and have lunch at one. Tasting fees and lunch included in price. Each Brewery offers a flight of their craft beer consisting of 3 or 4 samples.

View all Tours

View all tours

Peter Scherer owner of Grape Vine Tours Inc. was among 50 inaugural winners of the Wise 50/50 Awards. These awards were presented at the Start Up Canada Event on the Hill at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. Entrepreneurs from across Canada met to discuss the challenges facing start up businesses.

Wendy Mayhew, a 66 year old business woman, from the Ottawa area decided to prove a point about older entrepreneurs during Canada’s 150 birthday year. That’s when she decided to create the Wise 50 over 50 Award. A panel of judges chose 50 winners from applications Canada wide.

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WINERIES & MICROBREWERIES IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Southwestern Ontario has wineries & Microbreweries ranging from Canada’s most Southerly vineyard to Canada’s oldest independently owned craft brewery. Take a winery tour in Niagara, Prince Edward County, St. Jacob's, Guelph, Waterloo, Perth, Guelph, Elora-Fergus, Burlington, Hamilton, Sarnia & London or sample some of the product at one of the region’s many craft breweries/distilleries. If you are doing wine tours, consider adding Niagara’s and Prince Edward County’s wineries too!

SHOWING 26 - 29 of 29

519-738-2224

Pickup location: Windsor Crossing 1555 Talbot Rd , LaSalle, Ontario Southwestern Ontario

519-837-2337

950 Woodlawn Road W , Guelph, Ontario Southwestern Ontario

289-324-0312

84 Concession 8 East , Flamborough, Ontario Southwestern Ontario

519-726-1111

7781 Howard Ave. , Amherstburg, Ontario Southwestern Ontario

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Free  Ontario wide shipping and local delivery with the purchase of  12 bottles or more.     A flat rate of $10 shipping fee with orders under 12 bottles

A melody for your senses

Welcome to Vivace Estate Winery

 Some of our favourites 

It's nice to meet you

Vivace Estate Winery stands at the western gateway to Southwestern Ontario’s premier wine country in the historic town of Amherstburg, Ontario. A remarkable experience of vine to wine excellence.

Our professional winery team is waiting to pour you your first glass. We are just a short 15-minute scenic drive along the Detroit River south of Windsor and Detroit.

About Vivace

have a glass

2022 Marquette

Rosé(Brillante) VQA

Merlot 2020

Pinot Grigio

from our delighted customers

On Labour Day weekend, we invited our family from Sarnia to enjoy the Windsor wine scene. Vivace was our last winery, and it was an excellent ending to our wine tour! Stephanie was our server, and she was fantastic! Great personality and very attentive. Very knowledgeable about the wines we tasted! We spent way more time here than we expected, but every minute was so much fun with Stephanie! We want to thank her again for such a fun experience, and can't wait to visit again soon!

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519-997-2576

5141 Conc Rd. 5 N, Amherstburg, Ontario N9v0c8

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Ontario VQA Wine Country is the place to discover world class wineries, exciting events and award-winning wine .

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Hockley Valley Resort and Adamo Winery | Central Counties

Prince Edward County

Niagara region, york, durham and headwaters, southwestern ontario, ottawa and countryside, huron county, on this page, stay at these beautiful ontario wineries.

Round up your best friends or significant other for a wine-inspired vineyard vacation getaway during Ontario’s most colourful season.

Take wine tastings and winery tours to the next level and give yourselves more time to appreciate Ontario’s award-winning wineries and vineyards. Especially in fall, when nature transforms from backdrop to centre stage will gorgeous fall colour extending from the vines to the forests.

Here are some of the best winery accommodations in Ontario, where you can wine, dine and doze overlooking the grapevines.

Three Dog Winery

Ease into the off-beat charm of Three Dog Winery just 15 minutes outside of Picton. The winery exudes the essence of The County culture—laid back, artisanal-focused and eco-minded.

Extend your visit by booking a stay at the Vineyard Loft . The open concept, studio loft apartment is a peaceful retreat that affords gorgeous views of the vineyards below. Plus it’s directly above Three Dog Yoga Studio, so add some downward dog to your vineyard vacation. 

Location : 1920 Fish Lake Road, Picton  

Huff Estates Winery & Inn

Another Prince Edward County vineyard digs, the Inn at Huff Estates is directly adjacent to the winery, nestled amongst the vines just north of Bloomfield.

There are several different l odging options at the inn including the winemaker’s suite complete with a fireplace and a wrap-around patio guaranteeing you optimal vineyard views. Huff Estates will customize all kinds of packages and of course, your stay includes a wine tasting and tour.

Location : 2274 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield  

Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant

One of Prince Edward County’s founding wineries, Waupoos Estate is a stunning property overlooking Prince Edward Bay. It includes a farm-to-table style restaurant, an inviting tasting room to sample their selection of wines, including the County’s first ice wine and now accommodations.

The Farmhouse at Waupoos is a beautifully restored, four-bedroom, century home with views of the lake and the vineyards.

Location : 3016 County Road 8, Picton  

The Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse

Located on a private vineyard, foodies and wine lovers are invited to stay in the 175-year-old farmhouse that’s been converted into a stylish country micro-hotel and spa in the heart of Prince Edward County. Relax in the Scandinavian sauna, hike a forest pathway or explore nearby wineries. A hearty chef-prepared brunch is included.

Location : 1375 Royal Road, Milford  

Exultet Estates

This family run winery tucked away along the backroads in the southeast corner of The County continues to produce award-winning wines that celebrate a pride of place.

Sample excellent hand crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced in limited quantities in the tasting shed behind the winery. For those who love bubbles, try the sparkling apple wine.

Make this peaceful spot home base for a few days by booking a stay in the rustic, two-bedroom + suite overlooking the vineyard .

Location: 1112 Royal Road, Milford  

Hillier Creek Estate Winery

Home to famous authentic Italian wood fired pizza, Hillier Creek is a popular PEC winery for pairing great wine with delicious pizza in a relaxed setting.

Now you can extend your stay by booking an overnight at the vacation rental house that can accommodate up to six people in three cozy suites.

Location: 46 Stapleton Road, Hillier

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard

This striking, Georgian-style mansion is located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway, just outside historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The restored, 21-room, 1860 inn is surrounded by 17 acres of vineyard and gardens, boasting quite the view from the lounge, restaurant and patio. Sample Riverbend’s own wine at the bar, a flight tasting includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Arrange a romantic dinner for two in the garden gazebo and cozy by the fireplace.

Location : 16104 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake  

Vineland Estates Winery

One of the most scenic vineyards along the Niagara Bench, Vineland invites you to make yourself at home in either the one-bedroom B&B cottage or the three-bedroom Estate Guesthouse for a full-crew getaway.

Both winery accommodations feature self-catering kitchens, but Vineland’s renovated circa 1845 farmhouse restaurant is right next door. A complimentary bottle of award-winning Riesling, combined with expansive vineyard vistas courtesy of Mother Nature, creates the perfect wine-sipping atmosphere.

Location : 3620 Moyer Road, Vineland  

Cave Springs Cellars

Jordan is a little village that’s really big on wine vibe. Inn On The Twenty , an upscale boutique hotel on Main Street is directly across the road from the celebrated Cave Springs Cellars, producers of award-winning Riesling and home to the oldest functioning wine cellar in Ontario.

Unwind in one of the inn’s country chic guestrooms. With the fireplace, soaker tub and giant bed you might want to consider room service. For a larger group, consider booking the Vineyard Estate House , a fully-equipped, Victorian-style farmhouse.

Location : 3845 Main Street, Jordan

Alvento Winery

Book the Vineyard Villa at Alvento Winery and enjoy continental breakfast and complimentary tasting at the winery. You’ll also find great nature trails nearby.

Location : 3048 Second Avenue, Vineland Station  

Pearl Morissette

With its distinctive wines, fine dining restaurant, casual bakery and garden tours, Pearl Morissette has defined itself as a foodie destination experience.

Complete the experience with an overnight stay at the Orchard Villa , just a few minutes away from the winery. Surrounded by fruit trees and gardens, enjoy relaxing on the private deck with a glass of fine wine.

Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station  

Vieni Estate

Home to award winning still wines, Icewines and Charmat-style wines, you’re also invited to sample traditional Italian grappas, distilled spirits and sparkling apple cider in the heart of Niagara’s wine country.

Make the most of the experience and stay in one of three suites at the Bed & Breakfast . Take in vineyard views, dip in the private pool and explore the forest trails along this section of the Bruce Trail. Gourmet breakfast and complimentary wine tasting is included.

Location: 4553 Fly Road, Lincoln

Adamo Estate Winery

Flavourful wine and special events like Wine and Unwind Fridays or Sunday Brunch make it very tempting to linger at this welcoming winery.

Luckily with  Hockley Valley Resort  right next door, you can stay awhile. Add golf, hiking and spa services to your wine getaway.

Location:   793366 3rd Line EHS, Orangeville

Burning Kiln Winery

Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie and the UNESCO World Biosphere of Long Point, in the agriculturally rich region of Norfolk County, Burning Kiln has grown into a world-class winery without losing its salt-of-the-earth roots.

Visit the property, sample the tasting flights, meet the winemaker and spend the night at the winery Farmhouse . Built in 1865, this lovingly restored three-bedroom farmhouse sits at the highest point of the estate affording beautiful views of the winery and vineyards below.  

Location:   1709 Front Road, St Williams  

Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery

Combine fine wine or cider with the lovely aroma of lavender at Bonnieheath Estate, a 52 hectare farm featuring vineyards, lavender fields and wild, natural areas.

The farm’s history dates back to the early 1800s and produced tobacco for many years before transforming into one of Ontario’s favourite spots for artisan wine.

After roaming the rows of lavender and nature trails, retreat to the three-bedroom vintage style luxury farmhouse to sip on a glass of full-bodied Marquette.

Location:  410 Concession 12 Townsend, Waterford  

Paglione Estate Winery

From the villa-esque architecture to the wood-fired pizza, hand-crafted gelato and small batch wine, soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere at this Italian inspired winery on Ontario’s southernmost coast.

Book the spacious, two-bedroom Owner’s Suite with kitchen, living and dining area as well as a terrace overlooking the vineyard

Location: 724 County Road 50 East, Harrow

Vankleek Hill Vineyard

Specializing in Frontenac reds and whites, Vankleek Hill Vineyard is a labour of love for a family of three generations on a 22-hectare property an hour east of Ottawa.

Enjoy sampling wine on the patio along with pizza or charcuterie on the weekends, and coming soon, book an overnight stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt  onsite.

Location: 3725 Dandy Road, 3725 County Rd 12, Vankleek Hill

Hesseland Inn and Schatz Winery

Located along the Lake Huron shoreline just north of Grand Bend in the village of St. Joseph, this small batch vineyard, boutique country inn and Feast ON certified restaurant is the ideal destination for a milestone celebration or a quiet, relaxing getaway.

Location:  72981 ON-21, Zurich

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The wine lover's guide to Prince Edward County

The wine lover's guide to Niagara, Canada

Explore Windsor Essex wineries in Ontario’s southernmost wine region

Last updated:  May 28, 2024

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THE 10 BEST Ontario Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tours & tastings in ontario.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation

2. Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour

3. 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake

4. Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country

5. From Toronto: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wine & Chocolate Day Trip

6. Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour

7. Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake

8. Art & Wine Workshop | Trained Instructor and Excellent Wine

9. 6 Hour Wine, Cheese, Chocolate Tasting Tour with Lunch

10. Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour

11. Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour with Lunch -Private Tour in Classic English Cab

12. Private 5 Hour Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake with cheese & charcuterie

13. Tour Wine, Beer, Cider, Spirit - Something for Everyone Tour

14. Niagara-on-the-Lake Early Afternoon Wine, Cheese and Spirits Tour

15. Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting

16. Grape to Glass Wine Experience

17. Toronto Aerial Tour with Niagara Winery Tasting Tour with iflyTOTO

18. Canadian Wine Tasting Experience

19. Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner

20. Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch

21. Niagara Falls with Maple & Wine from Toronto. Local Experience

22. Toronto: Private Wine Tasting Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake

23. Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine-Tasting Tour with Optional Lunch

24. Walking Food Tour in St. Catharines

25. Flexible Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto

26. Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch

27. Black Glass Wine Tasting

28. Private All-Inclusive Sandbanks Tours (2 Day Intro Camp)

29. Luxury Wine Tours to Niagara On The Lake

30. 3 hours Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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VIP art gallery visits, with a studio tour

Scenic views & best photo opps in Paris

Culture and history points of interest

Nature walks in case you arrive early, or want to stay late

Tasty Road Trips Exclusive Market Bag, as your ID for the day.

You will not be hungry at the end of this daytrip walking adventure! I promise you, Spicy Jan.

Your exclusive Tasty Road Trips Itinerary will offer a history of the town, scenic views, must-visit shops & boutiques, the coolest art galleries, and the best selfie locations.

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips, and gratuity included for your day.

A Taste of Norfolk

Prepare yourself for this all-inclusive self-guided driving experience, enjoying delicious food and beverage tastings, and on-farm experiences while cruising along the Lake Erie shore. This tour includes:

Custom timed itinerary, with all the delicious detail just for your group.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering Rural Ontario, Port Dover, Scotland, Normandale, and St. Williams – some of the best sips and bites this region has to offer.

More than 5 local taste & sip locations

Scenic views & best photo opps along the shore

You will not be hungry at the end of this daytrip #roadtrips adventure! I promise you, Spicy Jan.

Tour Details: This tour is a five+ hour all-inclusive self-guided driving tour with all food, sips, and gratuity included for your day.

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

On this Brantford & Brant, all-inclusive self-guided driving adventure, you will eat, shop, explore, discover and sip where the locals enjoy. Brantford is the hometown of Wayne Gretzky #99, and Spicy Jan will make sure you see the best local hidden gems the area has to offer. Your tour includes:

Curated itinerary of unique destinations where you will fill your market bag with local sweets, treats, and enjoy some Farmers Market Tastings.

Spicy Jan guaranteed, you will be grazing from am to pm and love every delicious stop. You will not be hungry on this daytrip.

Visit to a local farmers market

Tour Details: This tour is a five+ hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips, and gratuity included for your day.

Road to the Ridge: Tastes of the Escarpment

This custom curated self-guided driving experience will bring you along the magnificent escarpment overlooking Stoney Creek and Ancaster. Your tour includes:

Breathtaking views of the rural roads on the Hamilton Mountain

Wine, lunch, a stop at the local market (seasonal), and grazing the day away in beautiful Stoney Creek and Ancaster

Cheese Shop Tasting Experience

Scenic views & best photo opps throughout your day

You will not be hungry at the end of this daytrip adventure! I promise you, Spicy Jan.

A Taste of Paris - Sip, Savour & Shopping

A custom-curated all-inclusive self-guided walking experience that explores downtown Paris with all the must see and do suggested stops while in town. Included are three tasting stops, and details of the nearby nature trails & waterways which surround the downtown Paris core. This tour includes:

Custom timed itinerary, with all the delicious detail

One light lunch and sip destination

One sweet stop to get your sweetness going wild!

Sip sip away, in this on trend cafe – it’s on us!

Recommended shopping experience to maximize your day.

Recommended must visit art galleries are on this tour

Scenic views, nature trails & the best photo opps in Paris

Tasty Road Trips Exclusive Market Bag as your ID for the day

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day satisfying and still have lots of browsing around town time. Reservations will be made for you.

‘To Market We Go’ - Brantford & Brant

Market Lovers who love locally inspired great tastes … this is for you!

On this road-trip day-trip self driving experience, you will visit several unique local markets which are all deliciously different. This is a full day tasting experience through Brantford, Brant and Paris.

Curated itinerary of unique destinations where you will fill your market bag with local sweets, treats, and savory bites – this is what markets are all about!

From cheese to Latin food, to farm-fresh, and more, this multi-market experience will not disappoint those who love a true local road trip.

Recommended best shops and hidden gems, geared for your day

On this culinary adventure you will be grazing from am to pm and love every delicious stop. You will not be hungry on this daytrip.

Tour Details: This Tasty Road Trips Tour is a full-day trip experience with a customized itinerary. This is a Friday and Saturday tour only.

Mystery Taste Adventure

A mystery tour curated by Spicy Jan herself and you have to be willing to go anywhere in Hamilton, Halton, and Brant Regions!

It’s a Mystery Road Trip Itinerary you won’t find out about until 3 days before your date!

Only Jan knows your locations and if you know Spicy Jan… she loves great places to explore and dine! Get ready and you need to have faith for this one!

Corporate - Team Building

Are you looking for the best way to engage your teams in social engagement outside of the office. Are you a leader looking to inspire that team spirit in your staff, yet with an interactive hands-on experiential theme. Tasty Road Trips has you covered.

We have curated the best way for your team to work together to find clues to delicious interactive destinations. We would love to host your group in Paris Ontario and bring you the best small-town team building experience, that will keep your department coming back for more.

We build community through multi-sensory experiences, they will remember for years!

Tastings and lunch included. Half Day Hands-on team building experience. Option to be held in person in Paris or Brant.

Private Group Tours

Book your deliciously curated custom group tour today. We offer private group tours in all Southwestern Ontario, for a minimum of 6 guests. All tours include:

Private driver and vehicle for your outing adventure

All food and drink reservations curated for your group

All gratuity included

Tour Details: This tour is a full-day, 5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips, and gratuity included for your day.

Please click below to send Jan the details and location you would like for your tour, and we will custom create a delicious day out for your group!

Historic Downtown Cambridge

A custom curated all inclusive, self-guided walk & taste experience in charming downtown Cambridge Ontario, which includes:

Five local taste locations

Scenic views & best photo opps in Cambridge

$125.50 per adult + HST

The Paddle & Taste Adventure in Paris,ON

Spicy Jan custom curated this daytrip adventure for those who want to experience it all!

Your day begins with a 2-hour leisurely paddle experience on The Grand River.

For the afternoon, Spicy Jan arranges a delicious local lunch destination for you with your choice of beverage, cappuccino, kombucha … you decide . Plus, we make your reservations so you will never have to wait in line.

The rest of the afternoon is a custom-curated self-guided walking experience in Downtown Paris with more great locations to visit, indulge, and shop all included! You will not be hungry at the end of this day!

Start times are between 10 & 11 am (pending availability)

All reservations and itinerary details to be coordinated by the Tasty Road Trips Team.

You will receive an exclusive itinerary for the day with all the details four days in advance of your experience.

Experience day All-inclusive with Turbo Tube – $110.50/person + HST

Private Group Tours & Virtual Events

Inquire to request a private tour experience for your group, team building, conference delegation or virtual event.

Tasty Road Trips is recommended by the Ontario Culinary Crew!

Click here to view the article

Arlington taste Adventure

Exclusively curated for the Arlington Hotel-Paris , this Grand Adventure Scavenger Hunt offers a delicious way to discover some of the great tastes & scenic views in downtown Paris… but first you have to find them all. 

Book the Adventure Package and stay overnight at the Arlington Hotel and receive a Scavenger Hunt Box or visit the front desk any day of the week to purchase an Arlington Grand Adventure. 

And yes, there is an awesome weekend package prize up for a win!

Contact the Arlington Hotel-Paris below or book directly on their website to secure your overnight stay or adventure for the day.

1+ 226-227-1767  |  info@arlingtonhotel.ca

• Give Us a Call 226-802-0486
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Ontario’s southwest discover what's on their table..

Combine the shorelines of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake St. Clair offering up world-class freshwater beaches, the rich biodiversity of the Carolinian Forest region with some of the most productive farmlands in the province creating a rapidly evolving wine and culinary scene and the friendliest communities on the planet and you get Ontario’s Southwest!

Taste a fresh new flavour that’s got Ontario foodies talking. Situated on the same latitudinal plain as Northern California, Ontario’s Southwest is home to some of Canada’s most fertile farmland and a rapidly evolving wine, craft beer and farm-to-table scene. Get a taste for the great things growing here at our many wineries, restaurants, breweries, markets and farms.

Taste what happens when fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, meats and cheeses are flavoured by some of our country’s most fertile farmland and meet the passionate producers and creative chefs behind a growing cast of farm-to-table all-stars.

Now that we’ve let you in on the secret, it’s time to come and discover it for yourself.

STORIES FROM THE REGION

Asparagus Season in Ontario

Only here for a short time, asparagus season in Ontario is one of our favourite signs of warmer days ahead!... Continue reading →

THE OXFORD COUNTY CHEESE TRAIL IS STEPPING THINGS UP FOR BIG CHEESE DAYS

On Saturdays in May, Big Cheese Days are back in Oxford County! Head out on the road for legen-dairy meals,... Continue reading →

8 Feast On® Experiences to Discover this Summer

Summer sunshine is just around the corner, and our taste buds are on high alert ready to indulge in the... Continue reading →

EXPLORE THESE COMMUNITIES

St. Thomas – Railway City

STORIES FROM THE REGION 5 Delicious Ways to Embrace Spring in Elgin County, Ontario February 25, 2024 March 18, 2024... Continue reading →

Oxford County

We’re more than Canada’s Dairy Capital…although we are that too. The connections to our dairy heritage continue to run thick as milk and our local farmers are serving up fresh ingredients that expand far beyond dairy. Continue reading →

Norfolk County

Norfolk County’s famous for it’s beaches, ports, towns and villages along Lake Erie. Continue reading →

London, Ontario

If you care about your food and where it originates, you are going to love discovering the food and drink scene in London, Ontario. Continue reading →

Elgin County

Elgin County’s unique collection of farm markets, restaurants and wineries are perfect for your next weekend road trip. Continue reading →

Windsor Essex

From Italian to Indian, Middle-eastern to Mexican, our region’s culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. Guided by a “farm-to-fork” philosophy, our area restaurants and chefs are committed to using locally sourced and raised ingredients wherever possible. Continue reading →

If ever there was place where Ontario’s quality, diversity and scale of culinary experiences was on display – it’s in Southwest Ontario. The area is big, so we don’t recommend trying to see it all in one trip. Choose a region (like Windsor Essex , Oxford County or Chatham-Kent ) and start there!

Ontario’s Southwest is home to Ontario’s oldest and newest wine regions. Wineries of all shapes and sizes dot the coast and provide a welcome escape from urban life. Sip sparklers at North 42 Winery , indulge in big bold reds at Paglione Estates Winery or go off the beaten track and visit Dark Horse Estate Winery for a rosé slushie.

Did you know Windsor has it’s own, distinct pizza culture? People have been known to bring half-baked pies home on flights after visiting the pies are so good. Explore the area, slice by slice, with the Windsor Pizza Club . We recommend starting at Caboto Club Pizza – Southwestern Ontario’s largest and oldest Italian club – and ordering a Lombarda. It’s a perfect harmony of mozzarella, zucchini, and milanese salami done up in a wood-fired oven.

Travelling with the kids in tow? Head for Oxford County and have your very own ‘ Picnic in the Patch ‘ at Berrylicious Fruit Farm – an OSW Signature experience. This pick-your-own blueberry farm is also Ontario’s largest grower of elderberries. They offer curated picnic baskets complete with blanket and blueberry lemonade, you can lay out in special spots in their fields, as well as guided picking tours and pollinator scavenger hunts for the wee ones!

Exploring the Region?

Here are a few great places to start.

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From foodie tours by bike and wine experiences to ziplining through the trees and guided paddling on scenic waters, book your next Ontario's Southwest adventure with these buyable experiences for your next trip.

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Life In Pleasantville

Food, Travel, Life

12 (Back) Road Trips in Ontario’s Beautiful Southwest

Road trips are a great time to reconnect….

When I hear the words road and trip, I think of rolled-down windows and off-key singing to an endless loop of tunes. 

I think of reconnecting to the person I’m travelling with and laughing at old and newly created memories.

When the opportunity to take a road trip through Southwestern Ontario’s Oxford County came my way, I knew it would give me a chance to reconnect to my past as well. 

My childhood landscape was filled with corn fields (I even had my first kiss in one) and barns and silos dotted the horizon of my day-to-day adventures. Visiting tiny towns that are nestled among gently rolling hills, would feel like going home, and it did.

My sister and I decided on a girls’ weekend theme and climbed into our kid-free/husband-free car, where we cranked some retro Barenaked Ladies  and hit the road. After a short 90 minute drive from Toronto, we pulled into Coyle’s Country Store to kick off our weekend of window shopping and dining ( one of the 12 suggested road trips that you can choose from Ontario Southwest’s website ). 

Dinner was served in the heart of town, at the well-known Niko’s Eatery & Bar. We took advantage of the Oxfordlicious set menu (offered across Oxford region to celebrate local ingredients) and filled up on Lake Erie Perch, steak and fresh steamed veggies. Niko’s has a family centred appeal, with Nonna making the baklava each week in the kitchen and that approach can be felt in both the food and warm service. 

The next stop was a highlight for both of us. September and the return to school routines is always welcome, but it also knocks you on your back in many ways. School and extracurricular activities leave little time for relaxation and escape. And the Elmhurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll was calling to us loudly. From the moment we checked in, we could feel the zen taking over. We settled into our rooms, found our plush robes and headed down to the tranquil spa for an evening treatment.

Do you have a friend or family member whose baking sets your heart aflutter? Now imagine walking into a cozy café filled with that kind of baking. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that we started salivating as soon as we walked through the door of the Olde Bakery Café .  My sister zeroed in on the freshly baked raspberry turnovers, which she managed to hold off on until she had lunch. And lunch did not disappoint. This café is home to young culinary talent, including chef, Kate Rine (her food blog is here ), whose Portuguese Stone soup was absolutely phenomenal. The food is made in an in-house kitchen, which also features a separate and completely gluten-free baking area. Everyone knows everyone’s name, and you feel like you’re hanging out in a friend’s kitchen having coffee. We need more gathering places like this one. 

We pulled into a third-generation dairy farm and home of Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese , where we were treated to a tour and tasting by award-winning cheese maker and owner, Shep Ysselstein. This family owned business, in an absolutely beautiful area of Oxford County, is an Ontario (and Canadian) treasure. We wandered aisles of new and old cheese, and we learned about the flavouring and textures. It was visually stunning to see the rows of cheese. You can book tours for $5/person as long as there are five people in your group. Not only is it a fascinating learning experience, you will be rewarded with delicious samples at the end.

We finally pulled our well-fed selves into the brand new Holiday Inn Express in Woodstock , so we could powder our noses and put on our cowgirl boots for dinner at Walter’s Dinner Theatre in the beautiful town of Bright. Once again, we found ourselves travelling down a gravel road and winding our way through stunning farmlands. We pulled into Walters’ and were surprised by the number of cars and eager theatre-goers. In all my years of going to concerts, I’ve never had an experience like this one. We walked into a converted barn, with all its old-fashioned quaintness, and saw a room filled with tables for eight, clustered around a state-of-the-art stage. We were treated to a homemade meal (buffet-style and perfect for chatting with the other guests) and had the chance to share a meal with a table of strangers. Once again, we were touched by the simplicity and hospitality of being in a place where people want to know your name. The live show (which goes on after dinner) was very entertaining and the audience was delighted. Their schedule of shows changes every year, and it’s recommended that you book well in advance. 

If you’re looking for a road trip that takes you down beautiful back roads and helps you discover all that Ontario has to offer, visit the Ontario’s Southwest website for trip suggestions and tips (there are 12 different packages), as well as over 40 deals and special offers. You can also follow them on Twitter , Facebook , and Pinterest .

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but I was gifted the experiences I shared with you, thanks to the generosity of Ontario’s Southwest and the destinations I visited during this road trip. The feedback and photos are my own. 

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About Life In Pleasantville

Reader Interactions

Nice pics! It always amazes me how much i have yet to see in this beautiful province, looks like i need a road trip soon, thanks for the inspiration!

HI Mary: Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. It was honestly SO relaxing and the scenery in Southwestern Ontario (on those rolling back roads) was stunning in September. The team at Ontario Southwest Tourism has put together 12 amazing road trips to take the thinking and planning out of it for you.

With two of our kids in college & university, I am always having hubby take the back road after we drop our kids off. It is a wonderful way to find places you weren’t normally visit.

There’s also http://stonecroftfolk.com , an old farmhouse with folk concerts – the two left are Emily Flack and Lenny Gallant

I’m from the UK but I have friends in Ingersoll. I went quite a few times as a teen with my parents and this brings back some great memories of the area. My Dad could never remember the name of Tilsonburg so used to call it Tinklywinkly!

I really was blown away by the farmhouse concert. Even though it wasn’t my genre of music, it was a magical experience in an absolutely BEAUTIFUL setting. It’s lovely to hear that there are other options. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for commenting. I absolutely love the rolling hills and farms. It’s just a beautiful and unassuming part of our province. It’s lovely to hear you have good memories from your visits to Canada 🙂