Windsor-Essex: EPIC Wineries and Wine Country

EPIC Wineries

The Niagara region is not the only wine country in the province of Ontario. While the Niagara region rightfully gets all the publicity, our Windsor-Essex County wine region is gaining serious notoriety and has quickly become the pinnacle of wine country in southern Ontario. Located throughout Essex County in towns like Essex, Amherstburg, and Kingsville, the 14 wineries of the area have been the EPIC Wineries and the whole area called EPIC Wine Country.

What makes the region so well fit for wine? Here is how EPIC Wineries tells it,

“At the same latitude as the Mediterranean, the Lake Erie North Shore Region is nestled along Lake Erie. This location provides a unique maritime climate in a continental region, with exceptional soil conditions, and longer sun hours and greater heat units than any other area in Canada. In fact, geographically speaking, this region is located as far south as northern California and the Tuscany region of Italy, and further south than the renowned Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions of France. As a result, grape growers in the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Designated Viticultural Areas grow some of the world’s finest vinifera and French hybrid wine grapes. These varieties continually and reliably produce award-winning, world-class wines, including naturally produced ice wines.” (Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) Wineries, 2020, https://www.epicwineries.com/wineries/)

Starting in Amherstburg located just off County Road 20 is Vivace Estate Winery. They produce not only reds and white but also rose, port wine, and even some dessert wines. Follow County Road 20 to County Road 50 and you’ll find the newest and smallest of the EPIC Wineries. Dancing Swallow Vineyards pride themselves for taking winemaking and putting their own unique spin on it, creating what they call “craft wine”.

Heading North along County Road 9 into Essex you’ll find Muscedere Vineyards. This family owned and operated vineyard hand-picks all their grapes at precisely the perfect time to produce premium wines.

On County Road 50, just South of Amherstburg is Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. This gorgeous property allows visitors to taste wines, go for a walk on the land, head to the beach to enjoy a picnic, or even attend a wedding or get married in their beautiful facilities. A truly breathtaking winery.

Take County Road 11 south from Essex and you’ll head into Harrow and find our next stop. Colio Winery is right in the heart of Harrow at the corner of County Road 11 and County Road 20. One of the more tenured of the wineries, Colio practices patience in waiting for the grapes to be perfect to deliver to you the quality wine you’ve come to expect.

Nestled closely together along County Road 50 between Colchester and Oxley are our next 4 wineries. Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, known as CREW, is a family owned and operated craft winery along Lake Erie offering cheese pairings and some other fun items in their gift shop. North 42 Degrees Estate Winery is next. Located among the forests and landscapes along with the breeze of Lake Erie, they provide full flavour, premium wines and beautiful views. Viewpointe Estate Winery is just next to North 42. One of the best known brands in the region, Viewpointe Estate Winery stems from a family vision to deliver a total winery experience. They provide exceptional facilities, a panoramic view of Lake Erie, and of course premium wine. Oxley Estate Winery s the last among this small grouping. Best known for their small-lot, fruit forward wines, Oxley provides a different experience and has become a favourite of locals and tourists alike.

Moving into Oxley, there are two more closely situated EPIC Wineries right along Iler Road. First, Paglione Estate Winery is a smaller winery, priding themselves on a simpler feel and creating classic wines. Just north is Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards. Located on 67 acres with stunning views and a delicious restaurant on site, Cooper’s Hawk brings the best of food and wine together and a must stop for lunch if touring.

Moving into Kingsville and Ruthven, we’ll find our last 3 wineries. Back along County Road 20 is Pelee Island Winery. With operations both in Kingsville as well as right on Pelee Island and offering interactive tours and unrivalled views of Lake Erie, you can’t miss this stop. Right on County Road 3, a major artery for the region is Mastronardi Estate Winery. Established in 2006, this family owned winery dedicates their work to growing exceptional grapes to produce exceptional VQA wines. Finally we come to Aleksander Estate Winery. Located just off COunty Road 3, this family owned and operated winery uses only their own grapes to create wines that are unique in character and craftsmanship.

If you are a wine lover, the Windsor-Essex region is an amazing place to call home. With some many wineries tucked into our local communities, you can make a full day out of it or just pop for an amazing meal. If you love a certain winery or area of the county and are looking to find a home in the area, Jump Realty would love to help. Our county agents are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the area and would love to give you a hand. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, our agents are here to provide the highest level of service. Feel free to contact us if you need any real estate help and we’d love to give you a better real estate experience!