Best Wineries to Visit

In 2018

Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley

Welcome to The Best Wineries to Visit in 2018. There are so many outstanding wineries in Canada, from the larger big company wineries to the small one man show. Our selections are listed in no particular order. Your thoughts are welcome!

50th Parallel Estate Winery

British Columbia

Blackwood Lane	A new beautifully designed patio, an amazing view , great pizza, warm and friendly hospitality makes Blackwood Lane one of the places to visit in the Fraser Valley. It starts with a drive through the countryside and up along their lane lined with Blackwood trees. Relax enjoy the wines, the view and the food

Bailley Gorham	The Kootenay region is a pristine region of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs,alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains. It home to Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery. First and foremost you visit for the wines, fantastic, then the beauty of the Kootenay. Relax on the veranda, enjoy the wines, the views and maybe some music.

Seaside Pearl Farm Estate Winery

Another Fraser Valley Gem! Just the location alone is worth the visit. But upon arrival you say to yourself this is how a winery should look. One enters the winery through an iron gate then along the driveway next to vineyards and horse pastures, towards the chapel style tasting room. Where friendly warm hospitality awaits you along with good wines. Your host and co-owner Allison Zimmerman puts together a very nice cheese tray, featuring cheeses from a neighbouring farm to go along with the tastings.

40knots

Known for its wines and well designed facilities. Add into the mix their new Interpretive Trail. Where you can enjoy a walk through the vineyards and see resident sheep, chickens and ducks. The sheep are Baby Dahls and some are Baby Dahl Romney Cross. A good family experience. In the tasting room you can  select some delicious cheeses, baguette, smoked salmon, pickled grapes, chutneys and chocolate, they will put it in a picnic trug that you can enjoy on the Vineyard Terrace.   Located on Vancouver Island.

Blue Mountain Vineyards

Focusing on varietal wines made from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir, Blue Mountain strives to produce complex, age-worthy wines, consistent in style while allowing the expression of both the terroir and the individual growing season. The scenic views from the winery are amazing from its location just north east of Vaseux Lake. The winery is next to a bird sanctuary and wilderness area.  The concept of the design for the tasting room was in part to capture the beautiful setting around it. Large windows and vaulted ceilings offer plenty of natural light throughout the day

Seven Stones	The charming winery is one of a few in the Similkameen Valley that over looks the river. Wines of British Columbia’s Best of BC Wine Country Award for best tour went to Seven Stones for its Cave tour. The Caves can be listed as Do Not Miss. The caves have recently been recognized as a world-class cellar.

Covert Farm	Olivers organic farm and winery. A place to bring the whole family and enjoy the day. From wine on the patio to farm yard tours. Events happening through out the year. With 650 acres of stunning agricultural and natural landscape, gateway to McIntyre Bluff .

Misconduct Wine Company

We do not enter awards because we believe that our amazing growers, vineyards and staff should be awarded...not our wines! Go for the wines and enjoy the facilities of the Naramata Bench winery. They have a very nicely designed tasting room. The Kitchen at Misconduct Wine Co. brings a taste of Mexico infused with Portuguese and local Okanagan flavours. Mexican born Chef Abul Adame has teamed up with Portuguese, Misconduct winery co-owner, Richard da Silva to create a Okanagan experience!

Burrowing Owl

Winners of The Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines in 2017 The  winery and vineyard lie within one of Canada's most unique ecosystems which includes the northernmost tip of the Sonora Desert. The location (on a southwest-tilting, sandy plateau) near the north end of Osoyoos Lake, is one of the most highly rated grape-growing locations in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, and throughout Canada.  Burrowing Owl has always been know for its outstanding Reds. Toss in a five star restaurant and a luxury hotel, its a destination in the heart of the Okanagan.

Time

TIME Winery is owned and operated by Encore Vineyards Ltd. They have opened new facilities in the center of Penticton. The new location is the Pen-Mar Cinema Centre at 361 Martin Street. Landmark Theatres stopped showing movies there in 2012, moving to a larger and more modern theatre nearby. Hospitality plans include a modest bistro along with a tasting room. The wine shop likely will remain open into the early evening.

Okanagan Crush Pad

Do miss the Okanagan Crush Pad experience in Summerland. This is a winery and crush pad that looking to advance Canadian wines around the world. The tasting bar and patio offer an unparallelled insight into the art and science of wine making. Learn how we marry heritage techniques with modern knowledge to craft wines which are vibrant, fresh – and, above all, true to their Okanagan vineyard terroirs. Their own labels are Haywire and Narrative.

Liquidity Wines	One of Okanagan Falls newest wineries. Beautifully designed facilities proving a wonderful tasting experience. Great views of Vaseux Lake. Liquidity Bistro, with Executive Chef Simon Bouchard, offers a modern urban take on classic Canadian wine country cuisine, reflecting the terroir of Okanagan Falls Ian MacDonald is the hands-on manager and creative mind of Liquidity.

Sea Star Estate Farm and Vineyard	Located on Pender Island Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands located in the Gulf of Georgia, British Columbia. The dramatic Winery building designed by Walter Francl is a great venue, as is the adjacent garden patio and spacious lawn, both of which are licensed picnic areas. The vineyard views are amazing. Numerous events are held at the winery and wines always sell out!

Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd

One of the most beautiful locations possible Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd is located in Lillooet. Lillooet is located on the Fraser River, 325 km north of Vancouver. The community is one of the oldest in the province, it was a supply point for miners heading to the Caribou gold fields when the gold rush began in 1858. The winery is open all year and is worth the drive. If you visit from May through October, leave enough time to enjoy a delicious locally-sourced wine-paired meal on their patio overlooking the vineyard. Award winning wines, amazing facilities!

50th Parallel Estate

This unique and amazing winery is located in BC's Lake Country, BC  north of Kelowna. Sahuri Partnership Architects have joined forces with Sheri-Lee and Curtis to embrace what is becoming truly one of the world's iconic wine destinations, 50th Parallel Estate. The winery is situated in the middle of the 61-acre estate, and is developed specifically for the purposes of gently handling sensitive Pinot Noir and a select few aromatic white wine varieties, utilizing the natural sloping grade of the site to gently process fruit by maximizing the use of gravity rather than mechanical pumping of the sensitive juice and skins. Do not miss this winery!

Township 7	Double your pleasure by visiting their two location. There is one in the Okanagan, Naramata Bench and one in Langley Township, Fraser Valley. Both locations are expanding their facilities for your enjoyment. The staff are well trained, always smiling and provide a very good tasting experience. The wines are extremly popular!

Oliver Twist Estate

Always a Fun winery! Located in Oliver BC. Their two patios feature valley views of the rugged desert hills, vineyards, and orchards Chances are you will see an old classic car on site and lots of nostalgic memorabilia inside the wine shop. In fact, they even created a new wine series called "NOSTALGIA" based on this theme featuring fancy hot rods with cute pin up girls on the labels.  Good wines!

Krause Berry Farm and Winery

The family fun berry farm that added a fruit winery. A super fun filled visit for the whole family. From the Future Farmers at Work Play" playground , to the petting zoo to fresh strawberry pie on the porch. Located in Langley BC. Taste the wines stay for dinner enjoy numerous events.Their is a huge market to explore and of course tractor rides Trophy, Best Fruit Wine of the Year at Nationals read more

Ontario

Potter Settlement Artisan Winery	Potter Settlement is a marriage of rustic, old-world charm with up-to-date winemaking techniques. Located near the town of Tweed just north of Prince Edward County part of the popular vacation destination region known as “ComfortCountry". Their tours have been described as informative and fun. Owner Sandor Johnson. is your tour guide. They are a unique winery you just have to visit in 2018.

Dark Horse Estate	Located in Huron County, Ontario’s newest wine region,the 31,000-sq.-ft. facility will house state-of-the-art winemaking technology, exceptional vineyards, patio, VIP reception area and a full-service meeting/banquet space. It's incredible designed faculties alone makes it worth the visit but so are the wines.

Rush Creek Wine Ltd

A fruit with beautiful orchards close to the North shore of Lake Erie, in the Eastern Region of Elgin County Winner of the 2001 National Fruit Wine Maker of the Year award Rush Creek Wines offers a wide variety of wines, from dinner wines to dessert wines, meads (honey wine), maple wine, and very dry wines - they have them all. Using only 100% pure fruit from which the wine is named, no grape base is used. Bonnie Preece who established the  Carolinian Winery & Eatery in May 2011 has purchased Rush Creek. The decision was made to move the Carolinian's manufacturing and retail licenses over to Rush Creek Wines. The next project is to convert the farm house into a larger retail gift area joining alongside  a quaint tea/coffee room. A small menu of lunch items may be added eventually.

Good Earth Food and Wine Co.

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co. has been a haven for discerning food and wine lovers and an oasis for the senses. Their gardens, orchards and vineyards provide a spectacular backdrop for wine and culinary experiences that reflect all the good things the earth has to offer.  One of Niagara’s original “farm to table” experiences is the Good Earth Bistro. Cooking classes are available. A large number of special events are held through out the year.

Westcott Vineyards

Located in Jordon, Ontario a beautifully designed winery. The inside decor is amazing. Carolyn Hurst and her husband Grant Westcott started the adventure in 2006 acquiring the vineyards as a new chapter in their lives; a simple way to transition from very successful management consulting, senior civil servant and information technology backgrounds into retirement and country living.  They started construction of the winery building in the fall of 2013, reclaimed a 200-year-old timber-fame from a barn several kilometers away. The frame and stone foundation were carefully dismantled and transported to the building site The winery was built around the original structure.  The tasting room in July 2015 and their daughter Victoria Westcott joined the team to lead the customer experience.

Stratus Vineyards

Located in  the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratus Vineyards is a gravity flow winery, distinguished by its LEED-certified facility, its commitment to sustainability and wines of outstanding quality. Tasting room, boutique and hospitality suites were created by noted interior designer Diego Burdi of Burdifilek. Elements, such as textured Venetian plaster, sandblasted and rift-cut oak, and end-cut mesquite panelling, highlight the attention to detail that is so characteristic of Stratus, while helping to establish an environment that has been described as “cozy but cool.”

Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery	Do not miss Sue Ann Staff's winery in Jordon It will remind you of the old farm (charming) style homes. Since opening in 2009 it has been a whirlwind of ultimate experiences, from Weddings to Corporate Dinners to Food Truck Events and Niagara Icewine Programs, Concerts, Fashion Shows and more. Seventy per cent of the vines on Staff’s property are dedicated to Riesling;

Fielding Estate Winery

"The tasting room is gorgeous and the views are stunning" The Wine Lodge in Beamsville is open seven days a week, year-round. The Wine Lodge itself pays tribute to Northern Ontario’s cottage country, crafted from cedar, stone and glass with a breathtaking view of Toronto across Lake Ontario The Fieldings are proud to support the Niagara Wine Industry and participate in programs and events throughout the region, they are members of the Grape Growers of Ontario and work closely with the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University and the Niagara College Teaching Winery.

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery	It is impossiable to leave out Ravine Vineyards located in St Davids. A winery a restaurant a grocery store. The farm here has been part of Norma Jean Harber’s family since 1867. Now she and her husband Blair, alongside winemaker Martin Werner, produce premium small-batch organic Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots.  The Canning House showcases the Niagara gastronomy and crafts.

Waupoos Estate Winery	Located in Waupoos Prince Edward County, Ontario. Just look at the picture, perfection. The winery has a beautiful lakeside restaurant that is fully licensed. The family friendly winery has a petting zoo. There is also a chocolate and Candy Store. Ice Cream is served too!

Wayne Gretzky Estates

It took two years for Andrew Peller Ltd to build their Wayne Gretzky Estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake  The 23,000-square-foot winery and distillery, which opening this summer, marks the largest single investment in a winery to date by Andrew Peller Ltd. The design is a modern barn-like structure meant to pay homage not just to the hockey barns like the one Gretzky, grew up playing hockey in but it also harkens back to the large red barn on his grandfather Tato’s farm. Guests entering the winery will find themselves stepping into the Family Room where they can see an enlarged picture of the Gretzky homestead, along with several other snapshots from the family throughout the generations. Like Gretzky’s parents, Walter and Phyllis on their wedding day, childhood snaps of him with his four siblings and shots of the famed hockey player with his wife, Janet, and their five children. Personal touches are rampant throughout the winery, with visitors walking down “memory lane” as they make their way to the tasting bar. Lining the hallway walls are photos of Gretzky throughout his hockey career, including a shot of his first goal ever on the family’s backyard ice rink. In the tasting room there are framed photos of Gretzky meeting other sports icons and celebrities. On the way down to the barrel cellar, which can play host to intimate tastings and special events, there are alcoves where certain aspects of Gretzky’s career and accomplishments are highlighted, including his time with Team Canada, the Edmonton Oilers, and major milestones from his time in the NHL. source www.niagarathisweek.com

Quebec

Maritimes

Honourable mention

Kacaba Vineyards a well designed winery in Vineland
Gulluci Winery Stouffville, Ontario a well designed winery 30 minutes from Toronto city centre
Back 10 Cellars It is all about hospitality and fine wines.
Rennie Estate is a family owned producer of small batch artisanal wines in Beamsville.
Jabulani Vineyard & Winery Richmond Ontario beautiful grounds
Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery Bowmanville On. Friends and unique.
Township7 Langley Numerous events good wines friendly staff
Blue Grouse the spectacular Vancouver island Winery
Mann Farms family fun, pet farm and more
Hare Wine co Stunning facilities good wines one must visit.
Origin Wines The view is amazing. Passionate owners
Larch Hills- sitting on top of the hill overlooking the valley near Salmon Arms
Summerhill Pyramid Winery never forget this popoular Kelowna winery and its organic restaurant
Fairview Cellars One never forget these wines  Fairview Cellars is the culmination of a life long quest of Bill Eggert’s to own and operate his own winery.  
Le Vignoble du Ruisseau -Dunham, Quebec, a very beautifully designed vineyard. Stunning barrel room and more
Cep d'Argent Winery you never want to miss this winery
Dunhams Run Estate Winery - Nestled on the Kingston Peninsula in NB,Dunham's Wharf Vineyard sits on 22 acres of prime vineyard land.
Domaine de Grand Pre, NS  - alway remember the Grand winery of Nova Scotia

Let us know your choices! bbell@winesofcanada.com

Best Wineries to Visit in 2019

The Wineries to Watch For in 2018

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