Ontario’s Southwest is full of unique and memorable experiences: Imagine unwinding by a serene lakeside, indulging in the rich flavours of local culinary delights, or exploring the great outdoors with a nature hike. Art galleries and shopping districts offer a cultural feast, while the region’s renowned wineries and distilleries provide a taste of local craftsmanship. Join a few wine tastings and tours, sample artisanal spirits, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local food and drink scene.
Sounds good, right? We think so too! Today, we’re sharing two fun self-guided trails to help you discover Ontario’s Southwest. Keep scrolling or click below to jump directly to a specific destination:
- Sip and Savour the Windsor Essex Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail
- Raise a Glass for the Sarnia-Lambton Cheers to the Coast Trail
Getting to Ontario’s Southwest
Because Ontario’s Southwest is an extensive region with lots of small towns, communities, and cities as well as plenty of hidden gems and natural landscapes, your own vehicle is the best way to explore everything in the region.
The following border crossing will get you access to the region and the major highways that run through the heart of the region:
- From Detroit using Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel – access Highway 401 from Windsor
- From Port Huron using Blue Water Bridge – access Highway 402 from Sarnia
- From Buffalo using the Peach Bridge – access Highway 403 from QEW
- From Niagara Falls using the Rainbow Bridge – access Highway 403 from QEW
Driving to and through the region is convenient as Highway 401 runs through the heart of the region connecting you to all the other smaller highways and quiet country roads to explore the region. In the southeastern part of the region, Highway 403 runs from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to Woodstock and in the northwest, Highway 402 connects Sarnia and surrounding area to London. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, use PlugShare and the Alternative Fuels Data Center to search for charging stations along your route.
Car fuelled up, passports packed, snacks at the ready? Let’s get going!
Sip and Savour the Windsor Essex Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail
With lots of local and international culinary delights, a close-knit small-town feel, and close proximity to the United States, Windsor Essex may just be the perfect vacation destination you’ve been dreaming of!
The history of brewing and distilling in Windsor Essex goes back to the 1880s, and they’ve been perfecting the craft ever since. Today, the Barrels Bottles & Brews trail takes visitors on a self-guided trip through Windsor Essex to discover the craft breweries, distilleries and cideries that call this region home.
Ready to discover award-winning spirits, craft breweries, and cideries in the birthplace of Canadian whisky? Grab your Barrels Bottles & Brews Trail passport and enjoy a flight tasting at 10 locations along the way!
Banded Goose Brewing Co.
Where: 15 Main St E, Kingsville, ON N9Y 1A1 (View map)
Banded Goose Brewing Co. was established in 2013 and expanded to open their brew house, taproom, lounge & patio in 2019! You’ll find 12 local craft beers on tap and a full menu featuring burgers, local perch, wings & shareable appetizers. Enjoy live music every Friday & Saturday from 6-10pm, and for a true immersive Beer Experience, call our Kingsville Concierge at (519)733-5070 to reserve one of the brewery loft guest suites on the second floor of the brewery!
Banded Goose Brewing Co. is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
BREW Windsor Microbrewery
Where: 1241 S Malden Rd, Essex, ON N9V 2Y7 (View map)
Windsor Essex’s new County BREW location is centrally located on a 31 acre wooded estate just 20 minutes from Windsor! Enjoy a pint of maple beer in the tasting room or grab some Brew Light Lime to go from the retail store. The onsite kitchen serves elevated eats provided by Smashed Apple Catering, and their partner winery VIN offers refreshing Sparkling Rosé. Note: BREW reopens seasonally in March.
BREW is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Chapter Two Brewing Co.
Where: 2345 Edna St, Windsor, ON N8Y 2N5 (View map)
Chapter Two Brewing Company opened in February of 2018 near the heart of Old Windsor, where Cicerone® certified brewer Michael Beaudoin has been creating a line-up of beer with an undeniable quality! Whether socializing over some food and pints with friends, enjoying the local entertainment or hosting your own event, Chapter Two Brewing Company has something for everyone.
Chapter Two Brewing Co. is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Cured Craft Brewing
Where: 43 Mill St W, Leamington, ON N8H 1S7 (View map)
Cured Craft Brewing Co. is an independent, small batch brewery located in a renovated, heritage building in Leamington, Ontario. Their team is committed to using quality, local ingredients in all their craft beer recipes. The taproom serves a seasonal food menu, with indoor and outdoor seating for guests to lounge about and enjoy their time away from home.
Cured Craft Brewing is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Frank Brewing Co.
Where: 12000 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, ON N8N 1L9 (View map)
Frank Brewing Co.’s 3,400 sq. ft. brewery houses their 15 barrel brewhouse, three 30 barrel fermenters, two 15 barrel fermenters, and lots of tasty brews! Enjoy a pint as you check out the brewhouse floor through huge glass windows, or schedule a brewery tour and get the full show.
Frank Brewing Co. is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
GL Heritage Brewing Co.
Where: 8728 Howard Avenue, Essex Rd 9, Amherstburg, ON N9V 0C8 (View map)
GL Heritage Brewing Company is located in Amherstburg at the head of the ever-growing winery, distillery and brewery trail along the shores of Lake Erie, only a short drive from Windsor. This agricultural-based stop offers high-quality, hand-crafted beer and good people. Savour clean, refreshing craft beer samples in the tasting room, or relax with a glass in the outdoor covered and uncovered patio space, surrounded by fields of barley. Meet the family members behind it all, take a tour of their small-batch brewhouse right on the premises, and listen to the back stories while you sip some delicious samples. Be sure to take a selection of tallboy cans home to enjoy with family and friends!
GL Heritage Brewing Co. is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Lot 10 Brewing Company
Where: 263 Dalhousie St, Amherstburg, ON N9V 1W8 (View map)
Lot 10 Brewing Company is a family-owned and -operated small-town microbrewery located in the heart of historic Amherstburg, Ontario, on the banks of the Detroit River. Their team is committed to providing quality crafted beers, and they take pride in their community work & customer service. Taps include traditional and seasonal beers, beers with a “twist,” and beer-inspired cocktails alongside a selection of wines in support of the region’s local wineries.
Lot 10 is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Sandwich Brewing Co.
Where: 3232 Sandwich St., Windsor, ON N9C 1A8 (View map)
Sandwich Brewing Co. is housed in a (formerly) neglected building in the heart of Sandwich Town. The tasting room is a testament to years of restoration; with the original tin ceiling intact, Robinet brick exposed, and turn of the century oak timbers repurposed. The result is the ability to showcase their beer in a unique historical setting. Visitors can take in the sights, sounds and aromas of each batch as it is carefully brewed, then enjoy freshly-brewed beer that pays homage to the past!
Sandwich Brewing Company is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Walkerville Brewery
Where: 525 Argyle Rd, Windsor, ON N8Y 5B2 (View map)
Walkerville Brewery’s history begins with Hiram Walker, a man better known as the manufacturer of great spirits like the world-famous Canadian Club whisky. Mr. Walker was also a beer man who had a keen eye for the finer things in life. When he opened the original Walkerville Brewery in 1890, he told the citizens and workers of his company and city that he would provide an “Honest Beer” – a beer crafted with the finest ingredients, no exceptions! Over 120 years later, Walkerville Brewery maintains the same ideology, brewing their beer in unpasteurized single batches with no artificial preservatives, flavours or colour. The brewery even operates in one of Mr. Walker’s original buildings, known as “Surge Plant 16.” Once an overflow storage facility for the production of whisky, this repurposed 18,000 square foot facility is now home to some of the finest beer produced in Essex County!
Walkerville Brewery is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Wolfhead Distillery
Where: 7781 Howard Ave, Amherstburg, ON N0R 1J0 (View map)
Don’t skip a visit to the first ultra-premium craft distillery in the heart of rum-running country! Wolfhead Distillery incorporates the resources found in their own backyard to produce unique flavours that push the boundaries of standard Canadian spirits, including vodka, whisky, gin, and more. Enjoy award-winning hand crafted spirits, cocktails and a locally-inspired menu in the restaurant and outdoor patio. 4x winner of the Best of Windsor Essex “Art of Cocktail” Award
Wolfhead Distillery is Feast On® certified, which verifies that a business sources their goods and ingredients from Ontario’s farmers and makers whenever possible. By choosing a Feast On® certified business, you’re supporting our local food system AND getting a true taste of our province.
Additional Tours and Experiences
Looking for a special and memorable experience? Tours and classes are a great way to gain hands-on knowledge while making core memories with your pals!
J.P. Wiser’s Whisky Blending Class
Every whisky lover has their own preference and choices in taste, so why not learn, create, and blend your own custom whisky just for you? Join Dr. Don Livermore at the J.P. Wiser’s Brand Experience Centre for an exclusive educational experience that you won’t soon forget! Dates vary, contact J.P. Wiser’s for details.
Wolfhead Distillery Tour & Tasting
Wolfhead Distillery incorporates the resources found in their own backyard to produce unique flavours that push the boundaries of standard Canadian spirits. A distinct element is the neighbouring Amherstburg quarry, which supplies limestone-treated water used in the production of all Wolfhead spirits.
Tours offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at distillery, barrel room, and bottling line. Soak up fun facts and insider knowledge from our expert guides and sink your teeth into tastings of 5 of their top-selling spirits. It’s the ultimate adventure for curious wolves and spirit lovers alike. Ready to join the pack? Book your tour now!
G.L Heritage Exclusive Tour & Tasting Experience
G.L. Heritage offers an exclusive, fun and informative Tour & Guided Tasting Experience in their brewhouse, which takes about 30 minutes. Sample all 6 beers styles currently on tap while the team explains who we are, how the GL Heritage Brewery came to be, and all about the craft brewing and canning process right on site. Cost includes samples during the tour. Click here for more information.
Raise a Glass for the Sarnia-Lambton Cheers to the Coast Trail
Ontario’s Blue Coast boasts more than 300 kilometers of waterfront, including two internationally-recognized Blue Flag beaches on the shores of Lake Huron. Located just a stone’s throw from Michigan, the city of Sarnia and the surrounding area of Lambton County are home to a craft beverage scene that is rapidly becoming the new must-visit destination for award-winning wine, craft beer, cider and mead.
The Cheers to the Coast Trail highlights 15 beverage producers who are striving to make the region shine. Ready to start exploring Sarnia-Lambton? Take your pick from the list and hit the trail!
Cider & Mead
You may have tried cider before, but are you familiar with mead? This alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting honey mixed with water and adding ingredients such as fruits, grains, or hops to give the mead different flavours. Ontario is a bee hotspot – more than 400 of Canada’s 800 native bee species call Ontario their home – so there’s no better place to sample local mead (and see how it’s made!).
Munro Honey & Meadery
Where: 3115 River St, Alvinston, ON N0N 1A0 (View map)
Munro Honey produces all-natural, 100% premium Ontario honey with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Their breeding program has been meticulously designed to optimize the health and success of each beehive; this means choosing bees for their overall health, temperament and genetics to carry on the wellbeing of the hives. Bees have access to a diverse range of local flowers from which to pollinate to promote a healthy local flora.
If you’re new to mead, try the Classic Session Mead, made with Ontario wildflower honey. This is the perfect choice for those who seek a lighter, sparkling mead experience! Adventurous palates may be intrigued by the Black Currant Melomel, a smooth blend of tart and sweet that picked up double gold at the All Canadian Wine Championship 2023.
Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House
Where: 8169 Kennedy Line, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0 (View map)
Twin Pines is a 50 acre property located in Lambton Shores and set on the sandy loam beach ridge between the shores of the old Lake Burwell and a limestone dolomite ridge. The land is rich with naturally-occurring aquifers and is perfect for growing fruit. Currently, the farm produces well over one million pounds of apples from 25 commercial varieties, as well as approximately 15 heritage and specialty cider varieties.
Twin Pines grows and hand-picks an array of Heritage and English Cider apple varieties, which are used for making their traditional British Hard Cider, Ice Cider, and apple wine. Enjoy their walking trails and grab a wood-fired pizza on weekends!
Craft Beer
George Russell founded Sarnia’s first brewery in 1862 and sold his ales and porters on Front Street until another Sarnian, the tea-totalling Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie, imposed the 1886 Temperance Act. 150 years later, good things are still brewing in Sarnia-Lambton!
Black Gold Brewery
Where: 395 Fletcher St, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 (View map)
Over a decade and a half ago, Brent Gauthier embarked on a journey to learn and perfect the brewing process. Today, Black Gold Brewery offers small-batch craft beer in the heart of historic Petrolia, Ontario. The oil town’s history inspires both the brand and the brewhouse, which provides a great place for locals to gather and tourists to discover.
Imperial City Brew House
Where: 1330 Exmouth St, Sarnia, ON N7S 3X9 (View map)
Imperial City Brew House started as a backyard passion project. Mike Barker, Craig Brodie and Kyle Blandford started brewing on a wood-fired, old world brewing system. After much experimenting, they set to work creating their dream brewery! The team adopted Sarnia’s nickname of the “The Imperial City”, a nod to Sarnia’s regal history. Under the stewardship of Brewmaster Tim Miller, Imperial City won gold in the Herb and Spice Beer category at the 2024 Canadian Brewing Awards!
Point Brewing Co.
Where: 705 Lite St, Point Edward, ON N7V 1A7 (View map)
Point Brewing Co. is the culmination of a dream to open a brewery in the beautiful community of Point Edward and to be a catalyst to further commercial growth in the Village. The three owners are committed to sharing their passion with others, and they love talking about beer and educating anyone who wants to learn about approachable beer in an inviting environment.
Refined Fool Brewing Co. (2 Sarnia Locations)
Where: 1326 London Rd, Sarnia, ON N7S 1P7 (View map) and 137 Davis St, Sarnia, ON N7T 1A2 (View map)
Refined Fool is a group of teachers, creatives, blue collars, entrepreneurs, musicians and pastors who care about beer, business, Sarnia and each other. They began by brewing out of their houses in midwinter with propane burners and DIY converted maple syrup drums to brew. Today, Refined Fool Brewing Co. has grown into a successful brewery, with three locations and a team of over 30 wonderful people! In their taproom at 1326 London Rd, Burger Rebellion serves classic cheeseburgers. Duck into the Sports Bar behind the taproom for cornhole, darts, and sports on the big screen. Meanwhile the Davis location features mouth-watering menu, top notch cocktails, the finest beer and a beautiful setting.
River Run Brew Co.
Where: 146 Christina St N, Sarnia, ON N7T 5T9 (View map)
Established in 2019, River Run Brew Co. is a nano-brewery turning out super-fresh, high-quality beers. Their products are available at The Tin Fiddler, a brew pub and cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Sarnia.
Stonepicker Brewing Co.
Where: 7143 Forest Rd, Plympton-Wyoming, ON N0N 1J4 (View map)
Joe’s idea of brewing beer came to him in 2006. After doing some research, he decided to plant 3 acres of malting barley. Being full-time pig farmers didn’t leave the Donkers a lot of free time to do what they wanted, and the barley eventually was fed to their pigs. After retiring from the pig business five years ago, Joe put his idea to work and planted grain once again. After much experimentation, it was now time to open a brewery! Their taproom offers a variety of rotating seasonals available by the glass or for growler/howler refills as well as a selection of crowd favourites available in cans or bottles.
Torched Brewing Co.
Where: 36 Ontario St N, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 (View map)
What do you get when you combine six friendships, three couples, and a shared passion for craft beer? That’s the winning formula behind Torched Brewing Co., Grand Bend’s first and only craft beer brewery! Join their team in the taproom or on the patio to sample their distinctive craft beers, created by using the best locally sourced ingredients.
Two Water Brewing Co.
Where: 446 Lyndoch St, Corunna, ON N0N 1G0 (View map)
Two Water Brewing Co. is Corunna’s brewery! Co-owner Myka Barnes said the idea to open a brewery started after making beer in a basement, and that she and she and the other two co-owners wanted to incorporate details of Corunna and Lambton County into their business. For example, the brewery’s name and logo represents the local area, as “Two Water” refers to the St. Clair River and Lake Huron coming together. Stop by this hyper-local spot for a pint or beer to go!
Widder Station Golf, Grill & Tap House
Where: 8395 Decker Rd, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0 (View map)
Widder Station Golf and Country Club is located in Thedford, Ontario and offers many challenges in a railroad theme setting, with natural and man made terrain. Widder Station Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that changes with the seasons: in the summer months, the restaurant is located at the Tap House, where guests can enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. When winter arrives, the restaurant moves to Widder Flats, a cozy and scenic space featuring crackling fire pits, walking trails, and warm, inviting vibes that make it the perfect winter retreat. Whether it’s summer at the Tap House or winter at Widder Flats, you’ll always find great food, good company, and memorable experiences waiting for you at Widder Station.
Wineries
Breaking ground outside of Ontario’s established wine regions, trendsetting winemakers are bringing unique and delicious wine experiences to the Huron Shores wine region! With blue waters, sandy beaches, and unforgettable sunset views, this wine region is a perfect complement to your next beach vacation.
Alton Farms Estate Winery
Where: 5547 Aberarder Line, Plympton-Wyoming, ON N0N 1J5 (View map)
One of the wine pioneers along Huron Shores, Alton Farms Winery opened its doors in 2005. Since then, they’ve been devoted to producing handcrafted wines using traditional techniques to maximize flavour and minimize their impact on their environment. They handcraft all their wines using traditional and sustainable practices that highlight the bounty of South Lake Huron.
Looking for something a bit different? Try a wine and chocolate tasting! Gather a group of friends and sample four wines with four different types of chocolate. Click here for more information.
Dark Horse Estate Winery
Where: 70665 B Line, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 (View map)
John Rasenberg combined his passion for farming, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the dark, rich, loamy soil of his beloved Huron County to build an agri-tourism destination winery that would engage and delight visitors from around the world. Dark Horse Estate Winery is located just minutes from the shores of Lake Huron and next door to the iconic Huron Country Playhouse. The centrepiece of the estate is a 31, 000 sq. ft. manor house that houses event and conference spaces, tasting rooms, and patios with beautiful views of the grounds! The menu at Danu Cellars Restaurant reflects the region’s growing seasons and changes frequently.
Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery
Where: 9090 Widder Rd, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0 (View map)
Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery is a destination where friends gather in Lambton Shores, a short drive from Grand Bend, London & Sarnia! Alicia and Garren are third-generation farmers who made their first batch of cider in a two-car garage with fresh-pressed apples from the farm. Today, each bottle and can is still handcrafted by the family in Thedford — the entire team is proud to be making something that you can feel good about drinking. Pay them a visit to try their farm to glass products and enjoy a light food menu that includes charcuterie and pinsas!
Discover the sights and flavours of Ontario’s Southwest
Ready to set sail for sandy beaches and cool brews in Ontario’s Southwest? Click here to start planning your trip!
