With close to 20 wineries dotting the Essex County countryside, there’s plenty of options to drink in while you’re visiting the region. But where to start?
For that we turned to Feast ON designee and wine lover, Chef Benjamin Beaudoin-Leblanc at the Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast, for his favourites.
If you’re a lucky guest at the Iron Kettle, Chef Benjamin himself might even drive you around for a personalized tour. How’s that for bottle service!
1. Muscedere Vineyards
7457 County Rd 18, Harrow, ON
“A beautiful location, a family rooted in its winery with a commitment for excellence. In the spring and summer, sit back on their patio and enjoy a wood fired pizza with a glass of wine. Their Meritage is arguably the best bottle of wine in Essex County.”
2. Viewpointe Estate Winery
151 County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
“The name says it all! The best view in all of Essex County with a great selection of wines, a beautiful wedding venue and a restaurant led by a great chef. You cannot leave without a bottle of Focale Point Cabernet Franc!”
3. Oxley Estate Winery
533 County Road 50 E, Harrow, ON
“Charm, customer service oriented and a passion for their craft. The Oxley Estate Winery offers a great variety of wine, a tasting bar with extensively knowledgeable staff and a great restaurant. Pick up their Cab Merlot, a jar of Pickled White Asparagus and a bottle of Verjus.”
4. Pelee Island Winery
533 County Road 50 E, Harrow, ON
“You cannot visit Essex County without going to the Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville. The only winery with a formal tour of its massive and historic facility, they produce wine for every taste and every budget. Try their 2005 Chardonnay Barrique, a uniquely versatile white wine.”
5. CREW
108 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
“A great stop along the Winery Trail in the heart of wine country, all of CREW’s wines are consistently enjoyable for the connoisseur or the amateur. Their Posh Cuvee is an award winning wine that you will certainly buy after tasting.”
For more info on Pelee Island and Essex County, look no further than Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island! Check them out at: visitwindsoressex.com