Located in the centre of Southwestern Ontario, Perth County has long been celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. They’ve recently added winemaking to that list with the opening of the county’s first-ever winery: the Perth Farmhouse Winery.
How hard is it to set up a winemaking operation outside of Ontario’s established wine regions (namely, Prince Edward County and the Niagara region)? Well, it requires a certain amount of gumption and optimism. Founders Casey and Steve Howanyk are self-described big city escapees who bought the land in 2018 and thought, “Why not turn this patch of dirt into something fancy?” After several years of hard work, they’re now cultivating a 5 acre vineyard planted with five cold-climate grape varietals: Vidal, Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac Blanc, and Itasca.
Today, the Perth Farmhouse Winery is open to visitors! Here’s what you can expect to find during your visit:
Wine, Cider, and More
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a cider enthusiast, or someone who prefers a non-alcoholic option, Perth Farmhouse has something for everyone. The winery currently offers four wines:
- Farmhouse White, a medium-dry wine crafted from a unique blend of Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscat Ottonel
- Farmhouse Red, a stellar example of cool climate winemaking made with a blend of Petite Pearl, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec grapes
- Farmhouse Rosé, a crisp wine crafted with Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes that’s perfect for summer
- Farmhouse Sparkling Rosé, a vibrant sparkling wine to celebrate any occasion
Perth Farmhouse also produces four ciders, all crafted from Ontario apples. Guests can also enjoy non-alcoholic mimosas during their visit.
Socializing with Goats
The Perth Farmhouse offers a Goat Social experience, which includes a tour of the barn, time with the goats in the pasture, and a picnic of sweet treats and refreshments by the pond. The experience can be booked for up to six people and it’s a great way to commune with (extremely cute) nature while enjoying the winery grounds.
The Sip and Graze Experience
The Perth Farmhouse’s all-new Sip and Graze experience is the latest addition to Perth County’s Discover More Adventures program. This program is dedicated to offering signature experiences that showcase the region’s unique culture and flavours.
Weather permitting, wine tastings take place amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Perth Farmhouse vineyard. The family-friendly experience also includes opportunities to visit with the 12 friendly goats.
Because no wine tasting is complete without delicious food, the experience also includes a locally-sourced graze box crafted in collaboration with the neighbouring Lynn River Farm. Each box includes delicious local produce and items such as fresh spring rolls, goat cheese truffles, fresh sourdough, tasty desserts, and more.
The overwhelmingly positive response to the Perth Farmhouse Winery proves that there is a lively community of wine enthusiasts in this emerging wine region!
