Is there anything better than coming in from the cold on a winter day and wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cider or hot chocolate? How about meeting up with friends for a holiday cocktail or strolling through a snow-covered vineyard?
This festive season, two destinations are serving up more cups of holiday cheer than Santa’s elves on Boxing Day: Niagara Benchlands and Guelph-Wellington. Keep reading for seasonal sips you don’t want to miss!
Don’t feel like reading the whole thing right now? No worries, skip ahead by destination.
Niagara Benchlands
Nestled along Lake Ontario, The Niagara Benchlands are known for their cozy bed and breakfasts, scenic views of the Niagara escarpment and some damn good wine.
While fall brings colours to the Bench and summer brings blooms, we can’t help but love winter here the most. Why? The winter wines that start to pop their heads out of the cellars are fantastic and make for great gift-giving.
Niagara Benchlands Winter Wines to Enjoy
With almost forty wineries spread out throughout the Niagara Benchlands, there are so many winter wines to sip and savour. Here are six of our favs and the wineries that create them!
Vineland Estates
Where: 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
Our Holiday Gift Giving Recommendation: Cabernet Merlot
For sipping on site: Mulled wine by the fire
Located on a sprawling vineyard, Vineland Estates Winery is a beautiful winery with a Feast On® certified restaurant on-site and one of the pioneers of the Benchlands’ noteworthy wine scene. With the restaurant built inside of an 1845 farm house and an on-site shop and cellar deemed “the wooden cathedral”, the beauty of this property is unmatched. But there’s more…
Visitors to the winery can enjoy a beautiful, hearty dinner overlooking the snow-covered (if you’re lucky) vineyard as they sip and savour the award-winning wine collection and linger over hearty dishes prepared by Chef George Ward, like creamy pastas topped with bacon, hearty root veggies and more.
Looking to really step up the experience? Book one of Vineland’s fire pits and you can enjoy their specialty mulled wine (how European!) as you enjoy the natural surroundings of the winery and even enjoy a little surprise treat to boot! Past years’ fireside snacks have included everything from cinnamon rolls on a stick to ice wine marshmallow s’mores.
Dog lovers can enjoy their Winter Dog Walks and Outdoor Bonfires by the Escarpment Woods tasting which offers the opportunity to go for a leisurely stroll with your pooch and warm up with a wine tasting by the fire post-jaunt. It’s so fetch.
Looking for a little adventure? As temps start to cool, Winter Vineyard Golf begins! This sport is played with hockey sticks, utility balls and mini-putt style holes. Vineland Estates tops it all off with their wine (of course), snacky food and outdoor fires to warm up at. What could be better this festive season?
Before you go, we recommend grabbing a bottle of their Cabernet Merlot— a juicy little red number with notes of plum, cherry and other fruits that this part of the province is so well known for. If you order in advance this time of year, you can even have the bottle sand engraved for a little extra touch!
Have a non-drinker on the list or one yourself? No worries! You can also check out some of the non-alc options carried on site from Leitz Wein including our fav, the Einz, Zwei, Zero.
Red Stone Winery
Where: 4245 King St, Beamsville, ON. (View Map)
Our Holiday Gift Giving Recommendation: The 2021 Gamay Noir
For sipping on site: 2021 Limestone Sparkling Blanc de Noirs
Come the holiday season, the vibes are high at Red Stone Winery (ok, admittedly, they’re pretty high all year round). With an extra special cheer in the air and yes, some holiday season sales surely afoot, it really is the perfect time to visit.
We recommend grabbing a glass or two outside by the fire pits or booking in for a Black Glass Wine Tasting if you’re an afficianado looking to hone your palette (or just have fun).
Each year, Red Stone’s Feast On® restaurant tops itself with seasonal offerings. Past favourites have included braised short ribs and apple cauliflower salads that bring bright flavours and a certain je ne sais quoi to the chilly temps.
Looking to do a little gift giving? The 2021 Gamay Noir offers notes of baking spices and earthiness sure to make your giftee feel like they’re wearing a big wool sweater. How merry!
If you’re looking for something to celebrate the season with while you’re there however, we lean towards the Limestone Sparkling Blanc de Noirs which provides a bit of a celebratory note and won an award at the National Wine Awards of Canada this year.
London Born Wine Co.
Where: 4000 Cherry Ave, Vineland, ON (View Map)
Our Holiday Gift Giving Recommendation: 2018 Cabernet Franc
For Sipping On Site: Tasting flight
You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped out of The Holiday at London Born Wine Co. except, trade that encounter with Jude Law (sorry) for full bodied and bold winter wines with a touch of British flare. Sip and savour the holiday season away in style each time you visit.
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Looking to kick things up a notch? Lovely! Be sure to keep an eye on London Born’s social media for spectacular holiday events like their Back Vintage Tasting Party or their ever-popular Drag Shows for an evening out with friends! Don’t fret if you can’t make it out on one of these nights, there are plenty of ways to experience this spot.
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We recommend booking a tasting flight (you’ll sip and sample four wines of your choosing) to test your palette and enjoy a variety first. Perfect for a holidate or afternoon out with friends, it’s a great way to get to know the wines, all of which are made from 100% Ontario grown grapes.
Alternatively, enjoy one of their weekly theme nights like Movie Thursdays where they screen a classic movie in their retail space or Sushi Saturdays when London Born Wine Co. teams up with Izumi Sushi to offer guests a delicious bite.
Before you go, let’s talk gift giving! Is there anything more perfect in the winter than a bold and full-bodied Cab Franc? We thought not! London Born’s 2018 Cabernet Franc will have notes of dark chocolate and cherry with leather dancing on your tongue all season long.
Calamus Estate Winery
Where: 3100 Glen Rd, Jordan Station, ON. (View Map)
Our Holiday Gift Giving Recommendation: 2021 Starstruck Sparkling or Balls Falls Red
For sipping on site: A complimentary wine tasting
Looking for somewhere approachable and delicious to spend a winter’s day? During the holiday season, we recommend pointing those wheels towards Calamus Estate Winery which backs up onto beautiful Balls Falls Conservation Area.
Go for a walk on one of a couple hiking routes then back to their tasting room for a complimentary wine tasting as a knowledgeable staff member walks you through what you’re sipping and savouring.
Located on an old dairy farm, you’ll have your tasting right in the historic milking room. Looking for a great gift? We recommend pairing a bottle of the 2021 Starstruck Sparkling or Balls Falls Red (this wine sends a cut of proceeds back to the conservation area) with a gift certificate for star gazing.
The folks at Calamus have a large telescope on their upstairs patio which boasts breathtaking views on clear evenings. It will give your giftee something to look forward to once the warmer weather rolls around!
The Good Earth Food & Wine Co.
Where: 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville, ON (View Map)
Our Holiday Gift Giving Recommendation: 2021 Pinot Noir
For sipping on site: Aria Sparkling Rosé
When we think of The Benchlands, The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. is what we picture— cozy, unpretentious and so damn delicious. If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate the season, a visit here is a must. We recommend taking a stroll through the vineyard (yes, even though it’s winter!) and getting some fresh air (the entire property is licensed) before settling in for lunch or dinner at their on-site bistro.
With a seasonal menu that changes as the weather and growing season does, you’re sure to find hearty and comforting dishes on the menu that highlight the province’s root veggies, cheeses, greenhouse growers and more.
Ask your server what will pair best with what you’re ordering and don’t miss out on the Aria Sparkling Rosé which offers lovely, bright tasting notes with a slight minerality.
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Now what do you grab for the person on your list? We recommend a bottle of the 2021 Pinot Noir. This cheeky little number “shows an intense nose of bing cherry, raspberry, dried cranberry and beetroot. The palate continues with kirsch, mulberry and blackberry, backed by sweet tobacco, tomato-leaf, cracked pepper and cured meat.” It’s perfect for the holiday season if you ask us.
Want to stick around a little longer? No worries! The Good Earth hosts loads of events and workshops during the holiday season including winemaker dinners, cooking classes and more. Stay tuned on their website for details.
Let it Glow St. Catharines
Where: Across St. Catharines (View Map)
Travelling with the kids in toe? Let it Glow in St. Catharines will be the perfect addition to your trip! Running from early December to mid-January, this family-friendly festival bedazzles the city with beautiful holiday light displays, cultural programs, family skates with Santa and more.
As part of the festival, there are loads of holiday pop up events that take place like the BIPOC Holiday Market (perfect for supporting BIPOC artisans and doing a bit of holiday shopping), kid-friendly winter workshops and more.
We didn’t forget about those cups of holiday cheer either! Enjoy holiday open houses at local wineries, Paint n’ Sip workshops and Fireside Flights at 13th Street Winery. Want to leave the kids at home and make it a date night? Catch a holiday performance at the Merdian Centre like the Music of Charlie Brown Christmas or The Nutcracker.
Pint Sized Holiday Escapes in Guelph-Wellington
Looking for a wee escape this holiday season? Love that for you! Guelph-Wellington offers craft beverage lovers the ultimate escape that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied this season. Just pick the one that’s right for you or take a proper vacay and combine them!
Keep reading for our recommendations on where to go, what to sip and what to do.
If you’re looking to plan your delightful and delicious escapade around an event, Guelph-Wellington has a whole whack of ’em! Check out their festive events.
Get Merry in Elora & Fergus
Small town Ontario is calling your name! Elora-Fergus is a charming destination that packs the punch when it comes to beautiful, historic buildings, riverside views and a great selection of sips to savour.
To Sip: Sip Away at Cozy Cafes or A Brewery + Distillery
Whether you want to enjoy a winter warm up or a holiday tipple, Elora and Fergus have you covered.
Cozy Cafés
Where: The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar, 101 St Andrew St W Unit #100, Fergus, ON. (View Map); Lost + Found Café, 45 Mill St W #3, Elora, ON.(View Map);
Looking for an ultra cozy vibe? If you’re a coffee lover, Elora & Fergus is home to not one but two cafés that dish out excellent atmosphere and top notch warm bevvies.
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In Fergus, Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar is built inside of a historic bank and much of that historic flare has been kept in the design. We recommend grabbing a bar seat right in the window as you linger over a warm cappuccino (and perhaps a chive and cheddar scone) and do a little people watching.
Of course, during the holiday season, this spot churns out some fantastic festive drinks and treats like mulled red wine with stars of anise, made from scratch soups, gingerbread chai lattes, Baileys hot chocolate and their famous mocha peppermint white chocolate cookies. PLUS, need to do a little holiday shopping? Check out a few curated goods for sale from local artisans like toques, soap, art and more.
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Over in Elora, The Lost + Found Café is tucked away in Elora’s historic mews and these folks pride themselves on being “your home away from home”. With loads of woods, natural light, album covers on the walls and plenty of plants, it really will feel that way. So what should you sip?
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How about a Peppermint Hot Chocolate complete with homemade peppermint syrup, crushed candy cane and if you’re feeling cheeky, a little rum chata? Need we say more?
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For those looking to enjoy a little extra festive fun, they can check out the Lost + Found Café at the Kat Florence Hotels every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the outdoor Parisian market. Snuggle up by the outdoor fire, do a little shopping and even grab a bite from the folks at Le Chien Chaud.
A Holiday Tipple
Where: Outpost Bottle Shop, 216 St Andrew St W, Fergus, ON. (View Map) Elora Brewing Company, 107 Geddes St, Elora, ON.(View Map); Elora Distilling Company, 102 Metcalfe St Unit 4, Elora, ON. (View Map)
In the mood for more of an adult beverage? We got you. If you find yourself in that aforementioned charming village of Fergus, head to Outpost Bottle Shop on the main street for a drink or two and a snack to boot!
This craft beverage hub offers up beers and seltzers (both alcoholic and non-alchoholic) from all over the province! It’s an awesome spot to find something you haven’t tried before. Pair it up with a charcuterie board or sandwich and enjoy! Grab a seat inside and kick back. It’s the holidays after all.
For those wanting to go straight to the source, the Elora Brewing Company is built in a historic limestone building and is a great place to catch up with friends (both old and new) during the holiday season over a few craft pints. We recommend trying the Wandering Monk, an 8.2% hybrid between a Belgian Strong Ale and American IPA. Now, order up a plate of nachos and go to town!
Craft beer isn’t the only boozy option in town. Elora Distilling Company offers up fun spirits like canned gin and tonics, craft amaretto and even a black liquorice liqueur. Pop in for craft cocktails and to stock up for the season. Think Kir Royales, Lavendar Lemonade mocktails and more.
Looking for the perfect gift? Elora Distlilery has an awesome Advent calendar filled with mini bottles of their spirits to enjoy each day of December in a different cocktail, cocktail classes for an experience-based gift and a few local artisan products!
To do: Snowshoe + a Campfire (with Hot Chocolate)
Where: The Fieldstone Barn, 7450 Middlebrook Rd, Elora, ON. (View Map)
Known for its beautiful flowers and gorgeous fields most of the year, the winter season brings a whole new side to The Fieldstone Barn. When the farm is covered with a fresh blanket of snow, The Fieldstone Barn offers up snowshoes to guests to the property to use to explore. Add this onto your trip and work up a sweat. Afterwards, gather around a bonfire to roast marshmallows and sip on hot cocoa. Of course, this is dependent on weather so as the snow flies be sure to check Fieldstone’s social media. What could be better? Book here.
For Both: Holiday Sip n’ Shop
Where: Downtown Fergus (View Map)
Each year for three Friday nights in December, stores stay open late and the festivities are in full swing in downtown Fergus!
Get ready for some holiday magic with all the festive fun: horse-drawn carriage rides, carolling, Santa himself, hot cocoa, a DJ spinning holiday jams, and a food truck serving up tasty treats. On Friday December 6th, 13th and 20th, Fergus comes to life with festive fun!
Feeling hungry? You can grab a bite inside one of Fergus’s downtown restaurants restaurants or from the food trucks outside. While you’re soaking in the holiday tunes and strolling through the twinkling downtown, don’t forget to support some local businesses by doing a little holiday shopping. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a little old-fashioned Christmas magic while treating yourself (and maybe a friend or two). Get all the details.
Dinner Recommendations: Looking for dinner while you’re in Elora-Fergus? We’re recommend wrapping up all your festive fun with dinner at the Feast On® certified Elora Mill or The Evelyn.
Festive Fun Near Guelph
This festive itinerary in and around Guelph offers it all— great craft beer (and a designated driver), a way to get active and plenty of time outdoors by the fire!
To Sip: Fireside Wine Sipping
Where: Cox Creek Cellars, 7687 Wellington 22, Guelph, ON. (View Map)
Picture this: you’re cozied up by a crackling fire pit, taking in the fresh air with a glass of vino in hand. The air’s crisp, the wine’s crispier, and you’re pretty sure this is what they mean by rustic sophistication.
Cox Creek Cellars’ Fire Pit & Tasting lets you kick back and enjoy a walk through their wine selection fireside. It’s like camping, but with less bug spray and more cabernet. Forget roasting marshmallows—here, it’s all about swirling, sipping, and maybe showing off your new wine knowledge.
As you sip your way through reds, whites, and everything in between, cozy up under a blanket in a Muskoka chair as you while away the afternoon with your friends or sweetheart. Feeling peckish? Pair it up with one of their deluxe charcuterie boards for the ultimate treat. Ready to go? Book now.
To Do: Alpaca Snow Yoga
Where: Brae Ridge Farm, 7667 Maltby Rd E, Puslinch, ON. (View Map)
If you’ve never spent time with an alpaca, it’s an incredibly tranquile experience (with a bit of focus). Notoriously anxious animals, bonding time with an alpaca requires a calm, quite version of you (don’t worry, we love you as you are)— not unlike yoga! At scenic Brae Ridge Farm, sign up for one of their Snow Yoga classes (weather-dependent, of course) and you’ll find yourself doing your Sun Salutation with these fuzzy wonders.
Yoga here lasts about 75 minutes and is suitable for all levels. Just bring a great attitude and your winning smile- Brae Ridge will take care of the rest! If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even catch a few snowflakes.
For Both: Beers from 5 Craft Breweries
Where: On the Guelph.Beer Bus
Looking for a fun day out on the town? The Guelph.Beer Bus is hands down one of our favorite ways to explore Guelph! On November 16th, hop on a (yes, free) city bus and ride your way to six of the best craft breweries around: Feast On® certified Wellington Brewery, Fixed Gear Brewing, Sleeman Brewing, Brothers Brewing, Royal City Brewing (pro tip: grab lunch or dinner here—trust us, the menu is a must), and Wrinkly Bear Brewing.
These breweries have teamed up to offer this party on wheels one Saturday a month. Just hop on at any brewery and let the shuttle take you to the next stop—easy! Whether you’re rounding up the crew for a holiday hang, planning a holidate with a twist, or organizing a work outing that’s anything but boring, this brewery tour is a can’t-miss culinary experience showcasing the best of Guelph’s craft beer scene. Plus, this time of year you can expect seasonal brews worth writing home about. Cheers!
Can’t make it on the 16th? No worries! You can visit these breweries on your own too, silly. Wellington Brewery will even be offering tours every Saturday! Looking for a gift idea? Their festive Upside IPA 3-pack comes with a beautiful glass to enjoy it in.
Dinner Recommendations: Looking for dinner while you’re in Guelph? Check out Feast On® certified stops like Borealis Grill & Bar or The Wooly Pub.
Holiday Hangouts in Erin + Rockwood
To Sip: Non-Alcoholic Options at a Holiday-Themed Cafe
Where: Bearded Barista, 104 Main St S UNIT A, Rockwood, ON. (View Map)
It’s Christmas all year round at The Bearded Barista in Rockwood! Jarod (the owner and bearded barista himself) started the business because his family loves Christmas and he thought it would be nice to have a holiday escape year round— how sweet is that?!
Ready to sip and savour? Think we forgot? Heck no! Peppermint Mochas and Liquid Candy Cane Iced Coffee pair perfectly with handcrafted cupcakes made to look like holiday wreaths and poinsettias, gingerbread houses and warm cookies! So kick back by the fire, pursue the holiday decor for sale and get into the swing of the season.
To do: Winter hike + Tree Grab or Skate Nearby
Where: Elliott Tree Farm, 9467 E Garafraxa Erin Townline, Hillsburgh, ON. (View Map); one of Rockwood’s outdoor skating rinks at Max Storey Park, Valentino Park or David Mason Park
Ready to get outside and raise your heartbeat after all those sweet treats? Make like Rudolph during training season and go for a nice hike at Elliott Tree Farm. You can do double duty as you walk around the farm by cutting your own Frasier Fir or Balsam Fir or just enjoy their winter hiking trail.
When you’re finished picking the perfect one, head to the Heritage Holiday Gift Barn on site which stocks fresh wreaths and garlands, Elliott Tree Farm’s own maple syrup and holiday decor!
If skating is more your thing, Rockwood is stacked with options. With volunteer-run skating rinks at three nearby parks, if the weather is chilly enough, you’ll have a ball! Why not grab a coffee from nearby Eramosa River Café to warm up post-skate?
For both: Heartwood Farm and Cidery
Where: 5438 Second Line, Erin, ON. (View Map)
Just a few minutes away, Feast On® certified Heartwood Farm and Cidery is a lovely spot to while away the afternoon. The holiday season is marked each year by the release of their Wassail Cider- a mulled little number that will have you tasting and smelling notes of cinnamon and clove followed by a wild apple tang. We love it to our cores.
Looking for a non-alcoholic option? Heartwood also makes their own non-alcoholic sparkling ciders and juices. We love the Organic Apple Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cider to mark special occasions sans-alcohol.
Want to kick things up a notch? During the holiday season, Heartwood offers their Solstice Season experience where visitors gather in a large, warm yurt to hear holiday stories, carol for the barn animals and of course, share a few sips together. Think you’d like to book? Stay tuned on social media for details.
Dinner Recommendations: Looking for dinner while you’re in Rockwood/Erin? Check out Busholme or Chompin’ at the Bit Bar & Grille
Cheers to the Holiday Season!
No matter where you land this holiday season, we hope it’s merry and bright and filled with those you love the most. Cheers to you!
