In the history of iconic couples, cheese and wine go down alongside Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Posh and Becks and (hear us out) even Peanut Butter and Jelly.
For food lovers heading to Grey County this fall or winter, making some extra stops for wine and cheese is one of the most delightful ways to enjoy your time.
Our Top Spots for Wine and Cheese in Grey County
Read on for the drool-worthy run down on where to find the best cheese and wine in Grey County.
#1: Secret Lands Farm
Where: 733792 W Back Line RR2, Proton Station, ON. (View Map)
Located on a sprawling farm nestled into the rolling hills of the Grey Highlands, Secret Lands Farm is home to a wide array of high-quality sheep milk cheeses, yogurts, kefirs and creamy gelatos. The milk is all sourced from their own sheep farm – and that freshness comes across in every. single. bite.
Tastings and Tours
To get the most our of your visit, we recommend booking ahead for a tasting and a farm tour which are available on weekends.
For the tasting, you’ll cozy up into a charming gazebo on the farm where co-owner, Sophie, will walk you through what’s on your plate. We savoured incredible bits of pistachio and cranberry labneh, pecorino cheese, and a wide array of tangy and oh-so-smooth kefir cheeses.
We also indulged in Sophie’s homemade pita bread and her signature peach slices which were salty and verrry pleasing to the ol’ taste buds.
The experience at Secret Lands goes beyond the tasting, though. We highly recommend booking a tour so you get a behind-the-scenes look at this artisanal operation, meet the sheep, and learn about what sets Secret Lands Farm apart from the rest.
This gorgeous property backs onto a conservation area with an extensive trail system and the scenic Lake Wilcox. Go for a walk to the lake with Sophie where she’ll insist on turning off your phones and just taking in a few minutes of silence together (trust us, you need this more than you realize).
Before leaving, of course, you need to hit up the farm store. We hope you brought a cooler because there is loads of goodness on offer.
Creamy chocolate and vanilla gelatos, ostrich eggs from a local farmer, smoked pecorino, sheep milk yogurt and so much more await. Located in a tiny farm shed, it is packed to the gills with goodness.
#2: Milk Maid
Where: 947 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON. (View Map)
Fancy a glass of vino with all that cheese? We got you! Hit the road to the Milk Maid in downtown Owen Sound. You’ll be grapeful you did. It’s really… gouda.
Run by Sarah and Robin Miller, this wine bar and cheese shop is located in the heart of Owen Sound’s River District and is a pleasure for the eyes and the mouth!
First, let’s talk wine (and beer and cider). The selection of delightful bevvies at the Milk Maid is perfect for localvores.
Their selection of VQA wines from across Ontario is impressive with bottles from Prince Edward County’s Lighthall Vineyards, Nicholas Pearce, and of course, a number of wines from nearby Coffin Ridge among others.
More into other bevvies? No worries! With a great selection, you’ll find sips like cider from Revel Cider in Guelph, non alcoholic options from Feast On® certified Sap Sucker and even ginger beer from Georgian Bluffs! There always seems to be something new, delicious, and local on their shelves.
When it comes to cheese, these folks aren’t messing around either! You’ll find everything from the squeakiest Mountainoak Cheese curds and big wheels of Gunn’s Hill cheese from Oxford County to mild Goudas from Blythe Farm Cheese and oh-so-creamy chevre from Cross Wind Farm in Keene.
On top of all these Ontario-made options, The Milk Maid also brings in imported goodness like burrata fresh from Italy, brie from Québec and even Chabichou from France! Don’t forget to ask the staff about what wine or beer will pair best.
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the carefully curated selection of preserves and accoutrements that this boutique stocks. We’re talking beautiful maple syrups from Ziibaakdakaan, smoked fish, and so much more.
Don’t feel like doing the work? No worries! You can grab a bite in their licensed dining room to enjoy all that goodness or order a cheese platter to go.
#3: The Cheese Gallery
Where: 11 Bruce St. S. Thornbury, ON. (View Map)
There are so many things to love about The Cheese Gallery beyond their selection of cheese…which is pretty epic by the way. With a huge case filled with cheeses from across Canada and the globe, you’ll want to stock up.
Think beautiful goat cheeses with pretty petals for party hosting, the stinkiest of blues and so much more…and now we’re drooling.
It doesn’t stop there though. The Cheese Gallery also serves up fresh baked goods daily (we love the key lime tarts), warm espressos and lattes to keep your heart and tummy happy while you shop.
You can also purchase a number of spirits here including a great line of canned cocktails, bitters and syrups from Dillon’s Small Batch Distilling out of Niagara.
The Cheese Gallery has its own lineup of mixed nuts, dried fruits and more to round out any board as well as all the board-making gadgets and gizmos your cheese-loving heart desires.
If this sounds like the beginning of a very fun road trip to you, why not check out our itinerary through Thornbury and its outskirts?
#4: The Roost
Where: 415763 10 Line, Clarksburg, ON. (View Map)
According to the folks from The Roost, they “make seriously good cold climate wine for unserious occasions.” That’s a sentiment that’s right up our wine-loving alley.
The goal at the Roost is to make the unique terroir of the Blue Mountains shine in every bottle. So what’s up first? We have a few ideas.
Bubble lovers rejoice! For those feeling cheeky, the 2021 Sparkling Siegerrebe known as Sekt in a Bottle is a must-try. Nice and dry, you’ll get notes of lychee and other tropical fruits.
You don’t have to stop there though. From marquettes and pinot gris to orange wines and spiced wines there are loads of options.
Ready to visit? The Roost is a seasonal operation so be sure to check their website before heading out! It’s a great spot to indulge in fall beauty and a glass of wine (or two). You can reserve your spot online.
#5: Coffin Ridge
Where: 599448 Concession Rd 2 N, Annan, ON. (View Map)
You won’t find views like this just anywhere! The tasting room at Coffin Ridge opens up to spectacular vantage points of Georgian Bay beyond the vineyard. Grab a spot in one of their Scandinavian-style outdoor booths to take it all in.
Pop in to try their wines and get a feel for this hive of satiating tastes! When it comes to wine, Coffin Ridge is well known for growing hearty winter varietals and their Riesling Bone Dry is enjoyed extensively throughout the province.
Hot Tip: You can also come here for a great wood-fired pizza on Saturdays!
With playful names for all their wines (Into the Light White, Divine Intervention Red etc.) it’s the perfect place for groups of friends to gather over a few glasses.
On top of the tastings and food, they host cool events to keep an eye on throughout the year. Past favourites have included Ghosts in the Vineyard tours and holiday markets.
Cheers to You and Yours
Well there you have it! 5 must-stops in Grey County to fulfill your wine and cheese craving. Want to start planning a getaway? Check out this itinerary.
