Grape Expectations

An EPIC Wine Tour in Essex County

After a long winter and a temperamental spring, the Lifestyle Ladies were eager to soak up summer sunshine and explore a region known for lush Carolinian forests, bird and butterfly migration routes, the best in farm-to-table produce and, most importantly, wine production. We were embarking on the EPIC Wine Route, the well-named collaborative association of Essex County, Pelee Island, and Erie Coast wineries.

Long before Essex County became a destination for wine lovers, it was already rooted in grape-growing history. The story began in 1866 with Vin Villa on Pelee Island, Canada’s first commercial winery, where settlers discovered the island’s sandy soils and temperate microclimate were ideal for European vinifera grapes. Although Prohibition and a few dormant decades followed, the region’s wine spirit endured. By the late 20th century, a new generation of vintners revived the dream, planting across the mainland and embracing the unique terroir shaped by Lake Erie’s breezes and long growing season.

Day One
Undaunted by the task of visiting 15 wineries in three days — that’s truly epic — we set out joyfully in a sporty, chic Acura ADX Platinum Elite A-SPEC supplied by Acura West of London. After sliding back the generous moonroof and turning up the Bang & Olufsen surround sound, we chose the back roads to savour the ADX’s smooth handling and sumptuous comfort of the red quilted leather interior. The safety and comfort tech was intuitive and non-intrusive, and we soon had the built-in Google Maps guiding us to our first destination. 

The clamour of city life faded quickly, replaced by the tranquility of verdant fields edged with flowering trees and shrubs. A panorama of green, punctuated by bursts of floral colour, eventually opened onto the turquoise shimmer of Lake Erie, where quaint cottages, sandy beaches and conservation areas set the tone. We felt like we were on holiday before we even had our first sip.

Eager to begin our EPIC Wine Country adventure, we headed to the easternmost point of the trail—Mastronardi Estate Winery — and felt instantly transported to Tuscany. The Italian-inspired architecture set a romantic tone, beautifully complemented by the warm welcome and effortless elegance of event planner Rosanna Elsea-Chan, who graciously toured us through the impressive grounds. Established in 2002, this 100-acre vineyard is the Lake Erie North Shore’s largest wedding and event venue, offering sweeping views of the vines and space for up to 500 guests. While Mastronardi is famed for its award-winning wines and Ontario’s most popular sangria, it offers so much more: Olympic Gold Medal-winning Chef Don serves up gourmet fare, and summer brings unique experiences like yoga among the vines and dancing at Vino Vesta. Founder and owner Rino Mastronardi feels a deep sense of commitment to his community, organizing critical fundraising initiatives, this year focusing on hospice and mental health care. As a lovely finale, we sampled Moscato “Fiorina Villa Canale,” a beautifully aromatic vintage named in honour of the owner’s mother.

In Kingsville, we were welcomed by the lively, festive vibe of Pelee Island Winery. With 700 acres of grapes grown on Pelee Island, Canada’s most southern location, Pelee’s wide variety of wines benefit from the island’s clement microclimate and sustainable viticulture. The Kingsville location is a vibrant hub for visitors, offering guided tastings, charcuterie boards, and three dangerously delicious wine slushies, practically a prescription on a hot day. Sparkling Lola Nero over ice hit just right, and “Summer Sundays” on the patio — with live music and wood-fired pizzas — make it a perfect weekend stop. Next time, we’re hopping the ferry to see the island vines for ourselves.

Essex county is also known for farm-to-fork cuisine. The Vines Restaurant at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards is a full-service restaurant offering locally sourced ingredients. We dined in the elegant restaurant, but seating is also available on the protected patio overlooking the rolling vineyards. Our starters of beef and vegetable soup were rich, peppery and satisfying. A main of Lake Erie Pickerel was delectably unique with a gluten-free coating, thick-cut fries and apple kale coleslaw. The recommended pairing, a bold and fresh Dry Reisling, complemented the meal perfectly with its notes of citrus and hint of petrol. The winery beckons guests to linger: wander the surrounding Carolinian forest on the Hawk Trail, catch a wagon ride, or simply curl up on an Adirondack chair with your favourite glass of wine and a book. Time magically stands still at Cooper’s Hawk Winery.

Paglione Estate Winery evokes the hills of central Italy but we were in Harrow. Built in 2013 by enigmatic founder Sam Paglione, the building features a clay tile roof, stone façade and a turret. The focus is on old-world winemaking traditions and Italian family-friendly hospitality. Enjoy hand-tossed pizzas fired in clay ovens, antipasti platters, and handmade gelato. Summer weekends often feature live music on the patio, making it an ideal place to gather with friends for a Sangiovese, Italian cuisine and conversation. 

Viewpointe Estate Winery was one of the most scenic stops on our EPIC
adventure, with unobstructed Lake Erie views from its spacious, dog-friendly patio. Locally owned by the Fancsy family, the winery blends modern design with nods to the historic Mettawas hotel built by Hiram Walker in the 1890s, and focuses on unique varietals like the rare Auxerrois, typically grown in Alsace. On summer weekends Viewpointe buzzes with live music and food vendors, offering everything from tacos to gelato. Mark your calendar for Perch-a-Palooza on August 23 — an easygoing celebration of local food, wine, and music.

Lavender-scented breezes drew us across the road to North 42 Degrees Estate Winery, a stunning structure featuring river rock foundations and modern timber frame design. Inside, a towering river rock fireplace sets the tone for elegant dining with sweeping vineyard views. The on-site Bistro 42 features farm-to-table meals crafted from fresh local ingredients and paired with award-winning wines. As if that isn’t enough, the Winery operates in conjunction with Serenity Lavender Farm, and visitors can stroll through fragrant lavender fields alongside the vineyards, or shop for artisan lavender products in the shop. 

Just a short stroll from the beach in Colchester, The Grove Motel was an ideal base on our EPIC wine country escape. Our comfortable room was named “But Wine Not?” — a playful, grape-themed pied-à-terre that perfectly set the tone for our wine-filled adventures. Built and opened in 2023 by the same local team behind Kingsville’s popular Grove Hotel, the motel has a funky, 1970s vibe with its two-story design, exterior walkways, and vibrant vintage hues. Each of its 27 rooms is uniquely themed and packed with character, clever touches, and nostalgic flair, but the amenities are modern and of a high standard. 

Day Two

JOE. Hot+Cold is the motel’s on-site café and our go-to spot for a morning pick-me-up. This retro-style café is open to both guests and the public, serving specialty coffees, teas and a small menu of breakfast and lunch options. We ordered the breakfast burritos — hot, fresh and filling — and grabbed brewed coffees that were strong enough to get me smiling. I loved having a real pottery mug that kept my coffee hot, prolonging the pleasure of an excellent brew. Bathed in easy listening tunes, it was a great spot to meet some locals and plan our route for the day.

After our second cup of coffee, we cruised to Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery to meet Steve Mitchell, manager of sales & marketing, vineyard, and facilities. He shared that his parents, Gord and Hannah, bought the lakeside property in 1975, planting a variety of vines in 1991 to find robust grapes that best suited the local terroir. Since opening in 2006, the winery has remained family-run. Steve’s sister, Tanya Mitchell, is the award-winning head winemaker. Tanya’s approach emphasizes sustainability and low-intervention techniques that let the grapes speak for themselves. Steve also described their use of the traditional Appassimento method — drying grapes before fermentation — to craft bold, concentrated wines that reflect the full character of their land. As the only beachfront winery in Ontario, Sprucewood provides everything needed for a memorable day with your “toes in the sand.” A beach hut on the shore serves wine by the glass. Play outdoor games or purchase a picnic basket loaded with tasty fare. You just need to bring your bathing suit! 

Visitors are warmly welcomed to Erie Shore Vineyard by co-owners Alma and Harvey Hollingshead, who have been cultivating their lakeside vineyard since 1997. As one of the earliest wineries in the region, Erie Shore focuses on producing small-batch, quality-first wines that reflect the unique terroir of the 30-acre property. In 2018 their son, Andrew Hollingshead, joined the family business
as the winemaker, bringing a fresh perspective to their winemaking process. Stop in for a tasting and be sure to try the “Dockside” white — bright, crisp and just right for a summer afternoon overlooking Lake Erie. 

At Dancing Swallows Vineyard, we stepped into a wine experience unlike any other on the trail. Tucked beneath towering century-old maples, the outdoor-only tasting garden offered a peaceful, laid-back setting with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs shaded by the trees. Owner and winemaker Scott Wilkins works with just 5.5 acres of vines, producing small-batch wines available only on-site. His minimalist winemaking lets each vintage shine, making every visit feel personal and unrepeatable. With birdsong in the air and swallows darting overhead, we enjoyed an unhurried and quietly memorable stop.

Vivace Estate Winery, located on the western edge of the wine trail, greeted us with a blend of old roots and fresh ambition. Though it opened its doors in 2017, the vineyard boasts some of the region’s oldest vines — planted in the 1980s — lending a quiet depth to its wines. Owner Jean Qian gave us a tour that moved from the contemporary, newly renovated tasting room to the rustic barrel cellar — a space that felt alive with stories. She shared plans for a future “vine-to-wine” experience, designed to walk visitors through the full process of winemaking. It’s a thoughtful approach, and one that mirrors Vivace’s forward-thinking style.

After a lively morning on the EPIC trail, we pulled into VIN Winery and immediately felt another wave of calm settle in. Founded in 2021 by local winemakers Nolan Bernard and Bronson Goodfellow, VIN offers a relaxed outdoor tasting experience set beneath tall trees just a short stroll from a tranquil pond. It feels more like a nature retreat than a traditional winery, with a rustic patio that blends into the surroundings. We sampled small-batch wines from locally grown Colchester grapes while soaking in the serenity. With its forested event venue — fittingly named “Weddings in the Woods” — and its partnership with BREW microbrewery, VIN is a place to slow down, reconnect, and breathe in the beauty of Essex County.

At Muscedere Vineyards we were treated to the warm humour of Pat Muscedere, who shared stories of arriving from Italy with her husband in their early twenties to build a new life — and eventually, a vineyard — in Harrow. Today, the family-run winery is known for its small-batch wines made exclusively from hand-harvested estate-grown grapes, many aged in premium French and American oak barrels. As we relaxed on the spacious shaded patio, it was clear this place is as much about family as it is about wine. Pat’s sons now manage much of the vineyard and winemaking, and the property reflects that multigenerational spirit — with a children’s playground, chickens clucking nearby and a pair of tethered goats adding to the charm. In the summer, wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato make Muscedere a popular destination for visitors of all ages. 

At Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW), we settled in on the large screened patio overlooking the vineyard for a late and leisurely lunch. Founded in 2001 by the Gorski family, CREW has grown from a small estate vineyard into a polished destination for both renowned wines and local cuisine. Our lunch featured a crisp green salad with pomegranate and grilled chicken, followed by a juicy, flavour-packed burger. I treated myself to the “Crimson Tide” flight — rich, bold reds that paired beautifully with the meal — while we ended on a sweet note with velvety crème brûlée. The tasting room and restaurant are urbane and convivial, and the hospitality welcoming. This summer look for live music every weekend in July and August, plus themed barrel tastings and cooking classes.

Our final stop of the day brought us to Colio Estate Wines in Harrow. Established in 1980, Colio was the first winery in Southwestern Ontario to be licensed after Prohibition and helped pave the way for the modern wine scene in the region. Housed in a former apple processing plant, he building retains the character of an earlier era. Colio’s 200-acre vineyard supports a wide-ranging portfolio, from premium CEV vintages to the easy-drinking Girls’ Night Out line — an appropriate beverage to finish our day!

Day Three

We rose early to explore Point Pelee National Park, truly a treasure for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Although the Eastern Bluebird evaded us, we loved hiking the shore trail serenaded by waves, marveling at the grand vista from Tip Tower and exploring the fascinating marshland along the boardwalk.  

We were more than ready for lunch when we arrived at Oxley Estate Winery, and from the moment we stepped onto the shaded patio, we knew we were in for something special. The setting — a beautifully restored 1920s tobacco barn with wide windows, white linens and fresh flowers — was elegant and welcoming. Winemaker Andrew Wilson, grandson of founders Ann and Murray Wilson, personally guided us through a wine tasting that complemented our seasonal fare: starters of fresh oysters with

mignonette and creamy asparagus soup, followed by Sticky Duck Wings, succulent and spicy, and crispy Caesar salad with Wowza wine-poached pears. We were fascinated to hear how the winery has refined its grape varieties and developed its own terroir with outstanding wines such as Chardonnay 2021 and Cabernet Franc 2019. Andrew’s pride in the winery and his belief in the region’s potential was clear: “We’re still learning and growing, and the quality is growing steadily.” We left Oxley charmed, satisfied and feeling like insiders in Essex County’s thriving wine story.

There’s something magical about venturing off the beaten path, and EPIC Wine Country — nestled in Ontario’s southernmost stretch along the shores of Lake Erie — offered us exactly that. As the Lifestyle Ladies, we set out for a sun-drenched weekend full of vineyard-hopping, long lunches and laughter. What we found was not just a wine trail but a community rooted in family, attention to craft, and the shared joy of sipping something beautiful under an open sky. •