Are you passionate about wine and love tasting it straight from the source?

Do you want to see the rows of grapevines with your own eyes before the wine is served at the table? If you’re in Toronto, you’re in the right place!

There are hundreds of wineries you can visit in one day from Toronto. The reason why there are so many wineries in this area is tied to several factors.

In Ontario, the seasons are distinct from one another. Summer is sunny with warm temperatures that favour the slow growth of grapes. Meanwhile, Lake Ontario helps reduce the impact of winter frost by softening the cold.

The fertile agricultural soil also deserves its credit, as it supports the growth of various grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and others.

With years of winemaking history, Ontario is now the largest wine-producing region in Canada. This is supported by favourable government policies that recognize wine production as an economic asset to the country.

The ability to taste the wine directly at the wineries where it is made, accompanied by the expertise of sommeliers who speak so passionately about the magical liquid, has helped turn these regions into true wine tourism destinations.

Special days have been dedicated to celebrating this intoxicating drink. We can mention the Toronto Wine Festival, Niagara Wine Festival, Grape Escape Festival and more. People meet to celebrate their shared passion for wine while enjoying some good music.

Let’s guide you through the best wineries you can visit in one day from Toronto.

Château des Charmes. From the very beginning, we must tell you that this winery, located in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region, plays a key role in the development of the wine industry in Canada. It was founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a French winemaker who was in search of suitable land to plant his vineyards and produce wine. This family-owned winery produces wine exclusively from grapes grown in its vineyards. In this way, they can ensure maximum quality by giving the production process the necessary care at every stage, using sustainable and eco-friendly techniques. The winery managers are very careful about protecting the land from the use of harmful pesticides. They ensure that the soil remains fertile for generations and continues to produce the highest quality grapes.

The winery offers various opportunities to discover its wines, from educational tastings to guided tours through the vineyards and fermentation rooms. In the intimate indoor spaces of the winery, as well as its outdoor areas, you can host various family celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and weddings. The winery’s dedicated staff takes care of every detail to make your event magical.

Through its official website, the winery also allows you to order its wines online, so they’ll never be missing from your table.

Try the experience of wine tasting at -10°C.

Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant was founded by the Peller family in 1969. Once an immigrant who came to Canada from Hungary, Andrew Peller founded what is now one of the most well-known wine destinations in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area, just a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto.

The winery offers a traditional wine-tasting experience where you can choose to sample three different types of wines produced on-site. A truly unique experience is the tasting held in the Icewine Lounge, a space constructed entirely of ice and maintained at a temperature of -10°C. The winery also features an elegant restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can choose this winery as the venue for your special events. You will be amazed by the attention to detail with which every aspect is handled.

Surprise your loved ones with a wine gifting experience by choosing from the elegantly packaged wine sets from Peller Estates Winery.
Alternatively, gift them a gift card so they can select their favourite from the winery’s wide variety of wines.

Additionally, you can buy online from the official winery website and also register with Vine-club to benefit from various offers.

Do you want to witness how two sisters can also be great business partners?

Two Sisters Vineyards. In 2007, two Italian sisters, Angela and Melissa, had the brilliant idea to follow their roots and create a family-owned winery. By utilizing the fertile land in the Niagara region, they planted 130 hectares of vineyards with various grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, and others. Their vision and ambition were clear: they wanted to build a leading winery in the production of premium and luxury wines in Canada. They work together as a close-knit team, each with distinct and well-defined roles. However, they would never have been so successful without their team, which consists of experts in the field who undertake this work with great passion and love.

For the fining of the wine, this winery has chosen vegan agents, taking into consideration the demands of vegan consumers. You can enjoy unique wine-tasting experiences at this winery, either in private groups in the tasting room bar or by getting up close to the vineyards that produce this magical liquid. You can also have consultations with sommeliers who have extensive experience in the field. The winery offers two elegant yet approachable spaces where you can enjoy both Italian and international cuisine, carefully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The winery’s venues turn into a festive oasis whenever visitors choose to celebrate their special moments there.

The first winery license issued in Ontario since Prohibition.

To the list of wineries you can visit in one day from Toronto, we will definitely include Inniskillin Wines. The history of this winery began in 1974 when Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser planted the first European vineyard. This was not a typical event for the time when tradition favoured planting only local grape varieties, and it came with its risks. In 1975, Inniskillin received the first license to open a winery in Ontario since Prohibition, becoming the pioneer of a new era in Canadian wine history. This winery is internationally recognized for producing the first Icewine. It has played a crucial role in the recognition and appreciation of Canadian wine worldwide.

While visiting the winery, located 1.5- 2 hours’ drive from Toronto, you can choose the type of experience you want to enjoy. You can book a tour led by the winemaking team, who will provide more details about the grape varieties as you walk through the shaded vineyards. The winery offers a special tour dedicated to Icewine, its specialty. The estate also provides intimate tables set among the vines, where you can enjoy each other’s company surrounded by stunning nature. You can also opt for a more casual dinner, still perfectly paired with the winery’s fantastic wine.

You can also purchase the wine directly from the winery’s official website and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

Not just wine, but also art and good food.

13th Street Winery was created around 25 years ago by four amateur winemaker friends. It got its name from its original location on 13th Street in Jordan, Ontario. In 2008, John Mann and Doug & Karen Whitty purchased the winery. They relocated it to St. Catharines, where it remains today. A shared love of wine, art, good food, and exceptional hospitality united these two families. That’s why the atmosphere here has a warm, family-oriented feel.

Award committees have consistently recognized 13th Street Winery for the quality of its wines, which it produces using traditional methods and with special care to preserve the soil’s quality. The winery stands out for pioneering the cultivation of Gamay, a grape traditionally linked to France’s Beaujolais. The wines produced from this grape are light, soft, and suitable for pairing with many types of dishes.

The owners have ensured that your experience at the winery goes beyond wine tasting. Throughout the property, you’ll find sculptures and works of art on display. You can also visit the newly remodelled art gallery, which features works by local artists. The exhibited pieces are for sale.

And if that’s not enough, the aromas of fresh pies and desserts will draw you into the 13th Street Bakery.

A story of care and success.

Flat Rock Cellars was founded in 1999, and the first wine was produced in 2003. The construction of this 80-hectare winery by Ed Madronich was carefully planned with a clear strategy: focusing on the grape varieties that grow best in the Niagara Peninsula. For this reason, they considered Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer the most suitable grapes to plant. As the grapes ripen slowly, they are harvested in small quantities to ensure fruit quality. During the winemaking process, the winemakers follow traditional methods, preserve soil quality, and utilize high-quality technology and innovation. The success of an excellent wine lies in the special care and close monitoring shown at every step of the process.

The winery invites visitors to explore the vineyard and winery grounds, gaining insight into its founding story and the meticulously crafted wines. Guests can sample the wines and also join one of the wine clubs that best match their preferences. You can also book to celebrate an important event in the winery’s beautiful settings.

With so many great options available, we understand it can be tough to decide which winery to explore first. Each one offers its charm, character, and exceptional wine. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience.

If you want to add a bit more adrenaline to your day, book a ToNiagara tour that best suits your needs.

Tell us about your experience after visiting one of these wineries—which one stole your heart?