The Ultimate List of Norfolk County Wineries and Breweries to Visit!
There are a ton of fantastic breweries and wineries in Norfolk County that are well worth visiting. Here’s a breakdown of them all!
It’s hard for me to think of an Ontario wine region that is emerging faster than Norfolk County. The days of Torontonians only thinking of Niagara or Prince Edward County are over, my friends, and that’s a good thing.
The beauty of it all is that it’s not just local grapes that are being put to good use - fresh Norfolk County hops are also getting their chance to shine with the proliferation of breweries in the region.
About a year or so ago was the first time that I came to Norfolk County to really get a feel for what the area was about. It was a reaction to the fact that I simply didn’t know enough about the area, yet it was only two hours away from my midtown Toronto apartment. After my first trip, I was hooked.
The stories, the places I visited, the warmth of the people, and the scenery - well, they never left me. I realized that when I got the chance to return to Norfolk County and it felt like more of a homecoming than anything else.
I came back to Norfolk County to continue to explore the wineries and breweries that I firmly believe are a microcosm for the hospitality of the region, and also an attestation to the quality of the soil here.
Let’s Talk About Where to Go in on Your Self-Guided Ontario Beer and Wine Tour
Before I get into my specific recommendations, I should note that the whole point of the Spirit of the Season Passport is to visit all 17 wineries and breweries on the list over four weekends, but I feel it’s still going to be helpful for me to run through some of my favourites in case you’re limited for time, or have specific taste preferences.
If you do visit all 17, you’re also eligible for a variety of gifts and prizes, so that’s worth mentioning. My understanding is that you can buy the passport online then pick up your passport on location at the first winery, or buy it on location when you arrive at the first winery.
Alright, let’s get rolling.
Burning Kiln Winery
If you’re coming to Norfolk county, you need to visit Burning Kiln Winery and, frankly, it’s as simple as that.
The name is an allusion to Norfolk County’s tobacco growing past, and they still pay a nod to that history, particularly in the way that they kiln dry some of their grapes. It draws on the ancient Italian art of “appassimento,” which essentially entails the drying of grapes to bolster and draw out certain flavours, while simultaneously creating new ones in grapes.
Let me just say this, and it’s the honest truth - Burning Kiln’s “Kiln Hanger” is my favourite wine in Ontario. It retails at $49.95, but it is the wine to get if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion. You’d be bard-pressed to find a bigger or bolder red in the province in my humble opinion.
I haven’t tasted much I didn’t like from Burning Kiln, period, so you’re probably free to go wild here with the tasting and see what suits your pallet.
Charlotteville Brewing Company
These guys were brand spankin’ new when I first visited Norfolk County, and it was amazing to go back and see that they’ve seemingly grown leaps and bounds, yet maintained the same kernel of what made them great in the first place.
I like breweries that do a few beers well before they do anything else, and that’s pretty much the ethos to a tee here. From what I’ve gathered from my visits, they’ve got 4 or so flagship beers on tap at any one time, and then one seasonal or experimental beer that keeps the fun and creativity in the brewing process.
Much of their beer is made from the raw ingredients they source from the adjoining farm, or that they’ve foraged nearby. I’m quite sure you can taste that approach in their beer. Moreover, the setting, in a hip, retrofitted barn, makes it one of the more unique Ontario breweries around these days.
The smartest play here is to just get a flight when you enter and try whatever beers they’re pouring.
I don’t like stouts nor saisons, and I like theirs, so honestly, you just can’t go wrong here. I’ve also met both of the owners, Melanie and Tim, and they’re just gems.
If you’re enjoying this article want to read more of my Ontario content, check out my article on Chatham-Kent’s Retrofest, or How to Explore Middlesex County
Inasphere Wines
Inasphere Wines is a small farm winery in St. Williams, Ontario with big views. It’s safe to say that the elevated views from Inasphere Wines are probably the most picturesque in Norfolk County, as they look out over the farm with Lake Erie on the horizon.
I’ll tell you this - every time I go there, I’m struck by how hard the staff is working. It’s a busy operation, and I’ve got tremendous respect for them for simultaneously running a farm and winery. And let me be clear, their wine is nothing to scoff at, despite their need to prioritize the farm at times. I very much enjoy their 2017 Cabernet Franc, for example, and if you also like deep, flavourful reds, you will as well.
Hounds of Erie Winery
If you haven’t heard of this ontario winery and cidery yet, you will. Actually, I suppose you just have.
It’s a small operation, headed up by Mat and Melissa Vaughan on the their 23 acre former tobacco farm, and they’re taking incredible strides. They were a virtual winery up until recently, but now they’ve got a headquarters of sorts of the property which they’re slowly getting into game shape.
Now, if you’ve been reading my stuff for a while, you’ll know I’m not a fan of cider, but I’m a huge fan of this cider.
They’re a dog loving family, so all their ciders are themed that way (Top Dog, Best in Show, Sassy Bitch etc.), but what struck me was not the branding, but the product. Each of their ciders is basically only apples, or, in the case of Sassy Bitch, apples and raspberries. No additives, no added sugar - nothing but fruit doing its thing.
They’re winning awards for their cider left, right, and centre, and its very well deserved. Again, I bought bottles of cider at the Hounds or Erie Winery, and I don’t buy cider, so infer what you will from that.
They also make wines, and have plans to continue their wine making operations. I adored their Marquette, and I’ve actually never had that varietal in a blend, so it was a nice opportunity. It was just excellent.
I could go on all day, but just know this is a place in Norfolk County and Ontario’s South Coast that you should be keeping an eye on, especially if you’re looking for ciders that aren’t just sugar in disguise.
Hometown Brew Co.
Hometown Brew Co. is an up and coming brewery in Norfolk County that makes a whole bunch of great beers. I didn’t get to visit the physical premises, but that’s fine anyhow, as I’m told they’ve got some expansion plans in the works, and are just in a temporary spot while those plans get settled.
Matty, one of the owners from the family run operation, did come over and meet me at the Mabee Marsh Cabin with a whole boatload of beers. Their Southern Ale is the popular choice, and damn is it good, but I would actually say my favourite is their Southern Light, as I find it hard to locate light beers that still pack a punch.
The Organic Wild Wheat is also worth tasting, and the can is all kinds of photogenic.
Hey, it’s just good beer, and Hometown Brew Co. has a bright future, especially considering its run by three young guys who seem to have no shortage of energy and ideas.
Blueberry Hill Estates
As you might imagine, Blueberry Hill Estates is closely connected to growing blueberries, and is actually Ontario’s oldest commercial high bush blueberry farm. They make both Blueberry Wine and Blueberry Iced Wine that’s really unlike anything I’ve tasted before.
Iced wine is just not my thing, openly, but you should try their Blueberry Wine while you’re there, as it likely tastes different than you’d imagine, and I think for the better.
They also operate the brand Front Road Cellars, which produces both ciders and wines. I enjoyed their recently released Chardonnay, and also felt like their Fighter Cider would be nice to have on a hot summer’s day.
I should also note that the property itself, the tasting room, and the decor in general is quite pleasant and fresh.
Blue Elephant Craft Brew House
I didn’t actually get to visit the property of Blue Elephant Craft Brew House, but I did get to meet the owner of Norfolk’s first and only “tied house” (pub + microbrewery). It’s clear that they’ve had a focus on the local since they opened their doors in 1992, and are constantly evolving and innovating.
They craft their beers in small batches with no additives or preservative using only local ingredients (barley, hops, wheat, and water), and they’ve become a bit of a landmark in Norfolk County over the years.
I’d personally recommend the Gentlemen’s Pilsner, which you’ll see from the branding actually commemorates Mumford and Sons’ visit to Norfolk County back in 2013. As a pilsner lover, I haven’t actually found that many I enjoy in Ontario, and this one is pretty tasty.
If you’re appreciating this article, you’ll also love my article on the Top Breweries in Toronto, and the Top Distilleries in Toronto
Quai du Vin Winery
I didn’t actually visit Quai du Vin Winery on this trip through Norfolk County, but rather in the summer time when I was doing a little exploration of Port Stanley and Elgin County. So yes, they’re technically a part of Elgin County, but keep in mind that this initiative, the Spirit of the Season Passport that is, is run first and foremost by the Ontario South Coast Wineries and Growers Association, and that’s why they’re on the list. Either way, they’re not that far from Norfolk at all.
While there, I had the chance to meet with Jamie Quai, a third generation winemaker who has managed to take a lot of the pretension out of the craft. I appreciated the wine when I was there, largely because Jamie always put a deliberate twist on it, and I felt like his approach was incredibly well thought out and interesting.
Quite honestly, I’d just love to go back to chat more with him, and continue to get different perspectives as is relates to growing grapes and making wine in Ontario.
Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm
I didn’t get to visit Ramblin’ Road this time around, but I did the last time I was out in Norfolk County doing some “research” for you guys.
I remember enjoying the whole western theme they’ve got going on, and, if I’m not mistaken, they were playing some old John Wayne flicks in the dining area. Speaking of that, the food there is pretty solid, so if you’re doing a big tour, and you’ve got this on the list, this is not a bad place to stop for lunch!
They’ve always got some funky beers on tap as well, and when I was there last, I was even sipping on a few potato beers, which is something I’d certainly never done before. It was actually surprising good, I must say.
Smoke & Gamble - Frisky Beaver
So, at this location, you’ve got three different brands under one roof. Technically, those three brands are under the umbrella company known as Dover13. Now that the nitty gritty details are out of the way, let’s talk about the wine.
One of their brands is cleverly called “Crappy Wine,” and it is as it sounds. It’s actually quite drinkable, but the whole label just takes an endless jab at people who get too caught up in wine. I wouldn’t bring a bottle to Christmas dinner, but it’d sure be fun to bring to a bachelor or bachelorette party. The label, pictured above, is just hilarious.
Smoke & Gamble is another of their brands, and this is probably the brand that is most begging to be taken seriously. They’ve got a Pinot, Cabernet, Merlot blend that I enjoyed, and the Cabernet also holds up fairly nicely. If I’m going to Dover13, this is the brand that I’d be going for.
Finally, Frisky Beaver is unapologetically tacky, and they feature wines that are sweeter than halloween candy. It’s not for me, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be for you, and I’d have no judgment if you loved it to bits.
What Other Norfolk County Breweries and Wineries Are on the List?
I’ve only separated these Norfolk County wineries and breweries from the above list simply because I haven’t visited them personally. As a travel writer, I take my job seriously, and so I fully recognize that I can’t write in depth about places I haven’t been to, nor offer serious recommendations or value judgments.
Also, I’m not suggesting that these places are any better or worse than the above list, only that I haven’t been. If you go, post a comment at the bottom and let me know how they were!
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery
Concession Road Brewing Co.
Railway City Brewing Company - Now this is a brewery where I actually have tried their beer down in Toronto and enjoyed it, and I’ll be prioritizing a visit here the next time that I’m in St.Thomas.
Wooden Bear L Winery
New Limburg Brewery - This is a spot in Simcoe, Ontario that has been on my radar, but, sadly, I’ve yet to sip on their beer
Villa Nova Estate Winery
Rush Creek Wines
What’s the Best Way to Visit These Wineries? How About Ride the Bine?
The main challenge in doing a tour of wineries and breweries is that you can’t drive and taste all you want, and thus need a designated driver.
It would be tough to say that, conventionally speaking, I’ve been a great follower of rules in my life, but my parents always made sure to instil in me the utter seriousness of drinking and driving. And rightfully so.
Enter Ride the Bine. Now, the first thing to say is that they are much more than just a designated driver. They offer curated tours to allow you to see the best wineries, breweries and cider houses in Norfolk County and beyond.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Amanda, one of the founders of Ride the Bine leading my tour, and she just added so much to the day. Her knowledge of the region was unparalleled, and the warmth of her spirit really shone through. I always thought of myself as someone who oozed positivity, and then I met Amanda.
She works harder than most people I’ve met and pulls it all off seamlessly. If you’re doing a Norfolk tour involving a whole bunch of breweries and wineries, including for the Spirit of the Season, I do firmly believe this is a great way to do it.
I can confidently say that with Ride the Bine you’ll be in good hands.
Well, Some Fine Ontario Breweries and Ontario Wineries Await
This website, even though it has my name on it, is all about you. For an article like this, I don’t care if it gets major traffic or whether it ends up on the front page of Google.
What I care about is whether it’s legitimately going to help my readers, and I firmly believe that if you’re taking part in this event over the next four weekends, this can be legitimately helpful for you.
I hope you make great use of your Spirit of the Season Passport, and feel free to reach out to me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram to let me know how everything is going, or how everything went.
Enjoy each other’s company, celebrate the arrival of the holiday season, and appreciate the stories (and wineries and breweries, of course) in one of Ontario’s most warm and bountiful regions - beloved Norfolk County.
I want to humbly thank Norfolk County for hosting me as media. All opinions are completely my own. Have you been to any of these breweries or wineries before? Have you explored Norfolk County? love to hear from my readers, so get back to me if you've got anything to add. I respond to each and every comment, and anything and everything is welcomed!