Raise a Glass to Ottawa’s 11 Top Wineries and Vineyards
There’s nothing like enjoying a glass of wine while having a fancy dinner with someone or even just while staying at home and relaxing by the fireplace. But have you ever wondered just how your favorite drink even gets to you neatly packaged already?
Thankfully, you don’t need to book the nearest flight to France to visit a vineyard or winery because Ottawa is already near some of the best!
That’s right, you only need a car and some gas to get there in less time than the pizza delivery guy arriving with your order. Try not to get too tipsy as we go over the best wineries and vineyards in Ottawa!
1. Kin Vineyards
Address: 2225 Craig’s Side Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-519-1621
Website: https://kinvineyards.com/
Kin Vineyards, located just 25 minutes from Ottawa in Carp, Ontario, stands out as one of the best vineyards and wineries in the area for several reasons.
Firstly, it offers a generous 47-acre vineyard where you can savor a glass of wine or a tasting flight amidst the vines or on its outdoor patio.
What sets Kin Vineyards apart is its partnership with Joe’s Italian Kitchen, elevating the experience by serving delightful Italian dishes and wood-fired pizza with its wines. This collaboration creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a charming evening in Italy.
The winery’s ambiance is particularly noteworthy, with comfortable Muskoka chairs and wine barrel tables under umbrellas. It’s definitely a great place to relax and relish samples of wines and delectable food while basking in the serene vineyard setting.
The combination of great food, excellent wine, and the tranquil atmosphere of the vineyard makes it a top choice to have your first vineyard or winery tour!
2. Domaine Perrault Vineyard
Address: 1000 Perrault Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-853-3860
Website: https://www.domaineperrault.ca/
Domaine Perrault Vineyard is just 30 minutes from Ottawa in Navan, and what makes it a must-visit destination are its enticing patio packages! Fair warning though, you need to plan ahead and book these packages at least 48 hours in advance.
The winery offers an array of white and red wines for you to explore and enjoy, which are both delicious in their own ways.
Whether you opt for their local wine selections or the Sommelier Select option, which includes premium wines and a delightful charcuterie snack, you’re in for a treat.
You can taste five different varieties of wine, listen to a brief presentation about the winery with patio time, and try out more in-depth sommelier-led tastings.
3. Vignoble du Chelsea
Address: 1582 Quebec Rte 105, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 1P4, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-866-3006
Website: https://vignoblechelsea.com/en/
Just 28 minutes from Ottawa is Vignoble du Chelsea, a charming family-owned winery spread across a scenic 43-acre farm.
What I loved about it is that the winery offers a delightful summer wine experience but once the cold creeps in, it transforms into a winter sugar shack.
This versatility means you can enjoy the serene beauty of the vineyard both in the warm months and during the colder season. Vignoble du Chelsea also hosts special events, including weddings, so why not check it out if you’re looking for a venue?
For those seeking a memorable summer experience, their picnic club pairs delectable wines with sandwiches and salads.
So, whether you’re craving a sip of fine wine amidst lush vineyards or maple-infused delights in the snowy months, this winery has you covered!
4. Vignoble Clos Du Vully
Address: 2501 Magladry Rd, Navan, ON K4B 0H3, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-558-1107
Website: https://www.vignobleclosduvully.com/
If you already live in or near Orleans, getting to Vignoble Clos Du Vully will be just a 35-minute ride away.
This local vineyard is home to five grape varieties, offering wine lovers a diverse tasting experience. At the winery, you can savor the flavors of two whites, two reds, one rosé, and even a glass of fortified wine.
And to make your visit more memorable, why not try the wine and cheese pairings or picnic packages offered? It comes complete with a bottle of wine, a cozy borrowed blanket, and a delectable charcuterie plate.
Additionally, Vignoble Clos Du Vully provides free tastings during regular business hours, which also includes an informative winery tour.
The grapes are sourced not only from the farm but also from two trusted producers in Niagara-On-The-Lake, ensuring a delightful variety of wines to explore.
5. Jabulani Vineyard and Winery
Address: 8005 Jock Trail, Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-454-5460
Website: http://www.jabulani.ca/
In around 45 minutes from Ottawa, you can find yourself at the Jabulani Vineyard and Winery. When you visit, you have the flexibility to simply walk in for a tasting paired with a delightful cheese board snack.
If you prefer a more reserved experience, you can secure your spot by making an online reservation in advance. The winery offers various seating options, allowing you to choose between a barrel or patio table by the winery’s charming veranda.
Here’s a quick tip: If you want to be seated somewhere where you can be alone, go for a hidden spot among the vines or by the tranquil pond.
Jabulani Vineyard and Winery is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, renowned for its charcuterie and wine picnic offerings.
Tastings are available on Saturdays and Sundays, with reservation times from 11:00 AM – to 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, and 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
You can conveniently reserve a spot for up to five people online, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing outing with good food and drinks.
6. Little Red Wagon Winery
Address: 165 Chem. de Calumet O, Shawville, QC J0X 2Y0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-744-0842
Website: http://www.littleredwagonwinery.com/
Although it’ll take you at least one hour to get to the Little Red Wagon Winery from Ottawa, it’s worth the trip because it offers a unique experience rooted in history.
Before it became the winery, situated on the same land was a historic fruit farm dating back to the 1940s.
The winery still preserves heritage blackberries and grapes alongside more recent additions like raspberries and table grapes, which visitors can pick themselves.
The estate boasts over 5600 grapevines, which are transformed into wine each autumn. What sets this winery apart is its vibrant events calendar, often featuring dinner and entertainment events.
It offers a menu featuring small appetizer plates and homemade desserts, along with the option of delicious flatbread pizzas every Friday.
With its rich history and diverse offerings, this winery is a standout destination for those seeking a taste of the past and present!
7. Smokie Ridge Vineyard
Address: 10090 Cameron Rd, Mountain, ON K0E 1S0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-989-4523
Website: http://www.smokiesgrapes.com/
Less than an hour’s ride away from Ottawa is the Smokie Ridge Vineyard, a family-owned winery that offers a delightful escape from the city.
With over 43 acres of vineyard, Smokie Ridge boasts an extensive selection of wines waiting to be explored. Visitors can savor a diverse range of wines through guided tastings and partake in informative winery tours.
The winery offers a variety of tasting packages, including options with cheese and bread, international wines, charcuterie boards, and chocolates. For those with dietary preferences, there’s even a vegan option.
Its inviting patio provides the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine, surrounded by the lush vineyard. There are also ten picnic tables for visitors who wish to pair their wine with a bite to eat.
Smokie Ridge warmly welcomes dogs, as long as they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Its name, “Smokie,” pays homage to the owner’s father, making it not just a place to savor wine but also a tribute to family heritage.
8. Domaine de Pontiac Village
Address: 1259 Chem. du Cimetière, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-458-3628
Website: http://www.domainepontiac.com/
If you’re willing to spend an hour of driving to get to your destination, then Domaine de Pontiac Village has to be on your itinerary of vineyards and wineries to visit.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of winemaking with guided tours of the vineyard and tastings set in a historic barn setting. The winery boasts an added bonus for automotive enthusiasts with its fascinating automotive museum.
The museum is housed in a barn and showcases a captivating collection of vintage cars, making it a unique attraction for visitors. When it comes to wine, Domaine de Pontiac Village offers a diverse selection of reds, whites, and roses to suit every palate.
There’s also a boutique and a picnic area, and it hosts the grape harvest in the fall, allowing visitors to get hands-on with the winemaking process.
This charming winery provides a multifaceted experience for wine lovers, history buffs, and car aficionados alike.
9. Green Gables Wines
Address: 1600 Porter Rd, Oxford Station, ON K0G 1T0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-986-4318
Website: https://www.greengablesvines.ca/
Another sweet spot you can find less than an hour away from Ottawa is Green Gables Wines in Oxford Station, Ontario.
The winery derives its name from its picturesque homestead, featuring a traditional Victorian farmhouse adorned with green gables and elegant white gingerbread trim.
To ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable visit, it’s advisable to call Green Gables Wines in advance and make a reservation. This quaint winery promises a delightful experience, characterized by its beautiful setting and warm hospitality.
10. Stonehouse Vineyard
Address: 21065 Lochiel Rd, Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-859-3517
Website: https://www.stonehousevineyard.ca/
Stonehouse Vineyard is nestled just a little over an hour away from Ottawa in Alexandria. This charming winery boasts five acres of exquisite cold-climate grapes.
There are three delightful ways to savor their wines, each offering a unique experience. If you’re visiting without prior notice, head to the Tasting Room, where you can enjoy 1oz samples for $2 each or 3 for $5.
Alternatively, you can relax on their Patio and relish 2oz pours for $3 each, and for a more immersive experience, they offer various tours. However, it’s essential to provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
These tours include a winery and vineyard tour, ample wine samples, and the option for food pairings, including a vegan option, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable visit.
11. Stone Crop Acres Winery
Address: 5242 Smiths Rd, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-330-5820
Website: https://www.stonecropacres.ca/
If you like supporting family-owned businesses, Stone Crop Acres Winery, which is just an hour away from Ottawa, is known for crafting small, artisanal batches of wine.
This winery offers more than just tastings, like collaboration concerts with Harmony Concerts, allowing you to relish a glass of wine while enjoying the scenic country views.
Stone Crop Acres Winery stands out as a delightful destination for those who love enjoying their fine wine with a dash of music and scenic beauty.