Travelling in Wine Country

There is so much to discover in VQA Ontario Wine Country. Each of our regions offers enticing wines and tempting tastes – but so much more. Whether you are looking for an active adventure, a cultural excursion or the solace of a relaxing rural retreat, we have exactly what you are looking for. Wineries are excited to invite to experience the magic, all year long – but first, explore Wine Country from the comfort of your own home by using our Travel Guide and mobile-friendly Trip Planner. Don’t forget to engage with VQA wineries on social media and order direct to home from your favourites!

Plan your trip!

Why not plan your escape to wine country?  Download our Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide or map using the links above to get started, or contact us and we can mail you a printed copy. Hoping to experience the magic of wine country sooner than later? Travel through wine country at home by ordering direct from a VQA winery you’ve yet to experience! Explore VQA Matchmaker, an online tool that allows you to filter through VQA Wines of Ontario based on varietal, price, sugar content, and more.

The Wine Tasting Experience

Wine tasting is fun so there is no need to feel intimidated! This is your time to discover the wines that you enjoy so there are no wrong answers – experiment and trust your own palate. Winery staff are experts and they’re happy to answer any of your questions and tell their stories. To help you get ready for your visit, here are some basics for approaching the bar:

Avoid wearing strong fragrances

Be prepared to pay for the tasting

Cleanse your palate

Taste the wines in order of strength

Appreciate each wine by sight, smell and taste (in that order)

Feel free to swish the wine in your mouth or quietly gargle it

Spitting is sometimes advisable - and it’s always acceptable

Even if you don’t spit, you don’t have to finish each wine

When describing the bouquet and flavours of a wine, don’t be afraid to guess

Finally, remember that you don’t have to like everything!

Travelling with kids

If you’re travelling with small children, rest assured that many of our wineries offer activities and alternatives for young visitors – such as non-alcoholic beverages to drink, colouring books and crayons to use, and sports equipment (like soccer balls and bocce sets) to play with.

Outside the wineries themselves, each region features parks, restaurants, shops and events that cater to every member of the family, regardless of age.

When planning your itinerary, contact each winery first to see if they offer child-friendly activities (or look for the ones that have playground equipment on site). That way, you can ensure that everyone enjoys their wine-country experience.

Travelling with pets

Four-legged family members are always welcome in Wine Country, and with countless parks, trails and public gardens, they’re sure to enjoy themselves – and get some exercise. Unfortunately, due to health regulations, animals are not permitted to enter wine-production facilities. But some wineries do allow visitors to bring leashed or carried pets into their tasting rooms and retail stores.

Each establishment sets its own pet policy, so be sure to call ahead and ask about it if you’re planning to bring any furry friends along.