World Class Cidery on the shores of Georgian Bay: Thornbury Cidery

Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s apple country, Thornbury Cidery has been quietly crafting exceptional ciders for over a decade. With a focus on traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients, Thornbury Cidery has earned a reputation for producing some of the best ciders in the region.

One of the unique features of Thornbury Cidery is its commitment to using only Ontario-grown apples in its ciders. This not

only supports local agriculture but also ensures that each cider is imbued with the distinct terroir of the region. From the crisp and tart Granny Smith to the sweet and juicy Honeycrisp, Thornbury Cidery’s ciders showcase the diverse range of flavors that Ontario apples have to offer.

Another standout feature of Thornbury Cidery is its dedication to sustainability. They use solar panels to power their facility, and they have implemented a closed-loop water system to minimize waste. They also use only recyclable materials for their packaging, further reducing their environmental impact.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Thornbury Cidery is the quality of its ciders. From their flagship Thornbury Premium Apple Cider to their innovative seasonal releases, each cider is carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of the apples used. Whether you’re a cider connoisseur or simply looking to try something new, Thornbury Cidery is a must-visit destination in Ontario’s apple country.

Great plot of land for a Winery: Coffin Ridge

Coffin Ridge Winery, located in the heart of Ontario’s Grey County, is one of the region’s top wineries, offering a unique and memorable wine tasting experience. The winery, established in 2006, boasts a scenic location atop the Niagara Escarpment and specializes in producing small-batch, premium wines.

One of the standout features of Coffin Ridge Winery is their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. They use a combination of traditional and modern techniques, such as crop rotation and cover crops, to ensure the health of their vineyards while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Coffin Ridge Winery offers a diverse selection of wines, including whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines, each made with grapes grown on their estate vineyard or sourced from other local vineyards. Their signature wine, the Back from the Dead Red, is a rich and bold blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and is one of my favorites.

In addition to wine tastings, Coffin Ridge Winery also hosts events and private functions, such as weddings and corporate retreats.

The winery’s spacious tasting room, patio, and event space offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect destination for any occasion.

Overall, Coffin Ridge Winery is a must-visit destination for any wine lover looking for a unique and memorable experience. With its commitment to sustainable farming practices, stunning location, and exceptional wines, Coffin Ridge Winery is a true gem of Ontario’s wine country.

Unlikely Wine Country: Beaver Valley

The Beaver Valley region, located near Georgian Bay in Ontario, is a hidden gem for wine lovers. This region is home to several great wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the country.

One of the most popular wineries in the area is Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery, which offers a range of award-winning wines, including red, white, and rose. The winery is situated on a beautiful hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and even a picnic on the picturesque grounds.

Another great winery in the region is Georgian Hills Vineyards. Their wines are made using locally sourced grapes and they have a variety of options including sparkling wines, white wines, red wines, and even apple cider. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the winery and vineyard, as well as events such as live music and food trucks.

For those who prefer a more intimate experience, The Roost Wine Company is the perfect choice. This tight-knit winery produces a range of delicious hand-made, small-batch, and minimal intervention wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings in their 19th-century barn along with cheese and charcuterie board overlooking the Beaver Valley.

Most likely you have not heard of the Beaver Valley, and even more likely you have not heard of it referred to as “Wine Country”. Don’t let that fool you, the communities that make up this region like Flesherton, Kimberley, and Thornbury are producing amazing Canadian wines.