EPIC Wine Trail (Ontario - Lake Erie North Shore)

Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) is a collection of several wineries in the Lake Erie North Shore/Pelee Island region of Essex County.

At the same latitude as the Mediterranean, the Lake Erie North Shore Region is nestled along Lake Erie. This location provides a unique maritime climate in a continental region, with exceptional soil conditions, and longer sun hours and greater heat units than any other area in Canada. In fact, geographically speaking, this region is located as far south as northern California and the Tuscany region of Italy, and further south than the renowned Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions of France.

As a result, grape growers in the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Designated Viticultural Areas grow some of the world’s finest vinifera and French hybrid wine grapes. These varieties continually and reliably produce award-winning, world-class wines, including naturally produced ice wines.

Wine Tour

Roundtrip from your location*

Call for rates (Vehicles vary based on number of people)

*Tasting fees are additional

*Rates are from most locations in Macomb and Oakland counties. Rates will be higher from other locations.

With over 30 years of experience in fine wines, Colio Estate Winery crafts premium wines from our 200 acre estate vineyards.

Since opening its doors in 1980, Colio Estate Wines has won over 400 awards in competitions around the globe.

They make expressive, refreshing white wines from their vineyards, planted with the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. They also built a remarkable reputation for varietals and sound red wines from an extensive planting of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Oxley Estate Winery is nestled on 38 acres at the heart of the Lake Erie North Shore wine route, in Harrow, Ontario, Canada. Featuring 9 acres with Riesling, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Bianca, Hibernal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Regent (a sustainable German varietal we’ll tell you more about later), and the three sustainable varieties, HG-01, HG-03 and HG-04, developed for Colchester/Essex County (another fascinating story). We make delicious wines and have fun doing it. So far, so good.

Viewpointe has grown from a vision into a destination winery nestled on the North Shore of Lake Erie. Producing quality wine requires passion, expertise and insight. At Viewpointe Estate Winery, our commitment to quality is evident. It influenced our choice in location, determination of partners, equipment and process.

Situated on 52 acres of land, the retail centre is a beautiful Tuscany style "old world" building with extensive balconies that overlook breathtaking views of both our vineyard and Lake Erie. The interior features a welcoming atmosphere accented by dark wood trim and warm wall & chandelier lighting, with a 17ft custom made bar as its focus.

The Winery is surrounded by 35 acres of flourishing 25 year old vines. Take a look from atop our 2nd floor balconies and prepare yourself for a beautiful view of endless vines. Only those grape varieties that have proven themselves worthy of our soil and climates remain planted in this vineyard: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Gamay.

Cooper's Hawk Vineyards is an estate winery located on 67 acres of land just east of Harrow, Ontario, in the Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) Wine Country.

We are named after one of the many birds of prey that frequent our vineyard, green spaces and wetlands. Our logo symbolizes our commitment to the environment.

Muscedere Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard which hand-harvests only the best grapes from our vineyard to produce premium wines.

All of the grapes from our 13 acre vineyard are hand-harvested to create small hand-crafted lots that allow us to treat each variety, in each vintage, with the utmost of attention and care, to ensure true varietal character in each wine we release.

Grapes we grow includes Vidal, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The thirteenth and most recently planted acre of vines is dedicated to the two Northern Italian varieties used to make Barolo wines, Nebbiolo and Barbera.

CREW is owned by the husband and wife team of Bernard and Nancy Gorski. Along with our employees, we strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere so customers feel truly at home. Our winery is located in Essex County, Ontario, and is part of Ontario’s Lake Erie North Shore appellation. The vineyard boasts 12 acres of vines, consisting of vinifera varietals. We opened our doors in July, 2006 and have since been graced with many prestigious awards.

US Customs Information

CROSSING THE BORDER INTO WINDSOR

Entry into Windsor is through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel or Bridge. U.S. citizens entering Canada are required to present proof of U.S. citizenship (ie. birth certificate along with photo I.D. or valid passport) No passport is required for U.S. residents to enter Canada!

RETURNING HOME TO THE UNITED STATES

U.S. residents returning to the U.S. who have been away longer than 48 hours may bring back $800 U.S. in goods per person duty free. One liter of alcohol and one carton of tobacco are included in this exemption, although you can bring back more for personal use as long as you pay duty and tax at U.S. Customs.

U.S. residents may also be eligible for a sales tax rebate. Save your receipts and stop in at the Tunnel Duty Free Shop to complete your rebate form.

For additional related information, contact any U.S. Customs and Border Protection office or visit their web site.