Flights of Flavour: Your Passport To EPIC Wineries
Monday September 15th, 2025, 4:29pm
Flights of Flavour: Your Passport to EPIC Wineries
Original blog by Nina Ngo
Hey besties, it’s your local guide and adventure buddy, Nina! If you’re a wine enthusiast (or just wine-curious), Windsor Essex is the perfect place to sip, savour, and explore. Imagine sipping award-winning wines, indulging in mouth-watering culinary pairings, and taking in scenic vineyard views – all just a short road trip away and along the same latitude as the Mediterranean. That means we get more sun, warmer days, and the kind of climate that makes this area one of the best grape-growing regions in Canada. The dream destination for wine and food enthusiasts.
The name EPIC really does say it all – it stands for Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries, home to 20+ charming wineries, unforgettable events, and some of the most unique wine experiences in the country. Think March Macness, Harvest Festival, and of course, all year round, the EPIC Wine Tasting Pass. So, let’s raise a glass and “fly” through this guide together.
Wine Flights: How the Tasting Pass Works
Think of it as your boarding pass for a wine flight across Windsor Essex County – no airport or baggage required!
Step 1: Get Your Pass
– Mobile exclusive passport with curated tasting flights
– Includes (4×1 oz) tastings at six participating wineries
– Valid for 6 months after purchase (plenty of time to explore!)
– Must be 19+ to redeem
Step 2: Easy Access
– Delivered instantly via text and email
– No app to download
– Tip: save it on your phone screen for one-tap access
Step 3: Sip and Savour
– Show your pass at each winery
– Enjoy a guided tasting flight chosen by the experts
– Redeem tastings with just a tap
Another tip: Use the Wine Route Map to plan your adventure by car, bike, or even paddle!
1241 S Malden Rd, Essex, ON
VIN is one of the region’s most modern wineries, filled with vibrant artwork and a lively energy. The outdoor space is unbeatable, with cozy patios, blankets, firepits, and even a short trail through the woods lit with glowing lights. Their food, by Smashed Apple Catering, is phenomenal – don’t miss the Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos or the Smoky Brisket Board, both perfectly paired with my favourite – a glass of rose. Home to Brew Microbrewery, they also serve refreshing, light beers if that’s more of your thing – I highly recommend the Lime or Maple Beer! Bonus: say hi to Pierre the Pig, the winery’s iconic mascot and my spirit animal.
Created with Lens Buddy
Colio Estate Winery | @coliowinery
1 Colio Drive, Harrow, ON
Known for its warm hospitality, Colio’s staff are full of personality and wine knowledge. The backyard has a cozy, rustic vibe that’s beautiful in the sunlight, while the retail shop is stocked with a huge variety of wines including chilled bottles ready to sip. Their award-winning Merlot took home a prize at the 2024 Ontario Wine Awards. I recommend enjoying it with their lighter whites to balance your tasting flight.
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards | @coopershawkvineyard
145 Iler Road, Harrow, ON
This winery is a must for nature lovers thanks to its 1.5 km Hawk Trail, where you can spot hawks and over 50 other bird species. Don’t miss the charming blue birdhouse tucked among the vineyards. After your walk, settle in for a charcuterie board paired with a flight – my favourites here are the Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rose, and Pinot Grigio. Their Hawk Trail (part of the Birding Guide) connects wine and nature – making it very unique.
Colchester Ridge Estate Winery | @crew_winery
108 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow ON
CREW blends rustic charm with a love for art. Upstairs, you’ll find a gallery overlooking the vineyards that feels like a true hidden gem. Pair a glass of their white wines (my favourite are Isle of View and Flagship Chardonnay) or their red wines (Grand Crew and Barrelman’s Blend). It pairs nicely with the Brisket Sandwich, Mediterranean Flatbread, and General Tao Cauliflower Bites. They also offer virtual tours on their website, which is a fun way to preview before you visit in person.
Oxley Estate Winery | @oxleyestatewinery
533 County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
Oxley is all about cozy elegance, with a firepit outside, and beautiful architecture everywhere you turn. It’s one of my favourite go to spots in the autumn – the colours make for stunning photos and it’s perfect for group celebrations. Their fresh wine, Auxerrois, is one of my favourite wines with a close second, the Pinot Rose – a delicious dry wine with rich layers of fruit. Tip: check out their wine selections on their website to find the perfect music pairing. In this case, “Good Times Gone” by Nickelback pairs well with the Pinot Rose.
Paglione Estate Winery | @paglioneestatewinery
742 County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
Step into Paglione and you’ll be greeted by artwork on the ceiling and the aroma of authentic Italian cooking. Their wood-fired thin-crust pizza is a highlight, perfectly matched with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. If you prefer a lighter, refreshing wine, I highly recommend the Cin Cin wine, meaning “Cheers” in Italian! What makes this spot truly unique is the option to stay overnight in the Owner’s Suite, complete with vineyard and forest views – plus the rustic charm with a Tuscan twist!
Pelee Island Winery | @peleewinery
455 Seacliff Dr., Kingsville, ON | 20 East West Rd, Pelee Island, ON
As the southernmost winery in Canada, Pelee Island is famous for its bold, award-winning flavours. I highly recommend booking a guided tasting tour inside their renowned barrel room. Their ice wines are a must try, especially the Vidal Icewine drizzled over vanilla ice cream (a tip from their guide, Troy). They also serve wine slushies in fun flavours like rose and blueberry, perfect for the summer and after a fun bike ride along the coast of Pelee Island. In addition, their second location in Kingsville has unique domes you can enjoy sipping your wine under, after you stroll through their impressive retail shop. My other top picks are the Empress II Sparkling Riesling and J.S. Hamilton Shiraz Malbec Petit Verdot.
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery | @sprucewoodshores
7258 Essex County Rd 50, Amherstburg, ON
Ontario’s only beachfront winery, Sprucewood offers panoramic lake views and sandy shores you can’t find anywhere else. They also host guided vineyard and barrel cellar tours for $15 per person (tax included) every Saturday at 1 PM, which include tastings and wine seminars. Grab a Riesling to sip while enjoying the gardens, ponds, and lawn games (Jenga, Cornhole, and Connect 4 can be rented and added to your experience). This winery is equal parts picturesque and playful.
Viewpointe Estate Winery | @viewpointe.winery
151 County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
With a patio overlooking Lake Erie, Viewpointe lives up to their name – they are all about the views. Their fish tacos and charcuterie boards are perfect pairings for a dry rose. If you prefer a bold red, try the Old 18A Cabernet Franc or more refreshing orchard taste, the Auxerrois VQA. Between the wine, food, and tranquil scenery, this is one stop you won’t want to leave.
Vivace Estate Winery | @vivace.estate.winery
5141 Concession Rd 5 N, Amherstburg, ON
Nestled in the historic town of Amherstburg, Vivace is rustic yet modern, with a name meaning “lively”. Their outdoor patio is breezy and relaxing, with their tasting flights – such as the Life of the Party or Local Favourites – will leave you wanting more. I recommend their Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling for a warm afternoon. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the vintage barrel truck in the back!
Final Tips From Your Adventure Buddy
– Don’t drink and drive – always plan to have a designated driver.
– Stay hydrated (yes, water between flights is key!)
– Use palate cleansers like crackers and bread – better yet, try some delicious culinary experiences!
– Be adventurous – try wines outside your comfort zone, you might find a new favourite!
The EPIC Wine Tasting Pass is your passport to the ultimate wine adventure in Windsor Essex. With 20+ wineries to explore – each with its own unique flavours, events, and vibes – you’ll sip, savour, and fall in love with our region one glass at a time. It’s more than just a wine tasting, it’s a flight experience throughout the region’s most EPIC wineries. So grab your pass, map your route, and let this wine journey take flight. See you on the next adventure together!
Grab your pass here: visitwindsoressex.com/wine
Learn more about the wineries: epicwineries.com
Original blog post by Nina Ngo @_ninango
Sponsored story by Tourism Windsor Essex. For more details on Tourism Windsor Essex click their website, or visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Comment With Facebook