A Drive in the Country
Morning
Start at St. Jacobs Farmers’ and Flea Markets,
admiring the handicrafts, collectibles, and foodstuffs of over 600
vendors. After stocking up snacks, walk across the parking lot to the Trolley Shop for a 75-minute horse-drawn trolley tour through Mennonite farm country (Apr–Oct).
After the tour, drive to the Visitor Centre at
1406 King St N
Stone Crock (No. 1396), for a country-style buffet.
Afternoon
Drive east on County
Road 17; in a few miles you’ll come to Road 22. Turn north to Route 86,
then east on 86, watching for the sign to West Montrose.
In this small town, look for the last remaining covered bridge in
Ontario – called the kissing bridge by locals. The bridge crosses Grand
River, a Heritage Waterway. Take Route 23 (turning into R21) north to
charming Elora, 10 minutes away.
Once there, browse in the craft and antique shops and admire the old limestone buildings before walking to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area to swim, hike, and enjoy your picnic snacks by the water.
Next, it’s a short drive on Route 18 to Fergus, rich in Scottish history and late 19th-century architecture. Dine at the 1860s Breadalbane Inn
(487 St Andrew St W)
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Wineries
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Vineland Estates Winery
One
of the most attractive wineries in the region, this vineyard has an
1857 stone carriage house; two excellent restaurants, one headed by chef
Mark Picone
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3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland
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1 888 846 3526
Carriage House, Vineland Estates Winery
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Peller Estates Winery
Three
generations of winemakers are behind this vineyard, though the facility
itself has been recently built. Tours include a peek at the
barrel-aging cellar. There is also a restaurant and shop.
Peller Estates Winery
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Hillebrand Estates Winery
Along
with estate tours and tastings, Hillebrand hosts specialty events, such
as wine country cycling tours (May to October) and an icewine festival
(January).
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Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
The
winemaker from Chablis, France, creates interesting blends; the whites
are especially good. The restaurant is set in a lovely Victorian house.
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Inniskillin Wines
One
of Ontario’s oldest quality vineyards, established in 1975 and famous
for its icewines, has guided and self-guided tours. The shop and tasting
bar are in a 1920s barn.
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Jackson-Triggs Vinters
One of the most technologically advanced facilities in the region. Tours and tastings.
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Thirty Bench Wines
This small winery produces outstanding chardonnays and Rieslings. Tastings held in a rustic building.
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Malivoire Wine Company
In
a region known primarily for its white wines, this organic vineyard
produces excellent reds. A tasting room is set amid huge production
tanks.
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Reif Estate Winery
This family winery has 135 acres (55 ha) of scenic vineyards. The boutique is in an 1830s cottage. Daily tours in summer.
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Château des Charmes
This
family vineyard boasts over five generations of wine-growing
experience, with ancestral roots in Frances’s Alsace region. A tasting
bar, shop, and splendid rose garden.
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Many vineyards keep seasonal hours; phone ahead to confirm opening and closing times
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Restaurants
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Eigensinn Farm
Superstar
chef Michael Stadländer creates an unparalleled experience that books
up months in advance. Intimately gathered in Stadländer’s farmhouse,
diners feast on exquisite multiple courses showcasing organic
ingredients, many of them raised, grown, or foraged on the farm.
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RR 2, Singhampton
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519 922 3128
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Bring your own wine
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Rundles
Classics
such as grilled chicken and poached salmon, as well as a more
adventurous three-course gourmet menu please at this Stratford
institution.
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9 Cobourg St, Stratford
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519 271 6442
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Open May–Oct
Rundles
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Bailey’s
Casual
fine-dining amid small-town charm. The diverse selection of meat, fish,
and pasta changes daily. Known for its clam chowder.
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120 The Square, Goderich
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519 524 5166
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The Compleat Angler
As the name suggests, seafood is the specialty – though there’s steak, too. Try the local Great Lakes catch.
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Mark Picone at Vineland Estates Winery
Local
ingredients, subtly prepared, are the stars; Italian flavors add pep.
The 1840s farmhouse setting has ambience galore, and a great view of
Lake Ontario.
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3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland
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1 888 846 3526
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Tiara
Savory
roast and catch of the day join delights such as lobster agnolotti and
lime-crusted rack-of-lamb on the menu of this upscale hotel restaurant.
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The Church
Elegant French food on a seasonal menu, which always includes game. Located in a former church, built in 1874.
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Bijou
Quirky decor sets the stage for imaginative modern French dishes.
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105 Erie St, Stratford
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519 273 5000
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On the Twenty
One of the first Niagara winery restaurants, this charming place favors local ingredients and quality meats. A few pasta dishes.
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3836 Main St, Jordan
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905 562 7313
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Peller Estates Winery
Enjoy the enchanting vineyard view and the local, seasonal ingredients used in the six- and nine-course tasting menus.