Ottawa’s Wine and Cider Tour

Ottawa’s Wine and Cider Tour: A Practical Guide to Ontario’s Flavors

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing with a gustatory adventure, Ottawa’s Wine and Cider Tour offers a balanced mix of both. This 7-hour outing is perfect for those who enjoy discovering local flavors in a relaxed, authentic setting. While it’s not a deep dive into wine-making, it offers enough variety and insight to satisfy curious travelers, especially those who appreciate high-quality wines and ciders made with care.

Two things we love about this tour are the excellent wine selection at KIN Vineyards—known for their sustainable, biodynamic approach—and the warm, family-run atmosphere at Farmgate Cider. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious lunch during the day adds real value. A possible consideration is the tour’s structure, which involves traveling between three locations. If you prefer a more relaxed, less structured experience, this might feel a bit quick-paced.

This tour suits anyone with a taste for local, artisan beverages who is comfortable spending a day out with a group, and who wants to learn about Ontario’s wine and cider production firsthand. It’s also perfect for those visiting Ottawa who want to add a flavorful, educational twist to their trip without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Visit a city tasting room, a biodynamic vineyard, and a family-run cider orchard.
• Quality Tastings Included: Sample wines and ciders at every stop, with a delicious lunch at KIN Vineyards.
• Learn and Taste: Gain insight into sustainable wine practices and small-scale cider-making.
• Convenient Logistics: All transportation between locations is managed, making the day seamless.
• Authentic Atmospheres: Enjoy a cozy, community-oriented vibe at Farmgate Cider and a sophisticated winery experience at KIN.
• Flexible for Most Travelers: Suitable for ages 19 and older, with public transportation nearby.

The Itinerary in Detail

The Ottawa City Stop: Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room

Your day begins in Ottawa at the Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room. This spot is not your average wine shop; it’s a curated space featuring a large and eclectic portfolio of handcrafted wines. The tasting room’s charm lies in its unique character—an intimate, almost hidden gem in the city. Here, you’re introduced to a variety of wines, which lets you get a sense of local and artisanal options. Since the visit is about 45 minutes, it’s enough time to sample a few wines and get a feel for the different styles without rushing.

The informal setting means you can comfortably ask questions and discuss what makes these wines special. While admission is free, it sets the tone for a relaxed, educational start to the day. This stop is ideal for those who enjoy discovering new wine varieties without overly commercialized tours.

KIN Vineyards: A Sustainable Beauty

Next, you’ll head to KIN Vineyards in the Ottawa Valley. This is a highlight for many travelers because of their commitment to sustainability and biodynamic practices. Here, the focus is on quality and respect for the land, which you’ll learn about during your two-hour visit. The vineyard’s dedication to environmentally friendly wine production sets it apart from larger, more commercial wineries.

During your time at KIN, you’ll enjoy a lunch and learn experience, which includes a meal paired with their wines. The pizza tasting, as one reviewer mentioned, is excellent—a perfect way to enjoy the flavors and relax in a scenic setting. The opportunity to taste wines that are crafted with such care adds a layer of authenticity and value to the experience. It’s not just about drinking wine but appreciating the effort, philosophy, and craftsmanship behind each glass.

Farmgate Cider: Family-Run Charm

The final stop is Farmgate Cider and Orchard, a cozy, family-operated operation. This is a place where community and tradition shine through. Here, you get a tour of the orchard, where apples are grown for cider production, and enjoy tastings of their handmade ciders. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect ending to the day. You’ll see how cider is made on a small scale, emphasizing quality over mass production.

The reviews highlight the very tasty ciders and the engaging tour offered by the family. It’s a good reminder that great drinks can come from humble beginnings, and it offers insight into the importance of community and local pride in small businesses.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

Timing and transportation are well-organized. Starting at 10:30 am at the Totem Pole of Canada in downtown Ottawa means you’ll be out and about during daylight hours, ideal for daylight sightseeing afterward if you wish. The tour is designed for groups of up to 40 people, which balances a lively atmosphere with the chance to ask questions and enjoy a personalized feel.

Parking is available at the Indigo Market Parking Garage for a fee, and the tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for most travelers. Since the tour is about 7 hours, it’s a good full-day activity, especially if you’re staying in Ottawa or nearby. The cost of $132.21 per person reflects a day packed with tastings, lunch, and educational content, making it a good value considering the inclusions.

Real Traveler Insights

The only available review praises the experience as “fun and learning about grapes and apple cider,” with particular praise for the lunch and the quality of the pizzas at KIN. The ciders, in particular, are described as “very tasty,” confirming the emphasis on quality product. The positive feedback suggests that while the tour is straightforward, it hits the mark for those wanting authentic, approachable wine and cider experiences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wine and cider enthusiasts wanting to explore local producers firsthand. It’s also a great choice for casual travelers seeking a relaxed, educational day with a focus on sustainable and family-operated businesses. Those with an interest in small-scale, artisan production will find plenty to appreciate here.

If you’re after a more in-depth wine tour or prefer high-end wine tastings, this may be a bit light. But for a well-rounded, authentic taste of Ontario’s wine and cider scene, combined with the scenic surroundings of the Ottawa Valley, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Verdict

Ottawa’s Wine and Cider Tour offers a balanced, enjoyable day that showcases Ontario’s local beverage makers in their natural habitats. It’s a great value, especially considering the tastings, lunch, and transportation logistics included. The combination of a city tasting room, a biodynamic vineyard, and a family-run orchard creates a well-rounded picture of regional craft beverages.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who want to learn about sustainable wine practices and small-scale cider-making while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts. Its relaxed pace and authentic atmospheres make it a memorable addition to any Ottawa visit, whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking to experience something local and genuine.

FAQ

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at the Totem Pole of Canada located at 35 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2.

How long does the whole tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:30 am.

Is transportation included?
Transportation between stops is managed as part of the tour, making the day smooth. Parking is available at a fee at the Indigo Market Parking Garage.

Are children or minors allowed?
No, participants must be over 19 years of age due to the alcohol tastings.

What’s included in the price?
You get tastings at the city wine shop, a visit to KIN Vineyards with included tastings and lunch, and a tour with tastings at Farmgate Cider. The price is $132.21 per person.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, the visits involve walking and standing; you may want to check with the provider for detailed accessibility info.

Can I join the tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
Since the tour involves tastings of wine and cider, it’s intended for participants over 19. Non-drinkers might enjoy the scenery and learning, but tasting is a core part of the experience.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked about 148 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.

In essence, if you’re after a day of tasty discoveries, learning about local producers, and enjoying Ottawa’s scenic surroundings, this tour offers a memorable and worthwhile experience.