Our Story

In Southwestern Ontario, the heart of Canada’s oldest wine-growing region, Viewpointe has grown from a vision into a destination winery nestled on the North Shore of Lake Erie.

Viewpointe Estate Winery

Producing quality wine requires passion, expertise, and insight. At Viewpointe Estate Winery, our commitment to quality is evident in every bottle.

History in the Details

Viewpointe provides an excellent venue to showcase the region’s finest product and talent. Influenced by the history of the region, the plans for Viewpointe were inspired by a charming piece of the past: the “Mettawas”, a luxury hotel and casino built by Hiram Walker (Canadian Club founder) in 1890. Each room, designed with exceptional detail, considers every aspect of our guest’s enjoyment. The site was developed to enhance the region’s charm. The design process considered the best way to move the vision forward, while supporting regional resources and talent. Viewpointe stands as a modern connection to the region’s rich history.

History - The Return of the Grape

Wine making in Essex County has a proud past, dating back to the 1860’s when Canada’s first commercial estate winery was founded on Pelee Island. The industry grew rapidly. Then, as now, the soil, temperate climate, and moderating effect of Lake Erie allowed our pioneer vintners to produce high-quality grapes which they turned into award-winning wines or sold at premium prices to wineries elsewhere.

In 1890, grapes were cited as a major crop on the mainland, as well as Pelee Island, commanding a lucrative four cents per pound. By 1900, Essex was one of the most important grape production areas in Ontario. Acreage peaked in 1904 at 1794 acres, then dropped. By 1914, there were only 275 commercial acres of grapes, and less than 50 a few years later. Although the reasons for this rapid decline are both diverse and debated, the competition for land for tobacco production, which proved more profitable, and by real estate speculators, appear to have been contributing factors. Contrary to popular mythology, the Temperance Act in Ontario (1916-1927) and Prohibition in the U.S. (1920-1933) probably had little impact.

Today, tobacco has gone, and the grape is back! Commercial wine making returned to Essex County with the opening of Pelee Island Winery in 1983. Since then, a growing roster of capable and creative vintners have been reclaiming the soil and the region’s reputation by producing some of Canada’s best wines.

Wine making: it’s in our blood and in our soil, rich with the stories of past harvests. Viewpointe Estate Winery invites you to experience our region and its fine wines.

 

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Retail Shoppe & Tasting Bar

Hours
Daily 11am-5:30pm (until 6pm Fri&Sat)

We deliver within Ontario

For groups of 8 or more please contact us here to let us know when to expect you

Kitchen
Hours

Full Menu Daily except Tuesday
(Charcuterie Box & Dessert on Tuesday)
12pm-4pm (until 5pm Fri&Sat)

 

Visit
Us

151 County Road 50 East,
Harrow, ON N0R 1G0
519-738-0690
1-866-372-8439
info@viewpointewinery.com