Ottawa: Local Wine and Cider Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day spent exploring Ontario’s vibrant wine and cider scene without leaving Ottawa, this Local Wine and Cider Tour offers just that. While it’s not a full-fledged vineyard crawl or a deep dive into wine production, it provides a well-rounded taste of local craftsmanship, friendly guides, and scenic views — all packed into a manageable 7-hour outing.

What makes this tour especially appealing? First, the variety of stops offers a genuine look at the different facets of local beverage production, from boutique winemaking to family-run cider orchards. Second, the personalized guide and relaxed pace ensure you’re not rushed through your tasting experience.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a walking and standing-intensive excursion, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. If you’re a fan of good stories as much as good drinks, this tour suits those who love learning about local food and drink in a small-group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences at three different venues showcasing Ontario’s wine and cider.
• Educational insights from knowledgeable guides about sustainable and biodynamic practices.
• Delicious lunch, featuring flatbread and wood-oven pizza, complements the tastings.
• Beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace make for an enjoyable day.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Suitable for adults of legal drinking age; not ideal for children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Inside Look at the Ottawa Wine and Cider Tour

A Well-Curated Itinerary

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded look at some of the most charming and interesting wine and cider producers near Ottawa. It starts at Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room, which is quite the hidden gem in the city. Here, you’ll taste a diverse selection of hand-crafted wines and enjoy some accompanying charcuterie. The relaxed atmosphere and eclectic portfolio make it clear why this place is special — it’s a true local favorite and offers a good intro for those new to wine tasting.

Next, the journey takes you to KIN Vineyards in the Ottawa Valley. Known for their sustainable and biodynamic approach, this winery highlights a more mindful way of growing grapes. You’ll learn about the effort that goes into viticulture — from tending the vines to harvesting — which makes the wine taste even better when you understand the care behind it. At KIN, you’ll sample their wines paired with flatbread, which elevates the tasting experience and helps you appreciate how food and wine can work together.

Finally, the tour finishes at Farm Gate Cider and Orchard, a truly cozy family-run operation. Here, you’ll tour the orchard, see how apples are harvested, and learn about the cider-making process firsthand. Six cider samples and a wood-oven pizza make this a satisfying and fun ending, especially if you’re a cider lover or just curious about how apples turn into bubbly drinks.

What You’ll Love About this Tour

Across all stops, the common thread is authenticity. The owners and guides are passionate, eager to share their knowledge, and genuinely friendly — reviews frequently mention how Sarah, the guide, made the experience memorable with her humor and enthusiasm. She keeps the group engaged without rushing, which is vital for a leisurely, tasting-focused day.

The scenic views add to the charm, especially at KIN Vineyards, where the rolling hills and vineyard rows create a postcard-perfect backdrop. The variety of tastings — from wines to ciders — means you’ll leave with a good sense of Ontario’s local beverage scene, plus some bottles to take home if you wish.

A Small Caveat

While the tour is packed with interesting stops and friendly chats, it’s a walking and standing-intensive day. Expect to spend a good amount of time on your feet, and wear comfortable shoes. The transportation vehicle is described as nice, but one reviewer noted the seats are quite hard, which might be a consideration for older guests or those with mobility issues.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local food and drink, appreciates friendly guides, and wants a relaxed, well-paced day, this tour is a great fit. It’s perfect for those new to wine and cider tasting or anyone wanting a taste of Ontario’s craftsmanship without the commitment of a full winery tour.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point: Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room

The day kicks off at the Buyers + Cellars in Ottawa’s Byward Market. This spot is more than a typical tasting room — it offers a vast collection of wines curated by seasoned professionals. The casual setting makes it easy to relax and indulge in tastings, which are complemented by a charcuterie board. The variety here is key: you’ll get an impression of what local artisans are producing, from bold reds to crisp whites.

Many reviews highlight how much visitors appreciated the educational value of the tasting, with one guest noting that the guide made everything very engaging. If you love discovering new wines and learning the stories behind them, this is a perfect start.

Visiting KIN Vineyards

The drive out to the Ottawa Valley takes you into a different scenery — lush, rolling farmland dotted with vineyards that speak to Ontario’s growing reputation for quality wine. KIN Vineyards stands out because of its commitment to eco-friendly practices, like sustainable and biodynamic methods.

Here, the guide explains the effort involved in viticulture, which can be surprisingly inspiring. You’ll see the vineyard’s layout, learn about biodynamic farming — which emphasizes harmony with nature — and then sample some of their wines, paired with flatbread. Reviewers have noted the flatbread is a great addition, making the tasting feel more like a true culinary experience rather than just sipping.

Farm Gate Cider and Orchard

Ending the day at the Farm Gate Cider brings a warm, family-operated vibe. The orchard tour offers a chance to see the trees and learn about the cider-making process, from apple harvest to fermentation. It’s a more casual stop, but one that many find charming.

You’ll try six different ciders, each with its own character, from sweet to dry. The highlight for many is the wood-oven pizza, which pairs beautifully with the cider — a simple, satisfying way to cap off your tasting journey. Several visitors mention how friendly and welcoming the owners are, emphasizing the community feel of this last stop.

Value and Pricing

At $128 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the seven hours of guided experiences, tastings, and a meal. The fee includes all tastings, the flatbread pairing, and the pizza, which would cost more if you visited these places independently. Plus, the personalized guide and small-group atmosphere elevate the experience beyond just wine tasting.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the tour’s strength in guides, scenery, and quality of tastings. Reviewers frequently mention how Sarah made the trip fun and educational. One person said, “Sarah was fantastic and a lot of fun,” capturing the personal touch that makes this tour memorable.

Another review appreciated the “beautiful scenery” along the trip, reinforcing how scenic Ontario’s wine country can be. The chance to purchase bottles on-site is a bonus, allowing you to bring a piece of the experience home.

The Sum Up

This Ottawa Local Wine and Cider Tour is a fantastic way to explore Ontario’s craft beverage scene in a relaxed, friendly environment. It balances educational insight with genuine tasting experiences, all within a manageable 7-hour window. The stops at a variety of venues—an eclectic tasting room, a biodynamic vineyard, and a family-run orchard—offer diverse perspectives and flavors, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

The tour’s emphasis on authenticity, local craftsmanship, and warm hospitality makes it especially suitable for travelers who enjoy meaningful experiences over touristy clichés. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a day of flavorful exploration, scenic views, and engaging stories, all at a reasonable price point.

While the physical demands might exclude some, the overall package is well worth considering if you love discovering regional specialties in a friendly, informative setting. This tour encapsulates the best of Ontario’s burgeoning wine and cider scene, wrapped in a small-group experience that feels more like visiting friends than attending a commercial tasting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for adults of legal drinking age. It’s not suitable for children or pregnant women.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 7 hours, typically available in the morning.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers tastings at all three venues, charcuterie at Buyers + Cellars, flatbread at KIN Vineyards, cider samples, and wood-oven pizza at the orchard.

Can I purchase bottles during the tour?
Yes, many venues allow you to buy bottles of wine or cider to take home.

How is transportation arranged?
The tour meets at the totem pole in Ottawa’s Byward Market, and transportation is provided for the trip between venues.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it involves walking and standing for extended periods, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be walking and standing. Bringing weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are required, but you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour date.

This tour offers a friendly, authentic taste of Ontario’s wine and cider industry, making it a delightful option for curious travelers eager to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby