Ottawa doesn't have its own wine region in the way Niagara or Prince Edward County do, but it sits within striking distance of both. A cluster of small, cool-climate vineyards has grown up in the Ottawa Valley and eastern Ontario over the past two decades, and Prince Edward County, about two and a half hours southwest, has become one of Canada's most talked-about wine destinations. This list pulls from both, compiled from winery websites, Google and Tripadvisor reviews, and regional wine-country directories.
1. KIN Vineyards
Area: Carp, about 30 minutes west of downtown Ottawa · Rating: 4.6 on Google · Since: 2014
KIN farms 47 acres along the Carp Ridge and grows Ontario's most northern VQA Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, using organic and biodynamic methods. Reviewers consistently point to the sunset views from what the winery calls Ottawa's largest patio, along with the seasonal small-plates menu and a tasting flight you can walk into without a reservation. It suits a couple looking for a proper wine-country afternoon without leaving the Ottawa Valley.
2. Vignoble Clos du Vully
Area: Navan, about 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa
This family-run winery operates out of a converted dairy barn on five acres of cold-climate grapes, blending its own fruit with some sourced from Niagara across fifteen wines. On Facebook it carries a 100 percent recommend rating across 36 reviews, with visitors repeatedly praising the owner's knowledge and the free tasting of seven wines paired with a cheese and charcuterie board. It's a good pick for a low-key Saturday drive that doesn't require booking far ahead, since it's open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
3. Vankleek Hill Vineyard
Area: Vankleek Hill, about an hour east of Ottawa
Set on a 55-acre property under new owners Scott and Teresa, this vineyard specializes in Frontenac reds and whites and grows its grapes organically. Tripadvisor reviewers highlight the sunset views over the vines, live bands on weekends, and a wine-and-pizza pairing that keeps people around past the tasting. It works well for a group looking for atmosphere over formality, especially on an event weekend.
4. Smokie Ridge Vineyard
Area: Mountain, south of Ottawa near Winchester · Since: 2007
Smokie Ridge is a family-owned operation that has raised more than 10,000 vines of hardy northern varietals, including Frontenac, Louise Swenson, and Marquette, in a region known for brutal winters. Facebook reviewers give it a 98 percent recommend rating across 44 reviews, describing a sommelier-led tasting with cheese and pate for around 35 dollars a person and an owner who reviewers call knowledgeable and welcoming. It suits visitors who want a personal, small-scale tasting rather than a big production.
5. Sandbanks Estate Winery
Area: Wellington, Prince Edward County · Rating: 4.7 on Google (1,081+ reviews on Tripadvisor) · Since: 2001
Sandbanks is one of the most visited wineries in the County, set near the Lake Ontario shoreline and known for hybrid varietals like Baco Noir across nearly 30 wines. It's ranked number one among Wellington attractions on Tripadvisor, with reviewers calling out the friendly, knowledgeable staff, the grounds, and the outdoor picnic area, plus a food truck that runs Thursday through Monday. It's an easy first stop for anyone new to the County who wants a reliably good, low-friction visit.
6. Karlo Estates
Area: Wellington, Prince Edward County · Rating: 4.4 on Google
Owned by Master Winemaker and wine judge Richard Karlo, this winery makes wine the old-fashioned way inside a renovated 1805 beam barn and racked up 23 gold medal scores in a twelve-month stretch. Reviewers describe a speakeasy-like setting of vintage furniture and velvet sofas, and note it's a fully vegan operation offering vegan food pairings alongside the wine. It's a good fit for visitors who want a distinctive, slightly theatrical tasting room rather than a standard vineyard patio.
7. Closson Chase Vineyards
Area: Hillier, Prince Edward County · Since: 1999
One of the County's original wineries, Closson Chase farms more than 30 acres of south-facing, limestone-rich soil planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and its 2019 vintage scored 94 points from critic John Szabo. Reviews are mixed on value, with some visitors calling tastings and bottle prices steep, but multiple reviewers single out the Chardonnay and the picturesque purple barn setting. It suits serious Burgundian-style wine drinkers more than casual sippers.
8. Keint-He Winery & Vineyards
Area: Wellington, Prince Edward County
Keint-He farms 26 acres including some of the County's oldest Pinot Noir vines and focuses on appellation-based winemaking across Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and a handful of smaller-batch varietals. Tripadvisor reviewers rave about the single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and the peaceful setting, and several call out staff member Laura by name for personalized service, though a few note the tasting room can feel understaffed on busy weekends. It's best suited to Pinot Noir fans willing to plan around quieter times.
9. The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery
Area: Hillier, Prince Edward County · Since: 2002
Spread across 135 acres with more than 40 under vine, the Grange grows Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc, and pours out of a 200-year-old barn with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Tripadvisor reviewers describe the setting as scenic and spacious with friendly, accommodating staff, and the winery offers everything from self-guided flights to full table-service dining in its seasonal Vineyard Kitchen. It works well for a group wanting a sit-down meal alongside the tasting rather than just a flight at the bar.
10. Waupoos Estates Winery
Area: Waupoos, Prince Edward County · Rating: 4.3 on Google · Since: 1993 (first winery planted in the County)
Waupoos sits on 100 waterfront acres and was the first winery established in Prince Edward County, planted with an experimental approach to see what would actually grow there. Reviewers frequently call it their favourite winery in the County, praising the hillside view over Lake Ontario, the full-service Gazebo Restaurant, and a boutique and kids' shop that make it workable for a family day trip. It's a strong choice if the visit needs to include a real sit-down meal and not just a tasting.
