Ottawa: Local Wine and Cider Tour

Ottawa’s local wine and cider tour offers a unique glimpse into the region’s vibrant beverage scene. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, participants embark on a delightful 7-hour journey, exploring the rich flavors and sustainable practices of award-winning producers. From the iconic Totem Pole to the wood-fired pizza lunch, this experience provides an engaging and immersive look at the culinary culture that defines Ottawa’s renowned wine and cider industry. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this tour promises to tantalize your senses and leave you eager to discover more about the local treasures that abound in this captivating city.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ottawa.

Key Points

• A 7-hour guided tour that explores the local wine and cider scene in Ottawa, featuring stops at Buyers + Cellars, KIN Vineyards, and Farm Gate Cider.
• Participants can expect wine and charcuterie tastings, a tour of a sustainable winery, and cider sampling paired with wood-oven pizza.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable hosts and offers engaging presentations, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to purchase additional tastings.
• The tour is suitable for adults aged 18 and above and includes a focus on the local culinary scene and sustainability practices.
• Participants receive an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews, with positive feedback on the organization, variety of tastings, and knowledgeable hosts.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Ottawa Wine and Cider Tour is a 7-hour guided experience that takes visitors on a journey through the local wine and cider scene.

Priced at $132.81 per person, the tour starts at the iconic Totem Pole of Canada and includes visits to Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room, KIN Vineyards, and Farm Gate Cider and Orchard.

Participants can expect to sample a variety of wines and ciders, learn about the production processes, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The tour is offered in both French and English, and the experience is highly rated by previous guests.

With a limited number of spots available, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance and take advantage of the free cancellation policy.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s Itinerary Highlights showcase the diverse array of local wine and cider experiences.

Visitors start by sampling wines and charcuterie at the Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room.

Next, they tour KIN Vineyards to learn about sustainable and biodynamic winemaking, followed by wine and flatbread pairings.

The tour then visits Farm Gate Cider and Orchard, where guests embark on a cider-making tour and sample 6 ciders alongside wood-oven pizza.

Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to purchase additional tastings at each stop, seeing the region’s vibrant wine and cider culture.

Tour Experience

Guided by a knowledgeable tour host, participants embark on an immersive exploration of the region’s winemaking and cider production processes.

Through engaging presentations and hands-on experiences, the tour provides an insider’s view into the intricate art of crafting exceptional wines and ciders.

At each stop, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of local offerings, allowing them to develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances and flavors unique to the area.

The tour culminates in a delightful lunch, where participants savor the perfect pairings of wood-fired pizza and craft ciders, leaving them with a newfound enthusiasm for the local culinary scene.

Participant Information

For this wine and cider tour, participants must be at least 18 years of age and unable to have any mobility impairments.

Recommended items to bring include:

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Water
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Smoking and bringing alcoholic drinks on the vehicle are prohibited. Participants are encouraged to bring their ID cards.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the wine and cider production processes while sampling a variety of local offerings and enjoying a delicious lunch.

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Customer Feedback

According to 11 reviews, the overall rating for this tour is an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. Customers were overwhelmingly positive about the organization, variety of tastings, and knowledgeable hosts. As one reviewer noted, "All stops were amazing, well organized, and our host made it fun!" The feedback suggests this tour provides a top-notch wine and cider experience in Ottawa.

Feedback	Positive	Neutral	Negative
Quality	10	1	0
Value	9	2	0
Experience	11	0	0
Logistics	10	1	0
Recommendation	11	0	0

Visiting Buyers + Cellars

The tour begins at the Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room, where guests can sample a selection of local wines.

The knowledgeable staff guide visitors through the tasting process, showcasing the region’s terroir and winemaking techniques.

Accompanying the wines is a charcuterie board, allowing guests to pair the flavors and explore the nuances of each varietal.

The tasting room’s cozy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for the day’s adventures.

Highlights of this stop include:

• Sampling a range of locally-produced wines
• Learning about the region’s unique winemaking practices
• Pairing wines with artisanal charcuterie
• Engaging with the passionate and informative staff

Exploring KIN Vineyards

After sampling the local wines at Buyers + Cellars, the tour continues to KIN Vineyards, a winery focused on sustainable and biodynamic practices.

The group tours the vineyards, learning about the winery’s approach to eco-friendly grape-growing. They then enjoy wine and flatbread pairings, savoring the complex flavors that result from KIN’s commitment to natural winemaking.

The guide shares insights into the production process, highlighting how the winery balances tradition and innovation. Participants appreciate the opportunity to explore the intersection of wine, sustainability, and terroir in a hands-on setting.

The visit to KIN Vineyards provides a deeper understanding of the region’s vibrant wine culture.

Discovering Farm Gate Cider

From KIN Vineyards, the tour moves on to the next stop, Farm Gate Cider and Orchard. Here, visitors learn about the cider-making process on a guided tour of the orchard and production facility.

The experience includes:

• Sampling 6 different ciders, ranging from sweet to dry
• Enjoying a delicious wood-oven pizza lunch
• Exploring the orchard and learning about the apple varieties used
• Discovering the sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices employed at Farm Gate

With the cider tastings and informative tour, this stop offers a well-rounded educational and culinary experience, complementing the wine-focused visits earlier in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. It’s open to individual travelers, and there’s no need to form a group to book the tour. Guests can reserve their spot and enjoy the experience on their own.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on This Tour?

The tour can accommodate most dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements at the various stops.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Customers can save 10% on the tour price by presenting a valid student or senior ID at the time of booking.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus More on Cider Than Wine?

The tour can likely be customized to focus more on cider than wine. Customers should contact the tour operator to discuss their preferences and see if a customized itinerary is available for an additional fee.

Is There a Designated Driver Option for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer a designated driver option. However, participants can opt to taste fewer samples or purchase additional tastings separately to enjoy the wines and ciders responsibly during the tour.

Recap

The Ottawa Local Wine and Cider Tour offers a captivating 7-hour experience, immersing visitors in the region’s vibrant beverage scene. Exploring local wineries and a cidery, the tour provides tastings, insights into production, and a delicious wood-fired pizza lunch. With a focus on sustainability and regional culture, this tour is an engaging way to discover Ottawa’s thriving culinary landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: