CHEERS YOUR
WAY THROUGH
WINDSOR-ESSEX!

November 11, 2022 by Anthony Dalla Bona

Windsor-Essex is famous for being home to North America’s largest distillery, but did you know this southern city boasts brilliant breweries and its very own wine region?

Situated on the Michigan-Ontario border, Windsor-Essex has a rich history in rum-running and manufacturing whiskey throughout the prohibition era. As one of Canada’s most southern regions, farmers benefit from the area’s warm climate and Lake Erie breezes. Access to fresh, local ingredients of the highest quality allows the area’s makers to create incredible products.

Download the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Passport and Check-in as you go! Join us as we visit some of the region’s best spots and experience the delights of Windsor-Essex!

THREE STOPS, COUNTLESS MEMORIES

Start the day with a farmers’ market at a craft brewery

Where: The Amherstburg Famers Market at GL Heritage Brewing Co., 8728 Howard Ave., Amherstburg, ON (View Map)

Every Saturday morning from 8:30am-1:30pm find farmers, artists and other vendors from across Windsor-Essex at the Amherstburg Farmers Market. Held Weekly at GL Heritage Brewing Co., this charming pop-up market offers fresh and homemade goods for all to enjoy.

Make sure to try a beer flight inside the charming and cozy GL Heritage brewery. This family-run Brewery is located on a century farm and is proud of its roots.

Lunch. Wine. Lavender. Did you say lavender?

Where: North 42 Degrees Estate Winery & Bistro 42, 130 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON (View Map)

Join Executive Chef David Ropchan for a seasonal lunch menu at the North 42 Restaurant, Bistro 42. This FeastON and Oceanwise certified restaurant will transport diners with flavour combinations that feature international influence and highlight local ingredients, all while serving up perfect wine pairings with every dish.

Situated on the Lake Erie North Coast, this modern yet welcoming winery offers 360° views of its stunning vineyard and picturesque lavender farm. Yes, that’s right. We said lavender farm. Hit up the North 42 Retail Shop for a full selection of wines and lavender products.

LEARN THE ART + SCIENCE OF DISTILLING

Where: Wolfhead Distillery & Restaurant, 7781 Howard Ave, Amherstburg, ON (View Map)

Inspired by the local history of rum-running and prohibition in Windsor-Essex, owner Tom Manherz now distills gin, whiskey and vodka in a variety of flavours. Like any good local producer, Wolfhead incorporates ingredients and resources found in its own backyard. The neighbouring Amherstburg quarry even supplies the Limestone treated water used in the production of all Wolfhead spirits.

Be sure to make your reservation for the Behind the Sciences Tour and Tasting. This 45-minute experience happens every Saturday and comes with a branded Wolfhead shot glass for the ultimate souvenir.

To ensure you see the sights and taste the flavours mentioned above, we recommend visiting on a Saturday when all of the above businesses are open. We also recommend downloading the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Passport to learn about more spectacular businesses in the Windsor-Essex region.