Are you up to exploring our EPIC Wine Region? No need to pack! We’re excited to share that we’ve once again partnered with our friends of the EPIC Wineries to bring the taste of the region, directly to your door. But first, here’s a little bit about our beautiful wine region.

Pelee Island Winery Ontario Winemaking certified vineyards on Pelee Island with Viticulturalist Bruno Friesen
📸 Ian Virtue

Lake Erie North Shore & the South Islands

At the same latitude as the Mediterranean, the Lake Erie North Shore Region is nestled along Lake Erie. This location provides a unique maritime climate in a continental region, with exceptional soil conditions, and longer sun hours and greater heat units than any other area in Canada. In fact, geographically speaking, this region is located as far south as northern California and the Tuscany region of Italy, and further south than the renowned Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions of France.

As a result, grape growers in the Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Designated Viticultural Areas grow some of the world’s finest vinifera and French hybrid wine grapes. These varieties continually and reliably produce award-winning, world-class wines, including naturally produced ice wines.

Read more about the Lake Erie North Shore and South Islands at Wine Country Ontario.

wine glass on Lake Erie Shore

What Makes Us EPIC?

EPIC Wineries – Essex Pelee Island Coast, are found in the Lake Erie North Shore wine appellation with the sub-appellation of the South Islands.

EPIC was created in March 2012 and took over for the previously named SWOVA (Southwestern Ontario Vintners Association) which was initially established in 1993.  EPIC’s main purpose is to promote and support the wine industry here in Essex Pelee Island.

Another focus of EPIC is to organize special events that share our beautiful, unique region. Since we have been unable to invite guests to our wineries during the pandemic, we’ve come together to create something that can bring us to you!

EPIC Staycation Sampler - 10 pack Pelee Island Winery

Bring it Home: the “Sip Into Summer – Staycation Collection”

“Collaborative initiatives like this collection allow for us to bring our EPIC wine region to your home when you are unable to visit us in person.  The 10 pack allows for you to purchase all 10 summer sippers from 10 local wineries and the mystery 6 pack, pulls 6 of the 10 bottles for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home.”

EPIC Staycation Sampler – 10 pack includes: Colio Estate Wines – Bricklayers Chardonnay, Muscedere Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc, Coopers Hawk Vineyards – RosĂ©, Viewpointe Estate Winery – Surfside Syrah Cab, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery – Semi-Sweet Riesling, Oxley Estate Winery – Riesling, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery – Pinot Grigio, Pelee Island Winery – Lighthouse Cabernet Franc, CREW – Posh Cuvee, Vivace – Etude (All wines are VQA) Available until Monday, May 31st.

EPIC Staycation Sampler – Mystery 6 Pack includes a random collection of 6 wines out of this selection: Colio Estate Wines – Bricklayers Chardonnay, Muscedere Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc, Coopers Hawk Vineyards – RosĂ©, Viewpointe Estate Winery – Surfside Syrah Cab, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery – Semi-Sweet Riesling, Oxley Estate Winery – Riesling, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery – Pinot Grigio, Pelee Island Winery – Lighthouse Cabernet Franc, CREW – Posh Cuvee, Vivace – Etude   Please visit the 10 bottle pack if you’d like to try them all! Available until Monday, May 31st.

EPIC Staycation Sampler - 6 Pack Mystery Pelee Island Winery

When it’s possible, we look forward to welcoming you all to our tasting bars, pavilions, restaurants and patios. For some great travel resources check out Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI).

Cheers!

Pssttt… Don’t forget while you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!