Olivia TaylorOttawa may be known for its political hustle and snowy bustle, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a fabulous spot for getting your swirl, sniff, and sip on. We’re talking about those divine places where the wine flows, like the majestic Rideau River.
Lucky for you, we’ve scouted out the best wineries and even wine bars that are perfect for a night out, a sophisticated date, or just for the sheer love of all things vino. So read on, as your next favourite bottle is begging to be uncorked!
Website: http://northandnavy.com/
Address: 226 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-232-6289
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, North & Navy offers a cosy escape with its elegant yet welcoming ambience. They offer Italian wines, perfectly paired with Venetian-inspired dishes that are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the palate.
Every visit feels like a new adventure, thanks to their ever-evolving wine list and seasonal menu. Plus, the staff here aren’t just staff; they’re more like wine wizards, guiding you through their magical wine list.
| Pro tip: Try to plan your visit around their Wine Wednesday events, where they offer delightful discounts on bottles that are a real steal, making it the perfect midweek treat. Plus, their patio becomes a sought-after spot in the warmer months, so book ahead! |
KIN Vineyards
Website: http://kinvineyards.com/
Address: 2225 Craig’s Side Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-519-1621
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $-$$
Just a short drive from the bustling city centre, KIN Vineyards is your perfect excuse to take a mini getaway. KIN focuses on sustainable wine-growing practices, and a visit here allows for a delightful education on their meticulous process from grape to glass.
Their portfolio includes a range of expressive wines, from subtle, crisp whites to robust, flavorful reds. Besides the tastings, they often host events and tours, so you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself fully in the vineyard life.
| Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye out for their harvest events—an incredible opportunity to get hands-on experience and appreciate the heart and soul that go into winemaking. Also, consider purchasing their wine club membership for exclusive tastings and discounts on their fantastic wines. |
The Wine Shop
Website: http://www.thewineshops.com/
Address: 193 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1P6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-565-5062
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, The Wine Shop is like a treasure trove for wine lovers. Here, the vibe is less about sophistication and more about enjoying the sheer pleasure of discovering new wines.
Their regular tasting events offer a casual setting for mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts and perhaps finding your new favourite wine. It’s not just a shop; it’s a community hub for wine lovers.
| Pro tip: Try to sign up for their newsletter to get the scoop on upcoming tasting events and exclusive offers. It’s also a good idea to follow them on social media for spontaneous promotions. |
Play Food & Wine
Website: http://www.playfood.ca/
Address: 1 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-667-9207
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM. 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Play Food & Wine is where the food and wine play so well together—as its name suggests.
The menu here is designed around the concept of small plates, encouraging guests to experiment and share a variety of dishes, each with a suggested wine pairing that’s spot on.
Also, their wine list is as dynamic as their menu, featuring a thoughtful mix of local and international bottles that cater to every palate. The staff’s expertise shines through their pairing suggestions, elevating the dining experience to a whole new level.
| Pro tip: Remember to make reservations if you’re planning to visit during peak hours or the weekend. And for an extra-special experience, ask for a seat at the chef’s table to witness the magic happen right before your eyes. |
Perch Restaurant
– Media credit: versadowine
Website: http://www.perchottawa.ca/
Address: 300 Preston St #1, Ottawa, ON K1R 7R6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-515-0535
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 6 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Perch Restaurant’s approach to wine is much like its decor: elegant, thoughtful, and always inviting. With local and international wines, Perch has an impressive list sure to satisfy every wine enthusiast.
Beyond those wines, Perch boasts a friendly and helpful staff that know their stuff. The food in each course is thoughtfully paired with wines to create a symphony of flavours that’ll make you want to dance, even if you’ve got two left feet.
| Pro tip: You may want to consider joining their mailing list for updates on wine dinners and special events that feature rare and exceptional wines paired with exquisite menus curated by the chef. |
Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Website: http://www.restaurantarlo.com/
Address: 340 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-1424
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$-$$$
Arlo’s ambience is all about the low-key vibe; you can rock up in jeans and not feel underdressed. Their wine list is like a curated playlist of the best tracks you’ve never heard—eclectic, always changing, and occasionally obscure in the best way possible.
And get this: even their food menu rotates to give you a fresh dining experience with each visit. Their philosophy? To keep things intimate and to create a space where people can share and savour together.
| Pro tip: They’re on the ‘gram, so follow them for the latest on wine tastings and the occasional popup kitchen collab. Those are kind of like an open secret, and, trust me, you don’t want to miss out! |
Courtyard Restaurant
Website: http://www.courtyardrestaurant.com/
Address: 21 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-1516
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Courtyard Restaurant is a historic stunner located in ByWard Market. Their wine list is thoroughly modern, with well-curated offerings from both popular and offbeat vineyards.
They’ve got staff that are as passionate about wine as I am about a sale on hiking boots. And when it comes to food, the seasonally-inspired dishes are the perfect complement to their wines.
| Pro tip: Courtyard’s Wine and Dine nights are not to be missed for curated pairing experiences, and they’re pretty active on social media about their specials, so stay tuned. |
Magnotta Ottawa
– Media credit: theaficionadobrand
Website: http://www.magnotta.com/
Address: 1010 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 4A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-971-0633
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $-$$
Magnotta Ottawa—you might have heard about them because they’ve got quite the grapevine. It’s a winery, brewery, and distillery all rolled into one.
They let you sip on their craft before you commit, which is awesome because who buys a car without test-driving it first, eh? Their selection spans the spectrum—from the classics to the “they-make-that-in-Ontario?” kind of surprises.
| Pro tip: Magnotta’s got a killer loyalty program, so if you plan on being a regular, sign up for the perks. Also, the parking here is more than generous, which is a sweet deal because no one likes the parking dance. |
Wine Station
– Media credit: orchidibrown
Website: https://winestation.ca/
Address: 2400 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8S1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-736-0121
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $-$$
Wine Station is a bit unconventional, it’s less like a restaurant and more like a wine ATM. Yes, you heard that right—24 self-service wine stations, all stocked with some superb labels, housed in a cosy but contemporary setup.
You’re given a prepaid card, which you exercise at these wine ATMs to dispense the drink of your choice. You get to choose the portion size (heads up, the largest size equals a full glass), so you’ll get to taste a variety and find your favourite.
| Pro tip: Weeknights are perfect to avoid the crowd, and their happy hour deals are legit. Plus, their bites are perfect for sharing; think upscale without the fuss. |
Château Des Charmes Wines
Website: https://www.chateaudescharmes.com/
Address: 407 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1R 7Y7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-782-2410
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $-$$
Okay, technically, Château Des Charmes Wines is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but the good news is that their wines are readily available in Ottawa. And to tell you the truth, they’ve been making wines for over 40 years (that’s a lot of experience!).
From the fruity whites to the bold reds, every bottle tells a tale of dedication and passion. Once you’ve tried a bottle, I can guarantee you’ll agree—it tastes like a high-end winery tour without ever leaving Ottawa.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their wine club for exclusive offers and first dibs on new releases. If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their rare sale events, stock up! Their wine is kind of like gold; it doesn’t stick around for long. |
Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room
Website: https://ottawa.buyersandcellars.ca/
Address: 327 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K2P 2P1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-233-0886
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room is a cosy yet chic wine spot on Bank Street. Their premise is grounded in sharing—they wonderfully pair wine with intriguing conversations, not to mention, their heart-melting cheese board!
Their mission is to help you discover new favourites without breaking the bank. Plus, their rotating wine selection keeps things exciting all year round, in addition to their winemaker meet-and-greets.
| Pro tip: I’d recommend you become a member of their wine club for some awesome perks, including discounts on wine purchases. Wine lovers, rejoice! |
Musca Wine Pressing & Supplies
– Media credit: littleitalyottawa
Website: https://musca.com/
Address: 969 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-235-5050
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $-$$
If you ever fancied making your wine (or even if you’re just intrigued), then Musca Wine Pressing & Supplies is the place to be. They’re all about the art of DIY winemaking, from equipment to raw materials, and everything in between.
But, the best part is their wine-making workshops! Plus, you walk away with not just a bottle of your creation but also invaluable knowledge about the wine-making process.
| Pro tip: Before heading there, give them a call and check to see if they’re running any promotions. They usually have some great deals up for grabs. |
Domaine Perrault
Website: https://www.domaineperrault.ca/
Address: 1000 Perrault Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-853-3860
Operating hours:
- Friday – 2 to 5 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
A bit out of the city (but it’s worth it!), Domaine Perrault is a family-owned vineyard with a reputation for warm hospitality and truly excellent wines. Now, this spot offers you a wine-tasting experience that is as pleasant as a backyard barbecue.
Their wines come from their homegrown grapes, ensuring the taste is bursting with authenticity. And with an excellent selection of whites, reds, rosés, and icewines, a day here feels like a mini-vacation.
| Pro tip: They host some rocking events throughout the year. So, be sure to check their calendar and plan your visit accordingly. |
Vignoble Clos Du Vully
Website: http://www.vignobleclosduvully.com/
Address: 2501 Magladry Rd, Navan, ON K4B 0H3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-558-1107
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Vignoble Clos Du Vully is a family-owned gem that’s also Ottawa’s well-kept secret. As a small vineyard, its charm lies in its intimate tastings and personal interaction with the vineyard’s owners.
They produce a selective range of wines – I must tell you, it’s quality over quantity here. The serene surrounding landscapes add the ambience that sets the mood for a relaxing wine-tasting session and for strolling around the vineyard, too!
| Pro tip: If you’re keen on a private group tasting, just give them a notification in advance. They’re always game! |
