By Rick VanSickle
Stay Calm and Drink Local. It’s a trope and uttered so frequently that we’ve become immune to it. But it is has never been more crucial than it is right now.
Local wineries are hurting. They need our help. The vast majority has been forced to shut their doors and move to 100% online sales to keep their businesses viable. All of them have ended face-to-face tastings, winery restaurants have closed, 95% of them of stopped retail store sales, tours and all events. While it may seem trivial in the larger scheme of things, with the coronavirus pandemic taking hold the world over, it means workers aren’t coming to work, wine is going unsold and uncertainty is prevalent in an industry that, for the most part, lives on the edge of profitability.
The Ontario wine community is resilient; they know how to come together in tough times. They know how to handle a couple of bad winters, a weak vintage, competition from larger wine regions and navigating the often baffling world of red tape they face by the government and the main retailer in the province, the LCBO. But this is different. This is the biggest challenge that has ever occurred in the history of the wine industry.
When the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit home, the wine industry mobilized. They changed their game plans. They talked to one another and implemented new road maps to get local wine into the hands of wine lovers.
Wines In Niagara has tried to keep up with all the wineries that have had to change gears, and we have an undated list below of who is doing what in terms of sales (Tawse Winery also has a list going on its Facebook page, we took a few listings from there, thanks!). Every approach is slightly different, but most wineries have online sales in place, most with free shipping, some with minimum orders and others with discounts. A few wineries still have limited retail sales at their wineries, others have implemented no-contact wines sales where you can pull up your car, pay from your window, and get bottles put in the trunk.
Whatever the method, now is the time to support local. Find a winery you like from the list below (or discover a new one) and get shopping. We will all get through this together. Might as well enjoy a great glass of Ontario (or Canadian) wine while we wait.
NOTE: If you don’t see your winery on this list, let us know. We are also posting a link to Prince Edward County wineries offering various online options. It’s post under the Niagara wineries listings.
Note 2: Suresh Doss has created a map of take-out restaurants in Toronto and has now added wineries in Niagara and Prince Edward County offering delivery. For the link, go here
Meanwhile, the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario, put out a news release Friday. Here it is as it was sent.
Amidst uncertain times caused by COVID-19, Ontario VQA wineries are doing their part to support social distancing by making it easier for Ontario residents to shop local without leaving home. Most wineries have made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily close tasting rooms and will reopen when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, over 95 Ontario wineries are offering free shipping to Ontarians, with most offers extended until Easter Weekend including April 13th, 2020.
While consumers are encouraged to enjoy Ontario VQA wines at home, wineries remain open for business and are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers and employees. Though tasting rooms are closed, many wineries are also offering curbside pick-up. Click here for the list of wineries offering free shipping and for the most up-to-date winery information visit winecountryontario.ca.
As industries both locally and abroad face a continually evolving set of circumstances, Ontario VQA wineries too, are adapting to help serve their local customers. Like many other independent businesses, local Ontario VQA wineries are small, family-owned businesses and farms that depend on travel to their wineries. The financial implications of these decisions are not taken lightly, but are essential to keep customers, employees and communities safe in these unprecedented times. By offering free shipping of VQA wine to Ontarians, the local wine community is helping keep Ontario residents healthy and safe.
“We have been overwhelmed by Ontarians’ support of Ontario’s grape growers and VQA wineries this week,” said Allan Schmidt, President, Vineland Estates Winery and Co-Chair Wine Marketing Association of Ontario. “During these difficult times we all need to adapt how we go about our lives, and our wine industry is no exception. Ontario VQA wineries are proud that we have the unique ability to share our great, local wines with consumers in a safe and convenient means of home delivery.”
“Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak. We’re proud that our industry has come together to navigate through COVID-19 and continue to provide our loyal customers with the wines they love,” said Del Rollo, Vice President, Industry and Government Relations, Arterra Wines Canada and Co-Chair Wine Marketing Association of Ontario. “The health and employees is foremost in our minds as we continue to adapt our business practices regularly during this dynamic situation.”
The Ontario wine industry is not alone in these uncertain times – these same challenges face the restaurant and hospitality communities as well. Similar to these local Ontario businesses, the Ontario VQA wine industry is closely connected to the province’s hospitality community and understands how important supporting local is. The Ontario grape and wine industry generates more than 14,000 direct and indirect jobs – many of which are currently in a state of uncertainty. The purchase of each bottle of Ontario VQA wine generates $98.20 of economic impact for the Ontario economy.
NIAGARA WINERIES
Vineland Estates Winery
Free Shipping for 6 bottles or more using Code: 2020SPRING
Restaurant is working on a TAKEOUT Menu.
Strewn Winery
Retail store open for bottle sales
Online sales, free shipping when purchasing 12 bottles or more
Angels Gate Winery
Online Specials Available:
Free Shipping on all orders over $50
Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Online Specials Available:
10% off all orders of 6 bottles or more with Code: stayathome
Organized Crime Winery
Online Specials Available:
Free Shipping on orders of 6 bottles or more
Flatrock Cellar Winery
In-store and Online Specials;
Curbside Pickup (Call Winery)
Free Shipping in Ontario over $150
Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery
Online Specials Available:
Free Shipping in Ontario with Code: ONTARIOSHIP
Leaning Post Wines Inc
Online Specials Available:
Pre-made 4 Packs with $5 shipping
Free shipping for custom 6 & 12 Packs
Tawse Winery
In-Store & Online Specials Available:
Up to 40% OFF Select Wines
Orders over $100 receive FREE SHIPPING
Redstone Winery
In-Store & Online Specials Available:
Up yo 35% OFF Select Wines
Orders over $100 receive FREE SHIPPING
Cave Spring Wine Cellars
Wine shop open 7 days a week from 10 am until 5 pm
Wine purchases only and the staff will fulfil any orders
Phone and online orders encouraged, free shipping
We can bring phone orders curb side as well. 905-562-3581 x 302
Malivoire Wine
Online Specials:
Free Shipping for 6 bottles or more using Code: STAYSAFE
Rosewood Winery & Meadery
Free Shipping in Ontario for 4 or more bottles
10% discount on all online orders. Promo includes HONEY!
Kew Vineyards Estate Winery
Online Specials Available:
Free Shipping using the Code: FREE
Bench Brewing Company
In-Store and Online Available
Place an order online & select the ‘Brewery Pick-Up!’ option to have your
Free shipping for orders of $100 or more
Domaine Queylus Winery
Online Special Available:
Free Shipping with Code: care
Thomas Bachelder Wine
Online only (email wine@BachelderNiagara.com)
Prior to main April 2 release of new vintages, Bachelder has pulled together a list of wines from back vintages to sell directly online with free delivery.
Two Sisters Estate Winery
Online sales only, free shipping with 4+ bottles (10% off, use code TSV10)
13th Street Winery
Online sales, with bakery treats, wine and meals to go available
(905.984.8444)
Hinterbrook Estate Winery
Online sales only
Big Head Wines
No tastings, only pickups or online
Free shipping over 6 bottles province wide
Good Earth Food and Wine
Retail open for bottle sales
Online sales, shipping is free with minimum six bottles
Curbside pick up and payment, weekends only
Reif Estate Winery
In-store and online available
Free shipping for 6+ bottles
GreenLane Estate Winery
Online sales, free delivery in Ontario on orders of $50 or more
No-contact curbside service, place order here 905.562.7207
Megalomaniac Wines
No tastings, retail store open for bottle sales
Online sales available
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
Retail store with open limited hours and no tastings
Online sales with free shipping with 12 bottle minimum
Featherstone Estate Winery
In-store (Fri-Sun.) and online available.
Free shipping for $120+
Palatine Hills Estate Winery
Retail open bottle purchaes
Online sales with free local delivery
Ridgepoint Wines
Open for retail sales only
Wine orders over phone 905-562-8853 or by email: retail@ridgepointwines.com for pick up using debit/credit card only
Online available
Westcott Vineyards
Online available with free shipping
In store pickup available
De Simone Vineyards
Closed
Fielding Estate Winery
Retail store open, reduced hours
Online sales
FEROX Winery
Open for bottle and case purchases
Online sales and home delivery, free delivery in the Niagara, rest of province is free delivery with a purchase of $200 or more
16 Mile Cellar
Online only
Special, “Sip from Home Essentials Wine Box” with free shipping
Calamus Estate Winery
Retail store open for bottle sales only (curb side pick up available)
Online sales, next day free delivery to Niagara customers and free delivery in Ontario
Meldville Wines and Legends Estate
Open weekends for bottle pick up
Online with free shipping on six bottles or more in Ontario (promo code: freeshipping)
Honsberger Estate Winery
Restaurant, wine store closed until April 1
Cloudsley Cellars
Online available
Niagara College Teaching Winery
Tasting room closed, tours cancelled
Online sales, free shipping in Ontario, minimum 6 bottles
King’s Court Estate winery
Tasting and retail facility closed
Online sales welcome
Foreign Affair Winery
Online only
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Online wines orders only, free shipping in Ontario with purchase of 2 bottles or more
Great Estates Niagara
(Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin)
Online only, free shipping with minimum of 6 bottles
Icellars Winery
Retail sales, no cash, online sales available with free shipping in Ontario with $100 minimum purchase. Use code STAYHOME
Back 10 Cellars
Online only, free local delivery Friday and Saturday 12-3 (minimum two bottle order)
The Hare Wine Co.
Online only, free shipping in Ontario on orders of 6 or more bottles
For ordering, call 905-684-4994 or email info@harewineco.com
Thirty Bench Wine Makers
Retail sales (limiting number of people at one time)
Online sales, free shipping (use promo code 30BENCHSHIP)
Curbside pickup call 905-563-0352
2027 Cellars
Online sales open, email kevin@2027cellars.ca to place an order
All major credit cards accepted, and free delivery of a case or more
Will also mix cases if needed
Website coming soon
Stratus Vineyards
Online only, free shipping in Ontario, use FREESHIP2020 at checkout.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Retail open for bottle sales only
Online available, free shipping
Trius Wines
Retail still open for bottle sales and online sales with free shipping
Curbside pickup call 905-468-6220
Peller Estates Winery
Retail still open for bottle sales and online sales with free shipping
Curbside pickup call 905-468-6517
Gretzky Estate Winery and Distillery
Retail still open for bottle sales and online sales with free shipping
Curbside pickup call 905-468-0232
Southbrook Vineyards
Online orders shipped by Canada Post, free shipping
Curbside pick up at the winery (905-246-1348)
Chateau des Charmes
Boutique is open for bottle sales
Online offered and shipping is free for 6+ bottles within Ontario
Lakeview Wine Co.
Retail store open
Online sales available
PondView Estate Winery
Retail open for bottle sales
Free online and local delivery
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
Retail closed, curbside pickup for wine and cheese, call 905.562.1324 Ext 101 or 905.329.7687
Online sales (free shipping for orders of 6 bottles or over)
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery
Open for bottle sales only (and no-contact drive-up sales)
Online sales, free shipping in Ontario with 6+ bottles (use code SPRING2020)
Queenston Mile Vineyard
Retail open for bottle sales
Online sales, free local delivery
Creekside Estate Winery
Retail open for bottle sales
Online sales, free delivery on six bottles or more (promo code HAPPYWINE)
Lailey Winery
Retail store open with limited customers at one time
Online sale with delivery free of charge in Niagara (use code OFF10 for 10% off)
Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery
Retail store open for bottle sales
Online orders are shipped free in Ontario
Marynissen Estates Winery
Online ordering includes free shipping with six bottles or more, no-contact pickup at the winery
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Retail open for bottle sales
Online sales and free shipping in Ontario with 6+ bottles (use promo code 6FREE)
Joseph’s Estate Wines
Retail closed
Online sales only, free shipping in Ontario with 6+ bottles (extra 15% discount using promo code STAYWELL)
Riverview Cellars
Retail open, no tasting/tours
Free shipping in Canada (6+ bottles), free local delivery
Small Talk Vineyards
Retail open, no tastings or tours
Free local delivery
Prince Edward County wineries
For a list of County wineries, put together by Duarte Da Silva, Executive Director, Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association, and what they are offering, go here
Southbrook is doing online orders shipped by Canada Post and also curbside pick up at the winery. Just call us at 905-246-1348 and we’ll deliver your package to your car. Several great offers available!
Thanks, You are added to the list
Creekside Estate Winery is open for purchases and curbside pick-up. We are also offering free shipping in Ontario for 6 bottle minimum. And free same-day delivery in Niagara.
Queenston Mile Vineyard is open for purchases and curbside pick-up. We are also offering free shipping in Ontario for 6 bottle minimum. And free same-day delivery in Niagara.
Hi Rick! We too are offering free shipping. Thanks.
FEROX Winery is open for bottle and case purchases, online sales and home delivery. We are not open for tasting. We have just extensively cleaned and disinfected our retail store and are doing so daily in accordance with health standard guidelines.
We provide free delivery in the Niagara region – to doorstep and rest of province is free delivery with a purchase of $200 or more. Feel free to contact us regarding any questions. 905.468.2271 Stay healthy!
Any more details, Dee. Is tasting room open? Bottle sales on premise. Just need a bit more info
Canada Post will not delivery the wine to your door, you will have to go pick it up as per this announcement:
https://www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/closures-and-service-interruptions-details.page?article=2020/03/15/public_update_covid_&cattype=announcements&cat=updates
“To receive the following items only: Registered, Xpresspost Certified, Proof of Identity, Proof of Age, COD (collect on delivery) and items where custom fees are due, please know that we cannot release these items unless a signature is provided. You will receive a notice card indicating the post office where you can pick up your items by showing proof of identity and signing. If you are sick or under self-isolation, please arrange for someone to pick up these items in your place.”
Hi Rick…We are currently open in the Jordan Village wine shop 7 days from 10:00 until approximately 5:00. Wine purchases only and the staff will fulfill any orders. Phone and online orders encouraged. We can bring phone orders curb side as well. 905-562-3581 x 302. wineshop.cavespring.ca
Fixing now, Dee