WINE ROUTES
Visit York Region's wineries and sample the local harvest. Closer than Niagara, York Region's seven wineries offer an opportunity to taste vintages not readily available at many Ontario retailers. Many roads lead to a friendly tasting room where visitors can chat up the local winemaker and enjoy a superb glass of Ontario wine. Tours and tastings are offered at all the wineries.
York Region is home to both wine-making facilities and farm wineries. VQA wineries in the region include:
Willow Springs Winery
Founded by Mario and Julie Testa, Willow Springs Winery, with its 11-acre vineyard, is situated atop the Oak Ridges Moraine in Stouffville. The winery features outstanding, premium VQA wines. Sample wines at the wine tasting bar, tour the production facility, and view Ontario's northernmost vineyard before your browse through the wine and gift shop.
5572 Bethesda Road, Stouffville
(905)-642-9463
www.willowspringswinery.ca
Magnotta Winery
Magnotta Winery is an experience, an attraction, and for thousands of travellers, a destination. From the moment you enter this 60,000 sq. ft. architectural triumph you are swept away by the graceful ambience, where excellent wine and extraordinary art compliment each other beautifully. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery and brewery, visit the underground cellar and indulge yourself with a tasting of some of the world's finest wines while browsing through the retail boutique.
271 Chrislea Rd., Vaughan
(905)-738-9463
www.magnotta.com
While in Vaughan, be sure to visit the tasting bar and wine shops at nearby Cilento Wines and Vinoteca Inc. Premium Winery.
Applewood Farm & Winery is a scenic 87-acre farm with pick your own apples and an award-winning fruit winery. The tasting bar offers sample of fruit wines made right on the property.
12442 McCowan Road, Stouffville
(905) 642-4720
www.applewoodfarmwinery.com
Pine Farms Orchard & Fruit Winery is located in the lush hills of King Township and specializes in hard cider and apple wine. This has been a family run operation since the 1940's and features sixteen varieties of apples. Visit the pick your own apple orchard, bakeshop, tea room and gift shop. Sample fruit wines and ciders. 2700 16th Sideroad, King
(905)833-5459
www.pinefarmorchard.com
York Region is Ontario's newest official wine region. Consult the 2006 edition of the Wine Council of Ontario's winery guide for maps and further information www.winesofontario.org
MICRO BREWERIES
York Region is home to two micro breweries as well as a distillery. Plan to stop in at these locations for a tour and tasting.
King Brewery
One of the top stops on the new Ontario Craft Beer Route is King Brewery in Nobleton. King Brewery is an award winning brewer of truly authentic world class lagers. They brew using only the finest imported European ingredients in a newly built traditional German style brewery. Toronto Star newspaper declared King Brewery Pilsner "Beer of the Year". Drop by and sample the gold medal Czech style Pilsner and our authentic German Dark Lager. View their state of the art Brewery process and visit the unique gift shop.
5645 King Road, Nobleton
(905)-859-5464
www.kingbrewery.ca
Magnotta Brewery
At the Magnotta location in Vaughan, you'll discover the region's only distillery and the Magnotta Brewery.
Brewed in the tradition of 16th brew masters, Magnotta's True North premium beers are made to the highest standards with all natural ingredients. Winner of "Best Brewery in Ontario" 2006. Brewery tour and tasting available seven days a week.
271 Chrislea Rd., Vaughan
(905) 738-9463
www.magnottabrewery.com
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STUDIO TOURS
There is truly a passion for the Arts throughout the communities of York Region and autumn is the season where art, literature and film festivals abound. Take a look at what's on in York Region this fall. Visit our Calendar of Events for a complete listing.
Plan a road trip around one of the many Studio Tours showcasing talented local artists in wonderful rural and urban neighbourhoods. It's on a scenic fall drive that you'll meet some of the area's most talented and intriguing artists in their natural habitat - their studios.
Markham 48 Studio Tour & Sale September 22 & 23
Georgina Studio Tour September 29 & 30
Richmond Hill Studio Tour & Art Sale October 14 & 15
Stouffville Studio Tour & Sale October 13 & 14
Heintzman House Craft Show & Sale November 10 & 11
King Township Photography Tour September 16, October 21, November 18
Discover local flora, fauna and heritage buildings with professional photographers on a tour around this picturesque township on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
A Touch of Culture...
The beauty of York Region is reflected in the award winning theatrical productions, music concerts and multicultural events that are an integral part of the York Region community. Theatre is one of the cultural foundations of the Region with many community playhouses offering stellar productions in all seasons. The Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts, Opera York, The Curtain Club, and the City Playhouse Theatre all have great seasons lined up beginning this fall.
