Sixth annual list showcases the province’s top 10 percent of guest-driven winery experiences
VineRoutes is proud to announce the sixth annual edition of Ontario’s Top 20 Wineries, a curated list recognizing the province’s most compelling, guest-driven winery experiences.
This year’s list once again reflects the diversity, quality, and hospitality that define Ontario wine country, spanning the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore. With approximately 190 wineries now operating in Ontario, the purpose of this list continues to be offering an annual snapshot of the top 10 percent of wineries delivering excellence both in the glass and at the visitor level.
While quality of wine remains the most heavily weighted factor, the VineRoutes panel also evaluates service, atmosphere, value, portfolio depth, and the overall guest experience — because a great winery is never only about the wine.
A growing legacy of excellence
What began as a way to spotlight standout Ontario wineries has evolved into one of VineRoutes’ most widely read features, guiding thousands of readers as they plan their visits.
“Our Top 20 list has become one of the most influential pieces of editorial content we produce each year,” says VineRoutes editor Carmelo Giardina. “Its evolution reflects not only the rising calibre of Ontario wineries, but also the growing appetite from readers who rely on it as a benchmark for exceptional tasting experiences. It’s become a yearly roadmap for our readers — locals and U.S. travelers alike — who use it as both a guideline and inspiration for their wine country visits. That level of engagement reinforces the importance of celebrating the wineries that continue to elevate Ontario’s global reputation.”
Since launching Ontario’s Top 20 in 2020, VineRoutes has now cast votes for 50 total wineries, representing roughly 26 percent of the province’s industry. Of those, 37 wineries have earned enough support to appear on the Top 20 list at least once, meaning nearly one-fifth of Ontario’s wineries (19%) have been recognized since the list first began.
This year’s list also highlights the continued evolution and turnover in Ontario’s wine landscape:
- Three new wineries make their debut in 2025: Dobbin Estate, Lailey Winery, and Pearl Morissette.
- Cave Spring Vineyard returns to the list for the third time in six years.
- Meanwhile, two long-time fixtures saw their ‘gold star’ streaks (five consecutive years) come to an end — a sign of ongoing change and rising competition across the province.
- Over the past three editions, 10 different wineries have debuted, demonstrating the strength, ambition, and momentum of Ontario’s modern wine industry.
‘Gold Star’ wineries
This year, nine wineries retain the distinction of being Gold Star honourees — those that have appeared on the list every year since 2020. These perennial standouts continue to set the benchmark for quality, consistency, and hospitality. (View the full list to learn what wineries have made the list each year since 2020.)
About the evaluation
The VineRoutes panel independently visits and evaluates wineries within a three-year window, ensuring that selections reflect sustained excellence rather than one-off impressions. Criteria include wine quality (most heavily weighted), customer visit experience, service excellence, facility and ambiance, portfolio variety and depth, and price point and overall value.
All wineries must operate a visitor-facing space to qualify.
From modern architectural estates to boutique farm wineries, this year’s selections reflect the full spectrum of what Ontario does best — from terroir-driven cool-climate chardonnay and pinot noir to world-class cabernet franc, méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine, and innovative blends.
For more details, high-resolution images, or interview requests, please contact Managing Editor Paula Henriques at paula@vineroutes.com.
View the full list of Ontario’s Top 20 Wineries of 2025 by visiting www.vineroutes.com/ontarios-top-20-wineries-of-2025
About VineRoutes:
VineRoutes is an Ontario-based wine magazine that offers readers an approach to wine culture that is both accessible and unpretentious, while highlighting world-class producers, innovative culinary talent and wine-related lifestyle and travel. Visit www.vineroutes.com for more information.
Ask for your own official Top 20 Wineries badge to be used for your winery’s website or social media.
Media Contact:
Paula Henriques | Managing Editor | paula@vineroutes.com | 1-844-378-8463
