Cathy MerrittAs luck would have it, Toronto is brimming with must-visit spots for wine tasting! Our city has matured into a veritable playground for oenophiles, offering a spectrum of wine-tasting experiences that cater to both the vintage enthusiast and the casual sipper.
In the spirit of letting the good times (and the good wine) flow, we’ve put together our picks of the best spots for wine tasting in Toronto. So read on, fellow vinophiles!
Archive Wine Bar
Website: http://www.archive909.com/
Address: 909 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V9, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-748-0909
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 12 AM
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s trendy Dundas West neighbourhood, Archive takes pride in its impressive selection. Here, each bottle is chosen carefully, with the list leaning towards family-run vineyards that have mastered their craft over generations.
Whether you are into reds, whites, or bold eccentrics, Archive can satisfy your palate. And while sipping your wine, you can leave some space for their delectable small plates.
| Pro tip: If you can, drop by Archive during their happy hour (5 PM–7 PM). You can enjoy a glass of their daily featured wine at a special price. |
Downtown Winery
Website: http://downtownwineryto.com/
Address: 30 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-537-0416
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Housed in a chic, industrial space, this place isn’t your traditional vineyard country house; Downtown Winery is effortlessly stylish and relaxing. They boast a local selection, mostly from the Niagara and Prince Edward County regions.
They have a range of options, from fruity whites to robust reds and everything in between, honouring Ontario’s finest wines. You shouldn’t miss the chance to join their wine workshops; it’s a fun, educational dive into the wine-making process.
| Pro tip: Make sure that you check out their website for updates on special events like exclusive wine club tastings or opening a rare vintage. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter for insider deals, too! |
Cibo Wine Bar King West
Website: http://www.cibowinebar.com/cibo_ks/index_ks.html
Address: 522 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-504-3939
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Thursday and Friday – 11:3o AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cibo Wine Bar is a gem at King West, and its rustic charm merged with modern design, dishes out an Italian atmosphere. They have an expansive selection of over 2,500 fine wines, focusing heavily on Italian labels and excellent bottles from all over the globe.
Their automated Wine Angels (yes, they will wow you!) are at your service to fetch your choice from the soaring two-story glass wine cellar. Then you can pair your bottle with their tasty Italian fare for an unforgettable experience.
| Pro tip: Cibo has a fantastic Sunday brunch, and I’m telling you, it’s the perfect moment to experience their abundant food and wine offerings. Keep an eye out for their daily wine specials, too! |
Buca Osteria & Enoteca
Website: https://buca.ca/
Address: 604 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-865-1600
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Nestled in the King West neighbourhood, Buca Osteria & Enoteca has one of the city’s most desirable wine lists, featuring rare and high-quality Italian wines. Here at Buca, flavour and passion dance together, both in their cuisine and wine list.
Wines are divided by region, giving guests an intriguing journey across Italy’s rich landscape of vintages and vineyards. To top off your experience, make sure to indulge in their gourmet, artisanal Italian dishes.
| Pro tip: If you seek an exclusive experience, the private dining room at Buca offers personalized wine pairings. It’s perfect for those special occasions! |
Wine Academy
Website: http://www.wineacademy.ca/
Address: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Z5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-840-3385
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Wine Academy is a membership-based haven for wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a wine-centric environment. Like a library, but for wines, their collection is packed with a diverse range of bottles from around the world.
At Wine Academy, members can enjoy their chosen bottle on the premises or take it home. The private locker feature is a unique one, where members can store their personal collections in temperature-controlled lockers.
| Pro tip: Membership benefits include services and reciprocal privileges at other private clubs. However, they also offer day passes for non-members interested in a luxe wine-tasting experience. |
Magnotta Toronto
Website: https://www.magnotta.com/
Address: 1320 Castlefield Ave Building B, York, ON M6B 4B3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-783-5753
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Magnotta Toronto is a family-owned, award-winning winery that’s been uncorking happiness for over three decades now. It’s known for its wide range of wines, from high-quality, affordable table wines to its flagship Icewine.
Situated in Vaughan, Magnotta is just a short drive north of downtown Toronto. With over 180 products to choose from, their tasting bar is the place to be, and they even produce craft beer and artisanal spirits.
| Pro tip: Magnotta offers free public tours and tastings at their Vaughan location every day, making it a fun-filled and informative experience, especially for couple outings or family weekends. |
Paradise Grapevine
– Media credit: to__tastebuds
Website: http://shop.paradisegrapevine.com/
Address: 841 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-536-7178
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 1 PM to 2 AM
Paradise Grapevine is Toronto’s oasis in Bloor, and with its backyard patio draped in ivy, you might just feel like you’re in a paradise. This bar aligns itself with natural, biodynamically farmed wines, emphasizing the raw beauty of wine in its purest form.
This place offers a rotating list of charming wines, beers, and ciders to keep the vibe both exciting and unpredictable. To top it off, they also offer delicious nibbles that pair beautifully with their wines.
| Pro tip: Paradise Grapevine hosts a Sunday School for Wine, a fantastic, fun-filled evening to learn more about wines. You may also check out their social media pages for the schedule. |
Grape Witches
Website: http://grapewitches.com/
Address: 1247 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-546-2151
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Grape Witches is a spot who doesn’t own a brick-and-mortar because they’re way cooler than that. They host magical wine-tasting events throughout the city, often in the most unique and unexpected locations.
Their events are all about celebrating nature’s bounty with organic and natural wines from around the globe. Each event is different and specially curated, and they often collaborate with local caterers for some mouth-watering pairing sessions.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye on their website and social media platforms for upcoming events. They sell out quickly, so if you see one you’re interested in, act fast! |
Loop Line Wine & Food
Website: http://www.looplinewine.com/
Address: 643 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6G 1Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-516-8059
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Loop Line Wine & Food is one of Toronto’s newest spaces, showcasing wines and dishes from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This spot is all about the perfect marriage of food, wine, and friends.
This place has a highly curated wine selection, focusing mainly on unique and indigenous grape varietals from countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Greece. On the food side, they have delicious small and medium plates that make pairing a joy.
| Pro tip: Loop Line offers Apéro Hour (happy hour) from Wednesday to Friday, 5 PM–7 PM. It’s a great chance to enjoy discounted wines by the glass paired with delightful bites. |
Sommelier Factory Wine Bar
Website: http://sommelierfactory.com/
Address: 304 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1X2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-551-9221
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
The Sommelier Factory Wine Bar, nestled in the heart of The 6ix, boasts an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. With award-winning sommeliers curating their ever-evolving wine list, you’re sure to find a stunning bottle or two to sip on.
Each of their wines is hand-selected based on its quality, distinctiveness, and the story behind the bottle. Their sommeliers aim to make your experience educational and enjoyable, pairing each dish from their exquisite menu with the perfect wine.
| Pro tip: You might want to check their calendar for special themed tasting nights where you can sample various wines from specific regions or grapes. It’s a great way to learn while enjoying some fantastic wine. |
Midfield Wine Bar
Website: http://www.midfieldwine.com/
Address: 1434 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y7, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-345-7005
Operating hours:
- Wednesday – 6 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 12 AM to 12 PM. 6 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 6 PM to 1 AM
Midfield Wine Bar is a spot that’s oozing with character, providing patrons with a warm atmosphere. This wine bar is perfect for that laid-back yet slightly swanky experience where you can simply unwind with good friends and, of course, good wine.
Their wine list revolves around small producers, with a focus on organic and biodynamic options in an ever-changing selection of reds, whites, and everything in between. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the best pairings with their carefully crafted small plates.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their weekly Sunday night wine special, where they offer discounted prices on select bottles. |
Macedo U-Vin / Macedo Winery
Website: http://www.macedowinery.ca/
Address: 1381 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 4C7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-535-0416
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
If you’re feeling artsy, you can head to Macedo U-Vin / Macedo Winery, where you don’t just sample wine but learn the ropes of winemaking as well. This family-owned winery offers a unique experience, allowing customers to create their own personalized wine.
Not only do you get to handpick your grape variety, but you’re guided through the entire winemaking process from start to finish, crafting a wine that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
| Pro tip: Be sure to attend their seasonal wine-tasting events, where you can sample an array of wines and mingle with other wine enthusiasts. It’s also an excellent gift idea for the wine lover in your life! |
Blue Door Wine Shop
Website: https://bluedoorwineshop.com/
Address: 1010 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-306-8134
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Blue Door Wine Shop, situated in a quaint Leslieville row house, is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable experts who help guide patrons through their thoughtfully curated selection.
Blue Door’s wine offerings emphasize small-scale sustainable producers, emerging regions, and indigenous grape varietals. Whether you’re in search of a vibrant bottle to liven up a dinner party or a cru-worthy contender to the cellar, they’ve got you covered.
| Pro tip: Blue Door holds regular tasting events in-store, giving you the opportunity to learn more about their unique offerings and broaden your wine horizons. Make sure to follow them on social media so you don’t miss out. |
