Drinking in Meaford: Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries

Need a drink? If you don’t need one now, you’ll want one soon because Ontario has an impressive beverage scene. From refined wines, sweet ciders, and refreshing beers, there’s a perfect cup for every drinker. 


Tour sweeping vineyards craftng fine wines, grand orchard reviving the cider culture, and old breweries drafting craft beers all across Grey County. From our home in Meaford to Clarksburg, to Annan and Owen Sound, see what makes our piece of Ontario the perfect place to raise a glass.

Wine time in Ontario

Most people don’t think of Canada when they think of wine, but they should. The geographic diversity of the country allows for many types of grapes to grow, with 3 distinct wine appellations in Ontario alone.


The cold climate adds complexity to the grapes that create expressive wines. And, the relatively young Canadian Wine Industry lends itself to innovation and experimentation, resulting in unique flavors that cannot be found anywhere else.

Grey County Wineries

  • Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery: located in Annan, Ontario, this winery offers beautiful scenery to accompany your tasting. Relax on a deck overlooking the Georgian Bay and vineyard. Enjoy wines ranging from bone-dry Riesling to the sweet and hearty Divine Intervention Red.


  • Georgian Hills Vineyards: If you want to taste North Niagara, this is the place. This sustainable winery is located in Clarksburg and specializes in cool-climate wines. Enjoy sips from their seasonal menu, curated by their experienced staff and partners.


  • The Roost Winery and Vineyard: Enjoy small batches with big flavor in the Blue Mountains. This edgy vineyard is located in Clarksburg, on the fringes of Ontaro’s wine-making territory. Try some of their boundary-pushing wines alone or in a group.


Wine Fun Fact: “Ice Wine” is a rich dessert wine that is produced from grapes that have frozen on the vine. Canada is one of the only countries that can consistently produce this prized drink.

Sipping Cider in Canada

Cider culture used to be huge, but with the introduction of other drinks, its popularity faded. Now, cider is making a comeback! Ciders are the fastest-growing category of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. and Canada. Ontario ciders are especially sought after. The moderate but cold microclimate of the Great Lakes gives apples an intense and crisp flavor.

Grey County Cideries

  • Grey & Gold Cider: The ciders at this cidery in Clarksburg are a class act, literally. Scoring best in class for 2 years in a row, these crisp ciders use wild fermentation and all-natural ingredients for a pure taste. 


  • Spy Cider House and Distillery: Whether you want cider or something stronger, this company in Clarksburg has you covered. Come visit and enjoy everything from the “I Love Gold” small-batch cider, to Spy Gin. 


  • Windswept Cider: This mico-cidery and fermentory in Meaford works with the local ecosystem to create delicious, sustainable ciders. Every vintage highlights a new element of the fruit, so every year brings exciting new flavors.



Cider Fun Fact: Cider was the first alcoholic beverage produced and consumed in North America, originally brought over by Pilgrims who settled the East Coast

Bearing the Beer Tradition

Beer has a long, rich history in Canada. The first registered brewer began making beer in 1646, and the tradition never stopped. Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country, with 85% - 90% of that beer being manufactured in Canada.


Today brewers directly employ 21,000 Canadians and indirectly support 149,000. With all that in mind, it’s not an exaggeration to say that beer is the backbone of the Canadian alcohol industry.

Grey County Breweries

  • Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant: Enjoy a pint and a meal at this trendy brewery in Owen Sound. With unique brews like Carrot Ginger Ale, and traditional favorites like the Maiden Voyage Brown Ale, there’s a beer for anyone. 


  • Neustadt Springs Brewery: If you love traditionally crafted beer, you’ll love this small brewery in Neustadt. Originally founded in 1859, this brewery has been brewing with the finest spring water in Canada for decades.


  • Thornbury Village Craft: This award-winning brewery and cidery in Thornbury does it all: ciders, beers, even wine! Choose your beverage of choice from their varied lineup, from lunch through dinner. 



Beer Fun Fact: First Peoples of Canada invented Spruce Beer, which was used to treat scurvy.

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Enjoy a drink at Back Forty Glamping

There’s no better way to enjoy a drink than under the stars. At Back Forty Glamping, you can do just that. Our luxury glamping domes in Meaford provide privacy and comfort to spend time with someone you love. Enjoy a craft beer or cider by the fire, and a glass of wine in your own private hot tub. Watch the stars in the wide Canadian sky, before drifting off to sleep in a king-sized bed. If this sounds like the weekend of your dreams, book now!