If you’re planning a trip to Ontario’s Niagara region and wine country, your first instinct may be to set Niagara-on-the-Lake as your destination. We love visiting NOTL, however, you may be surprised to discover other local villages that offer their own unique experiences. Nestled in the Twenty Valley is the village of Jordan, Ont., the not-so-secret wine country destination we think you’ll love. The village and surrounding area offer culinary experiences, outdoor activities, shopping and so much more.
Here’s what to see and do in Jordan, Ont.
Where to stay
There are two boutique hotel properties on Jordan’s Main Street under the Vintage Hotel family. The first is the Inn on the Twenty, which has an onsite onsite spa. Down the street, the Jordan House Tavern and Lodging offers comfortable accommodations.
Nearby, you can also find B&Bs, campsites, and larger hotel chains set just off the highway along Lake Ontario.
Where to eat
You will not go hungry when you stay in Jordan. The local restaurants are cooking up delicious eats, many with stunning patios for warmer weather enjoyment. On The Twenty Restaurant is a fine-dining culinary experience. If you prefer live entertainment and pub-style eats, check out the Jordan House Tavern. Just outside of the village is the popular Restaurant Pearle Morrissette with its ever-changing prix fixe menu. Be sure to plan ahead as their lunch and dinner service sells out weeks in advance. You can also stop by the Upper Canada Cheese Company or one of the many local produce stands.
Where to experience nature
Located in the breathtaking Twenty Valley, nature lovers can hike Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Take the Cataract Trail to see the upper or lower falls. You can even geocache along the way.
Visit the wineries
A highlight for many visitors is the long list of wine tasting opportunities in the area; so many that we couldn’t possibly name them all, but we’ll happily give you a sampling.
Directly on Jordan’s Main Street is the Cave Spring Winery tasting room. This winery has been a leading producer of wines in the region for over three decades.
Honsberger Estate Winery produces small-batch wine that can only be found at the winery, and it also features an on-site restaurant.
The 13th Street Winery has beautiful grounds to explore with a gift shop and bakery that will have you coming back for butter tarts and other tasty treats along with their selection of wines.
Stop by Calamus Winery for a tasting, a bite at their bistro, or maybe participate in one of the regularly sold-out star gazing events at their observatory.