Stoney Ridge Estate Winery

I had a very average experience here. Here are a few things to note…
1. They have lovely grounds with loads of flowers and shrubs.
2. They have an award winning Chardonnay that is nice, but also 49 $ a bottle. Because of the notoriety of the Chardonnay, other wines are probably priced a bit higher than they should be.
3. There is nowhere to sit inside here. Service is all at the counter, which is similar to some other places.
4. They serve cheese here as well in a separate section. On the day I went there was a sign that said, «come in and try a sample.» I walked in and waited a minute or two before I was acknowledged. I asked if they gave samples and the server said, «only if you are planning to buy something.» I left. I walked out back down to the tasting area and recounted the experience to other friends who were tasting. We all decided to skip the cheese and purchased less than we would have otherwise.
I would rate this place lower for being treated rudely, but they have decent high priced wines and nice flowers out front.
Most places all through Ontario Wine Country are super friendly and eager to sell, even at places that are better and more well-​known than this one. I felt the unwarranted pretentiousness here more than any of dozens of wineries I have visited.
Can’t say that I would go back.

Various range of white, red wines with friendly atmosphere. Has artisan cheese boutique inside and small bistro. Staff in cheese boutique was very knowledgeable and had great selection of cheese to go well with their wines. Chardonnay was good and also Pino noir. Got some cheese and wine back home.

If you don’t know Niagara area wines Stoney Ridge is a great place to start. Located just 25 minutes outside of the Falls, I came back with the famous Vidal IceWine, but also bottles of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The reds are not the fruit bombs that you find in California, but are comparable more to the lighter bodied Finger Lakes or Pacific Northwest varietals. They also have an excellent reasonably priced Pinot Noir.

I had a chance to visit this winery (one of the oldest in Ontario) with some of my friends. We all paid for a tour which included a small meal consisting of wraps, different cheese, fruit, crackers and breads.
The sommelier gave us a very entertaining and informative tour of the property which had moved from its original location some time ago. We also had a chance to try out two different wines — first a white as it was being made, and then an ice-​wine that was paired with chocolate. «Chocolate?!» you say? Yes, we had it with our ice-​wine, and it made this unique ice-​wine taste even more spectacular!
This was, arguably, the best tour that we have had and it all started with the sommelier who was so delightful to talk with. We all had a great time!