The story behind Sprucewood Shores
The Mitchell family has held this land near Harrow since 1975, first planting grapes in 1991 and selling the fruit before making their own wine. The first Sprucewood Shores vintage came in 2004, and the winery opened to visitors in 2006.
It sits right on Lake Erie, and that is its signature. Sprucewood Shores has a private sandy beach, which makes it Ontario's only true beachfront winery.
Lake Erie North Shore, the warm south
This is Canada's most southern mainland wine region, on roughly the same latitude as northern California, with a long warm season that ripens reds well. Sprucewood Shores works estate fruit into Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio, all Ontario VQA.
Winemaker Tanya Mitchell has made every vintage since the first, aiming for balance between fruit, acidity, and finesse. The reserve wines carry the Hawk's Flight label.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sprucewood Shores known for?
Sprucewood Shores is known for being Ontario's only beachfront winery, with a private sandy beach on Lake Erie. It makes estate VQA wines, including Cabernet Franc and Merlot, in Canada's warm, southern Lake Erie North Shore region.
Where is Sprucewood Shores?
Near Harrow, Ontario, on the south shore of Lake Erie in the Lake Erie North Shore appellation. It is one of the southernmost wineries in the country, well below the latitude of Niagara.
Why does the Lake Erie North Shore grow good red wine?
It is Canada's warmest mainland wine region, on about the same latitude as northern California. The long, sunny season and the moderating lake let grapes like Cabernet and Merlot ripen fully, which is harder to do further north.
