1. Attend Summerlicious
Toronto’s best-kept foodie secret is back: Summerlicious starts this July 5th and runs until the 21st. This annual summer food event offers prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s best restaurants for every budget.
With set lunch menus ranging from $20-$55 and dinner starting at $25 -75, Summerlicious is your opportunity to explore over 200 restaurants, from high-end to hidden gems in the city.
Pro Tip: ask your server what wine they’d recommend for your tasting menu to make this experience the best!
Make your Summerlicious plan and find the perfect spot for your next meal here.
2. Wine Crawl in the City
Looking for the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer’s day? Why not spend the day enjoying a patio wine crawl with friends? Toronto has an abundance of perfect patios, both new and old, for you to explore. Here are some must-tries to add to your list:
Stop 1: Vela
This gorgeous restaurant also boasts a beautiful patio in the heart of the entertainment district. Start things off at Vela to get the day started just right. Looking for the perfect order? Watch my video here on my wine picks here.
Stop 2: Astoria Great Hall
It does not have a patio, but it is located on Queen West. This open-air dining experience is the perfect French-American spot to grab a glass of wine and a couple of shared plates with friends.
Stop 3: Enoteca Sociale
Stop by Enoteca Sociale on Dundas St West for incredible Italian cocktails, desserts, and wine!
Stop 4: Gia Toronto
Just steps away from Enoteca is another excellent Italian stop on Dundas St. West: Gia, a plant-forward restaurant serving fresh meals paired with incredible wines.
Stop 5: Compton Ave
This excellent spot, founded by the Bar Chef crew, is known for its cocktails. However, Compton Ave also boasts an impressive wine list. Stop by this unassuming spot with gorgeous interiors on Dundas and grab a glass of the Yuntero Mundo De Yuntero Rosado, an organic rosé.
3. Visit a Wine Bar
Toronto’s wine bar scene continues to expand year-over-year. For your next Summer activity, stop by a local wine bar and ask their team to make a recommendation for you and your crew of wines typically not available at the LCBO. The best part? You can almost always shop for wines in-store and take a bottle home.
Here are some wine bar recommendations in the city:
Make your way to Grey Gardens for a sophisticated wine experience. Their wine list features unique and exciting options from around the world, paired with delectable dishes.
Sip: My top pick is the Saint Cyr La Galoche Rouge.
Located in the Bloorcourt borough, this boutique wine shop and bar are part of the Paradise Theatre and the iconic Osteria Rialto restaurant. Pop in here before seeing a show, ahead of your dinner reservation, or as a stop all on its own!
Sip: Two must-try bottles include the Antonutti Ribolla Gialla, or try the La Montina Franciacorta DOCG Extra Brut for your bubbly fix.
For the perfect 30-degree weather activity, head to On Third Thought for a wine and gelato flight. This gelato & wine bar serves perfectly paired gelato and wine combinations that are ideal for a hot summer day.
Sip: Sit on the patio and indulge in flavors like lemon gelato with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chocolate gelato with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a match made in heaven and a must-try experience.
Are you a wine lover in a group of beer fans? Your next patio reservation has got to be at Blood Brothers Brewing. Located on one of the city’s best stretches of streets for dining: Greary Avenu. Blood Brothers is the perfect casual spot to visit before or after dinner.
Sip: Tenuta I Fauri Il Piano Del Cavaliere.
4. Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
Escape the city and head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a tranquil wine experience.
Where to go: Two Sister’s Vineyards is our top pick in Niagara-on-the-Lake—a family-owned estate known for its award-winning wines. Two must-try bottles on your visit are the Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Getting There: Niagara-on-the-Lake is just under a 90-minute drive from Toronto, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or an overnight stay.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay: For a day trip, start with a wine tasting at Two Sisters Vineyards, then explore the Old Town. For an overnight stay, consider booking a room at one of the charming bed-and-breakfasts or boutique hotels and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s top-rated restaurants.
5. Host a Themed Wine Night with Your Friends
Hosting a themed wine night is one of my favourite ways to explore different wines with friends. Here are a couple of theme ideas:
Euro Summer: Everyone picks a country and brings a bottle of wine to bring the Euro summer vibes home. Set the scene with decorations and food inspired by the countries you’re “visiting.” Travel Europe through wine without leaving your home!
Rosé Night: Celebrate summer with a rosé wine night. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of rosé from a different region worldwide. Compare the various styles and flavors, and pair them with light summer fares like salads, seafood, and fresh fruit.
Old World Vs. New World: This is always a fun experience for big wine lovers. Compare and contrast wines from traditional wine regions (Old World) with those from newer wine-producing areas (New World). A few suggestions for the Old World include France, Italy, Spain vs. New World USA, Australia, and Chile. You can even include newer versus older wine techniques and trends to incorporate new styles like low-intervention wines.
