It doesn't get much sweeter than basking in the southwestern Ontario sun on this winery’s brand new patio and sipping a glass of their bestselling Chocolate Covered Strawberry fruit wine.

The name Carolinian comes from the forest region surrounding the winery, located just east of the city near the airport. With an emphasis on organic ingredients, the owners have created a rustic yet polished experience for travellers interested in regional vino and cuisine.

The large, rectangular wooden building boasts a central wine tasting bar, restaurant seating around the perimeter of the main floor and loft seating up a set of stairs. Mixed amongst all this is a gift shop, which hawks fruit wine and unique presents like clever corks (including one which looks like a woman is diving into your wine bottle).

The winery has special events every month (think prime rib dinners or strawberry dessert tastings), and on Sunday you can enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wine still flows from the tasting bar seven days a week.

carolinianwinery.com