The Best Culinary Tourism Experience in Ontario is taking place this summer and the dates have been set.  The award winning Wine Trail Ride dates have been announced for the 2011 season. 

Each Wine Trail Ride includes a visit to 2-3 wineries, tastings, tours, experienced guide, support vehicle and a meal made with local Essex County products.  A guide and cycling expert will be on hand to lead the way and answer questions. A support vehicle will collect purchases made along the way and bring them to our final destination.

In 2009, the Wine Trail Rides were selected as the Best Culinary Tourism Experience in Ontario by the Ontario Culinary Tourism Association.  In 2010, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) selected Adriano Ciotoli and Pina Ciotoli as “Deloitte Innovator of the Year” for the 2010 National Awards for Tourism Excellence for the development of the Wine Trail Rides.

“The Wine Trail Rides are successful because people want an authentic experience that lets them learn about the place they are living in or visiting,” says Adriano Ciotoli, co-owner of WindsorEats.com and co-creator of the Wine Trail Rides. 

In addition to the regularly scheduled rides, WindsorEats will also organize Personal Wine Trail Rides which can be scheduled any day of the week.  Once the group selects a date, WindsorEats will organize the route, meal and details.  These rides include tours, tastings, experienced guide, enhanced, gourmet meal as well as a bicycle and helmet and are ideal for groups that cannot make the regularly scheduled rides, special events, family outings, wedding groups, corporate events, etc. 

“We have people that come in from across Ontario the United States to participate,” explains Adriano.  “Last year we had participants from Ohio, Wisconsin, Indianapolis and even as far as France.  Often times, they cannot attend the regularly scheduled ride that takes place once a month from May to September, so we organize a personalized ride for them.”

The rides put the focus on the region by highlighting what is available locally, the importance of supporting local agriculture and the significance of the region’s local culture and heritage.  Since 2008, the Wine Trail Rides have significantly increased awareness of what the Essex County has to offer and the importance of supporting the region.

“The Wine Trail Rides are a vital component to tourism in our region” explains Adriano.  “We use and support local businesses and have fostered the development of new businesses.  We introduce participants to or often, reintroduce them to, agricultural, cultural, heritage and natural destinations and events.  It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors this summer.”

The dates for the 2011 Wine Trail Rides are:

  • Saturday, May 21, 2011
  • Saturday, June 18, 2011
  • Saturday, July 16, 2011
  • Saturday, August 20, 2011
  • Saturday, September 17, 2011

Tickets for the regularly scheduled Wine Trail Rides are $50 each and includes tastings, tours, experienced guide, support vehicle and a meal made with local Essex County products.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.winetrailride.ca 

Don’t have a bike?  Don’t worry!  We rent out single and tandem bicycles!

To organize a Personal Wine Trail Ride, contact WindsorEats for additional information.