It takes a certain quirky sensibility to name your winery “Coffin Ridge,” even if the name comes from a nearby geological feature – a rocky outcropping at the northern end of the Niagara Escarpment, jutting into Ontario’s Georgian Bay.
Once you’ve gone with the “coffin” theme, though, perhaps it’s not a big leap to call your wines “Back From the Dead Red,” “Into the Light White,” or “Riesling Bone Dry.”
And then when you decide to open a B&B overlooking your vineyards, it might be inevitable that you name your lodging “The Resting Place.”
Fortunately, beyond the name, there’s nothing remotely macabre about this secluded winery inn. Here’s the scoop:
A Winery on Georgian Bay
The Coffin Ridge Winery is located near Georgian Bay in Ontario’s Grey County, about a 20-minute drive northeast of the small city of Owen Sound and a 35-minute drive from Blue Mountain, Ontario’s largest ski resort.
They now produce several red and white wines, from some of the most northern grape plantings in Ontario. Because this region has long been an apple-growing area, they also make a number of craft ciders.
The winery’s owners, Neil and Gwen Lamont, built a large home on the ridge just above the winery and tasting room, originally as their own residence, but now they’ve converted the house into a three-unit B&B.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
The Resting Place at Coffin Ridge Winery still has the feel of a private home, from the deep leather chairs in the living room to the book-filled library and home theatre upstairs, with oversized purple loungers and a stock of movies for guests.
The house has two guest rooms, plus a suite over the adjacent garage. On the main floor, the former master bedroom, decorated in cream and beige, is now “The Relic’s Room,” one of the spacious guest units. The large bathroom has double sinks, a stall shower, and a whirlpool tub.
With a vivid black and white color scheme, the upstairs guest room, “The Widow’s Walk,” is slightly smaller, but it looks out over the pool and gardens.
The third unit, “The Writer’s Haunt,” is a studio suite above the garage, with a king bed and a full kitchen.
An innkeeper lives on the premises and prepares an ample morning meal for guests, served in the window-lined dining room, which looks out to the patio and the swimming pool. Breakfast might include baked eggs with smoked salmon, blueberry coffee cake or other freshly-baked treat, berries or whatever fruit are in season, yogurt, and juices, coffee, and tea.
Things to Do
Just outside the house, you can go for a swim in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub. From the pool deck, you have views over the vineyards to Georgian Bay.
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Guests are welcome for tastings in the winery. The winery doesn’t have a full restaurant, but you can order a charcuterie and cheese plate to accompany your wine.
The Coffin Ridge property, on a dirt road eight kilometers (five miles) off the main highway, feels quite remote, a quiet location best for guests looking for a peaceful country escape.
Of course, it’s not as quiet as it might be in an actual coffin. And, fortunately, in this little slice of Ontario heaven, there’s wine!
Rates
Double room rates at The Resting Place start at CAD$160 per night, including Wi-Fi and a full breakfast.
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. The Resting Place at Coffin Ridge Winery, in conjunction with Grey County Tourism, hosted my stay for review purposes.
