Kin Vineyards; Patio Season in Ottawa

Location: 2225 Craig’s Side Rd, Carp

Kin Vineyards was the first patio I visited on Friday June 12, once phase 2 commenced in parts of Ontario. There is plenty of parking and physical space, since it is a vineyard. That helped me feel more relaxed in regards to distancing. They have a table set up in front of their tasting room for orders to be picked up. To minimize points of contact, you can order online ahead of time and retrieve your wine from this table, without having to pay using a machine. If you’re comfortable paying with card, you can order from them directly outside of the tasting room.

The staff seemed truly happy to have patrons visiting and enjoying their wine again. In addition to their usual patio space, they have set up Adirondack chairs in pairs along the vines, complete with a barrel-style table and umbrella. There was a lot of space to keep proper social distancing, and even walk through the vineyard. My friend and I were the only two people there on a Friday afternoon. I noticed other Ottawa locals visited over the weekend.

We started our visit with a tasting; ordered online, picked up from the tasting room area, and brought to our table. A tasting includes 3 wines for $5. Each tasting has a couple sips, unlike other wineries I’ve been to in the past where a taste is hardly a full sip. We followed that with a glass of rosé each, and a bottle to go. Once you are done with your wine glasses, don’t forget to return them to the designated area.

Kin Vineyards does not currently have food available, except during their Sunday Supper Club. We brought our own charcuterie in Tupperware containers; salami, cheese, crackers, baguette and hummus. The staff at Kin had no problem with us bringing our own food, and were even impressed that we planned ahead.

For the Sunday Supper Club, Kin Vineyards has partnered with Biagio’s Kitchen and Catering. The meals are takeout style. You order your meal as a ticket ahead of time, through the online shop, choosing a salad, entrée and dessert. You pick up your meal at their Takeout Tent between 6pm-7pm on Sunday, and can choose to take it home or find a place to sit at Kin. Bring your own cutlery if you want to eat there! You’ll also find Cellar 82’s air stream parked at Kin – stay tuned for news from them.

Overall, it was a fun and safe experience after months of staying home. I’m looking forward to enjoying my bottle of rosé at home, and returning to Kin Vineyards this season.