Wow! What an unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived, everything was exceptional: food, wine, service, and ambiance. Mission Hill Winery exceeded all expectations and delivered a dining experience that was not only the best we've had in Canada, but truly one of the finest we've had anywhere in the world. We wholeheartedly recommend it for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating something special, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Summary:
Fantastic food.
Phenomenal wine.
Spectacular views.
But what truly brought Mission Hill to life was the service. From the warm welcome at the gate to the attentive table service and a one-of-a-kind cellar experience, every moment was thoughtfully curated and genuinely memorable.
Details:
My (new!) fiancé and I are visiting Canada from Australia, and on the strong recommendation of friends and fellow travellers , we made a point to visit the renowned Mission Hill Winery. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this would be a special experience.
As we passed through the winery gates, we were immediately struck by the elegant architecture and meticulously maintained gardens. Friendly, impeccably presented staff welcomed us and guided us to parking. After a short stroll across the manicured entry lawn, we were greeted again - this time by a young host who led us to our table with a view that deserves a paragraph of its own…
Set beneath a graceful stone arch, our table looked out over a sun-kissed vineyard gently sloping toward the shimmering lake. A doe and her fawn grazed peacefully just beyond the first row of vines, adding a storybook charm to an already stunning setting. The surrounding hills evoked memories of a Swiss summer or perhaps a New Zealand spring. Utterly breathtaking.
Our server, Matika (more on her in a moment), welcomed us warmly and offered a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé. As self-proclaimed non-rosé drinkers, we were genuinely impressed—so much so that we ordered a second glass. It was the first of many surprises.
The menu was beautifully curated, though we honestly wished there were more courses to try. Between us, we enjoyed the goat cheese salad, Wagyu carpaccio, catch of the day (scallops), and the duck—all accompanied by wine pairings. The staff graciously accommodated a few personal preferences with ease. Matika walked us through each dish and wine pairing with knowledgeable and mouthwatering descriptions. Remarkably, every single dish and wine was outstanding - something we've rarely experienced before. Normally, there’s at least one miss, but at Mission Hill, everything was a hit. We especially recommend the Chardonnay and Merlot.
As we dined, we found ourselves repeatedly marveling at the view, the food, and the overall sense of tranquility. The conversation flowed as effortlessly as the wine.
Though we were thoroughly satisfied, we couldn’t resist staying a little longer. We ordered the chocolate dessert along with a glass from their Legacy Collection—an excellent pairing suggested by Matika. Once again, perfection.
Mission Hill isn’t just a winery or a fine dining venue—it’s a complete sensory experience, effortlessly blending landscape, cuisine, and hospitality into something truly unforgettable. We left full, happy, and already dreaming of a return visit.
Special Thanks:
A massive shoutout to our incredible host, Matika, who truly brought the entire experience to life. Her warm, engaging presence and exceptional service went above and beyond. Matika was, without a doubt, the star of the show.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Roxy, who guided us on a truly unforgettable cellar tour. Exploring the mystical vaults beneath the winery, where the aging barrels rest, felt absolutely magical. Roxy’s deep knowledge and genuine passion for winemaking were both inspiring and captivating.