2021 has given us a new perspective on finding entertainment in our lives – and we’re so thankful for the great location and proximity of The Barrel Yards to the many impressive local KW wineries, hot spots, and local attractions in our own southwestern Ontario backyard. Read on for our team’s top eight picks for urban wineries, spirits, and gourmet attractions in our regional Kitchener-Waterloo neighbourhood.
Proof Kitchen + Lounge
Located a few steps away, in Uptown Waterloo’s historic Barrel Yards community, Proof Kitchen + Lounge is an upscale-casual restaurant known for impressive steaks, delicious comfort fare, gourmet local delights, a thoughtfully curated wine list, a swanky cocktail bar and named to Canada's top 100 patios. The relaxing patio is a welcoming oasis in the heart of the city. You can explore the menu and beautiful layout here, and place your order for shared appetizers, elevated entrees, and refreshing cocktails to enjoy in the luxury of your own beautiful Barrel Yards apartment tonight.
Cork & Label Urban Winery
Just 20 minutes away from our beautiful Barrel Yards community, you’ll find Cork & Label Urban Winery, offering the region’s best, and biggest Brew On Premise location for excellent wine. With one-on-one bottling options, wine packages to suit every occasion from events, gifts, or simply stocking your own personal reserve – the Cork and Label offers a unique experience at a local urban winery right in our own Kitchener-Waterloo neck-of-the-woods.
Cox Creek Cellars
Cox Creek Cellars estate winery has been collecting awards since it initially opened its doors in 1998 – and with over 104 medals from North American competitions in the last 20 years, it’s easy to see why Cox Creek Cellars is a must-stop on our regional wineries and attractions list. Using natural farming techniques, Cox Creek Cellars delivers award-winning wine, ciders, and stellar gift baskets, perfect to indulge yourself at home with, or as an exceptional, locally-sourced gift for a wine or craft cider lover in your life. Tastings and winery tours are currently on hold with the current restrictions, but you can find the wine list online to order here.
Descendants Beer & Beverage Co.
At only 10 minutes or so away from The Barrel Yards, Descendants craft beer brewery delivers a venue for fun, celebration, great food, beverages, and a hub for building community. Featuring a character-filled event venue, European style bierhalle, beer store, cider, spirits, wine, a food menu with vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, as well as meat options – this local brewery has it all. Centrally located in Uptown Waterloo, Descendants is a uniquely creative space that offers the perfect backdrop for a fun and festive event or occasion, and a dynamite local resource for stocking up on local craft brews. The venue is currently closed due to Covid restrictions, but you can place your craft beer, snacks, or merchandise orders through their online store.
Swine + Vine
Swine + Vine specializes in fresh local, high-quality food, charcuterie, cocktails, local beer & wine in a welcoming, modern, cozy atmosphere. A gourmet staple in Downtown Kitchener that’s relocating to Uptown Waterloo – Swine + Vine is not to be missed! While the location is currently closed for in-person dining, you can order your cocktails, beer, wine and-charcuterie-to-go through their online ordering system here.
Solé Restaurant and Wine Bar
Offering an impressive collection of Canadian, Californian, Italian, and Australian wines – Solé Restaurant and Wine Bar is situated in the 150-year-old Seagram’s building, just minutes from Uptown Waterloo and our own Barrel Yards neighbourhood. Featuring delicious Mediterranean cuisine, seasonal features, fresh fish, pastas, and vegetarian friendly options – with an extensive wine list, and local and imported beers on tap complement the plates and experience. Browse the menu, wine and beverage list and place your order online for quick and easy pickup – ready to be enjoyed on your balcony, Barrel Yards patio terrace, or in the comfort of your own kitchen. Looking for something similar in the Cambridge area? Visit Blackshop Restaurant and Wine Bar, Solé’s sister restaurant with approximately 200 labels of old and new world wines.
Wildcraft Grill and Bar
Featuring a spectacularly impressive ‘wine tower’ with around 160 wines from North American wineries, Australian, old world, and emerging regions – Wildcraft Grill and Baris high on our list of local Kitchener-Waterloo wine, food, and beverage attractions. Order your next happy hour or private catered dinner or event online and soak in some local ambience, great food and drink – all within minutes and walking distance from The Barrel Yards.
Buzz Tour Company
Are you looking for the best of old, new, and all worlds? Buzz Tour Company may be exactly what you’re looking for! Buzz Tour Company provides guided wine, beer, and cider tour experiences to Norfolk County; an emerging, award-winning wine region along Ontario’s South Coast. Tours offer front door pick up in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas, where you and yours can safely explore regional wineries and breweries without having to worry about driving. While in-person tours provide a unique hands-on experience, Buzz Tour Company is currently offering virtual tour experiences that are great for colleagues, friends and family. Learn more here about booking your virtual Buzz Tour!
We hope you enjoy all of these fun ideas and happy hour suggestions – all located within easy access and convenience of our beautiful Barrel Yards community. Contact us today to schedule a tour – and see how great everyday living can feel at The Barrel Yards.
