Shale Ridge Estate Winery & Cidery — Attraction in Lambton Shores

We went to Shale Ridge on July 20 for a bachelorette party. We purchased a swing seat package for 9 people. We were seated at the back of the winery on a lower level overlooking the field. The view was very pretty. We paid $35/person to sit at this table for 1.5h. This included a flight of wine or cider. We also paid a la carte for 3 cheese boards and 4 pizzas. The drinks and food were very good.

Toward the end of our meal, one of our guests swings broke. The rope holding up the swing was clamped at the top and bottom with the ends of the ropes folded over and clamped together. The left rope became unclamped at the bottom where the rope connected to the seat of the swing, causing the guest to fall onto the gravel covered ground and nearly hit her head on the boulder behind the table. It took our server some time to come see what had happened, but once she came she was apologetic and concerned for our guests well being. She offered ice and first aid which we thankfully did not need. The server told us she would speak to management about what should be done and come back to us. Shortly after the server helped our guest, the owner of the winery also walked by our table and did not acknowledge the incident. She instead quickly pivoted and walked back into the winery, avoiding us completely.

Our server returned and informed us that our guest would receive a gift basket for the inconvenience of the swing breaking. As we left she was handed a gift basket from the gift shop with the price tag still on. The basket was marked at $35. Our guest was still asked to pay for her food. As we left the owner approached us and briefly apologized for the inconvenience and said “soon you’ll all be laughing about this, thanks for coming in.”

So be warned that your swing might unexpectedly break and you will be compensated with merch from the winery. You will still be expected to pay full fees and gratuity even if your seat falls out beneath you.

Prior to this incident, we felt the experience was lovely; however, when given the opportunity to show additional hospitality in a crisis they failed to do so,...

I remember coming to this place when it was less brand new and small so it is amazing to see it grow it’s turning into such a fabulous establishment. The wines are okay the bottles are beautiful ( I was told it was someone who works there art which is nice, I even bought three bottles knowing this lol). Food was good simple which honestly is all you need despite other comments I read stating not enough food options - like you all said it’s a winery with little snacks.

We had the creme brûlée which the hostess did state is new and asked our real feedback on it which I did deliver. ( was delicious but custard was heated too long )

The wait is long and kind of annoying if you only want just a quick tasting or a glass to walk around. I fully understand they are hard to carry around and the place is busy. I think I’d recommend a tasting bar on the busy days or something simple, my bf and I were coming from twin pines just for a quick 20 min taste we did not need to occupy a table for 45 mins.

All in all I love the place the idea and honestly every server and hostess were amazing to us. The kitchen staff forgot our creme brulee ( or server forgot idk) but it was complimentary, however we did tip well over the norm as a thank you as we did not expect any complimentary dessert for the minor mistake.

I’m not sure if you had live music but live music would be a nice added touch too. I give it a 4.5 stars but it won’t let me do that.

Thank you and so proud of how far you all came! I...

Where do I start with Shale Ridge!? Not only do they have exceptionally delicious product, but their space and staff are deserving of an extremely high rating.

Shale Ridges ciders and wines are sure to please any palate. From sweet to dry options in both wines and ciders, I am confidant you will come to this place and leave with a delicious product to enjoy at home.

The in house tasting experience is also exceptional. The wine and cider flights are a fantastic option to try the variety of farm to table beverages create by Shale Ridge. The charcuterie boards and pizza options are delicious and locally sourced which is worth so much more in my books. The staff are always happy, hardworking, an attentive to customers needs. Owners Alicia and Garren are more often than not on site in the tasting room helping out, and ensuring customers are getting the best experience possible. There’s something special about the owners being there paying such close attention to their business.

Last but certainly not least is the building. WOW. A beautifully constructed modern building with very well thought out finishes. It is large, bright, and so beautiful. Shale Ridge is always updating their space for the season, for current trends, and many beautiful photo locations.

You would be crazy not to hit up this local gem that highly regards top quality ingredients, farm to table product, and the best...