I recently had a birthday party here and I did a wine tasting with friends. We were a fairly big group (7 of us including me) and they accommodated us right away (granted I booked in advance). We had 11 wines for only 60? Plus snacks???? That's a total steal. Our sommelier, Vidal, was super informative and enthusiastic about guiding us through the wine tasting. Not to mention how ridiculously patient he was with all our questions cause much as we love wine there's also SO much we don't know. They picked out a large variety of AMAZING wines and we went at a nice pace to be able to explore all the wines comfortably. I've never tried natural/organic wines and so this was a new experience for me and I was not disappointed. I can guarantee you'd be able to find at least 3 wines you would seriously consider taking home bottles of. But if 11 wines is too much they also offer half the selection (5-6 wines?).
The food was also very comforting. We had the chicken rotisserie and it reminded me of Swiss Chalet chicken (and I believe that's the recipe they were going for but BETTER). The staff was good about telling us the portion size before hand, making it easier for us to know what dishes to share.
The ambiance was also very nostalgic of older Toronto/Dufferin. The building for their winery kept most of the structure and design of the previous owner (Portugeuse Deli) with their own personal touches. It's a very intimate vibe but it's almost always packed so be sure to book in advance for larger groups or expect a bit of a wait.
It's definitely hard to find inclusive queer spaces but if you want to have a nice, fun time trying fancy wines without fear or judgement, definitely check out Paradise Grapevine. I've been to both locations and neither have disappointed. The only downside is how busy it can get (cause it's so popular) but it's definitely worth the wait and definitely...
Read moreMy wife and I recently held our wedding reception at the Paradise Grapevine Winery. The event went off without a hitch thanks to the efforts of Devin and the rest of the team at Paradise Grapevine Winery. Throughout the planning process, Devin was responsive and accommodating. Devin took it upon himself to coordinate with our caterer and DJ to ensure that we had less to organize in the lead up to the event. With minimal decoration, the venue was beautiful. The indoor and outdoor spaces gave our guests and us lots of flexibility to create different atmospheres around the venue (quiet and calm, loud and energentic, etc.). After the event, many guests told us that they felt very welcome at the event including those with babies and those 80+. At ~120 guests, we didn't feel at all cramped and there was plenty of seating for our buffet dinner. If you are looking for a venue for a wedding reception, I cannot recommend Paradise Grapevine Winery strongly enough. Devin is a dream to work with and the space...
Read moreThe wine selection at Paradise Grapevine is certainly extensive and trendy, albeit not budget-friendly. The by-the-glass pour leaves much to be desired in terms of quantity, which adds to the overall expense.
The atmosphere aims for a club-like vibe but falls short of achieving it convincingly. That said, the service was a high point—attentive and well-informed staff made the experience more enjoyable.
However, the food was a significant letdown. The rotisserie chicken was served almost cold. A small bowl of cold potatoes with a minimal amount of chimichurri sauce was priced at $15. Even more disappointing was a $19 salad that amounted to little more than some green leaves with a scant shaving of Parmesan. Considering the premium prices, the food simply didn't measure up.
In summary, while service may be commendable, the food is not worth the expense. I can't...
Read more