Jordan Ontario: Niagara Wine Country Without Crowds

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Living nearby for many years, I’ve returned to Jordan more times than I can count. Now that I’ve moved even closer, returning here is so much easier.

Jordan probably has the smallest downtown of any Ontario town I regularly return to, especially compared to places like Elora, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or Stratford

But I think that’s part of its appeal.

The village is compact and easy to wander in an hour, with many of the storefronts slightly elevated above street level, giving the main stretch a more polished and elegant feel than the cozy small-town charm you find in places like Bayfield or St. Marys.

Over the decades, I’ve seen stores come and go, but for the most part, it holds onto its small village character.

There’s something about Jordan that makes it easy to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, and find a unique gift, and that’s what keeps calling me back.

I think part of why I return so often is because Jordan doesn’t need an entire weekend itinerary to enjoy it.

Sometimes I’ll only spend an hour here. You can choose whether or not you expand your day after a walk through the village, maybe a winery stop or scenic drive through the Bench before heading home.

It’s the kind of place that works beautifully as a spontaneous day trip when you simply want somewhere pleasant to wander for an afternoon without overplanning the day.

Things to Do in the Village of Jordan

Jordan is an easy village to explore. Most of my visits naturally unfold through food, wine, wandering, and scenic drives.

Wander Jordan’s Main Street

I always start my visit at RPM Bakehouse—their quiche is my go-to. It’s the kind of place where everything feels thoughtfully made, from the flaky pastry to the strong, locally roasted coffee.

Inside, you can browse a curated selection of grocery items sourced from nearby producers. Think small-batch craft beer, seasonal juices, cheeses, and other pantry gems. You can take your order to go, but I usually sit out on the patio, especially when the weather is nice.

Afterwards, I wander the short stretch of Main Street, where the pace is slow, and the storefronts invite lingering. There’s a boutique or two I always pop into, and an art space that rotates local work.

The village itself is small enough that it won’t take you long to explore it.

One of my favourite stops is Refabulous, an antique and vintage shop located a bit beyond Main Street. Whether I’m in the mood to shop or just browse, the whole street feels easy to enjoy on foot, with heritage buildings that hint at the town’s deep roots.

Before you leave the main street of Jordan Village, make sure you stop at Tay’s Treats. They live up to their slogan, “love at first bite.” This cute ice cream parlour and old-fashioned bakeshop will tempt you with something.

Spend the Afternoon Exploring Niagara’s Bench Wine Region

Jordan is surrounded by some of Niagara’s best wineries. A visit to Cave Spring Vineyard, located right in the village, is a must. Their tastings are relaxed and approachable, and the wines, especially the Rieslings, never disappoint.

Then hop in the car and hit the nearby wineries. These are some of my favourites that I’ve been visiting for years.

What I love most about wine tasting around Jordan is how relaxed the experience still feels compared to some of the busier Niagara routes.

I usually limit myself to one or two wineries and leave room for scenic drives, slower lunches, and spontaneous stops along the way.

• Honsberger Estate Winery is a family farm that once grew cherries and apples and is now a vineyard with Cabernet Franc and Riesling vines. Visit this winery for great wine and a charming experience. The old barns have been transformed into a cozy tasting and dining area. When the weather is nice, relax on the outdoor terrace with a wood-burning pizza oven and a gelato bar.

• Pearl Morissette Estate Winery offers elegant, full-bodied Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, reminiscent of classic French wines. They’re also the owners of the RPM Bakery that I love, an extension of the winery, where their love for good food and wine comes together.

• Creekside Estate Winery is famous for its signature Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah wines. Visit for a relaxed atmosphere, where dogs are welcome too. The laid-back vibes give a backyard BBQ feel. Try their wines with charcuterie boards or explore the tempting Creekside Kitchen menu.

• Calamus Estate Wines is located in a quaint heritage barn from the early 1800s, this winery is a hidden gem near Balls Falls. Enjoy its scenic surroundings and private hiking trails while sipping on its top wines, including Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Cabernet. Don’t miss special events like stargazing with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Niagara Centre.

Take the Scenic Route Through the Twenty Valley

Some of my favourite moments in Jordan happen between the stops.

The roads winding through the Twenty Valley are especially beautiful if you slow down and let yourself wander a little instead of driving directly from winery to winery. Depending on the season, you’ll pass rows of vineyards, orchards in bloom, roadside farm stands, and rolling countryside that feels surprisingly peaceful considering how close you are to the GTA.

One road I return to constantly is Effingham. It’s actually part of my regular running and walking route as it’s very close to my house, which probably explains why I notice something different every time I’m there.

The road curves through hills, vineyards, and open farmland in a way that feels almost cinematic, especially during sunrise and golden hour, and in early fall and spring blossom season. On clear days, you can even spot the Toronto skyline in the distance from some of the higher elevations along the route.

I think that’s part of why I think you’ll love Jordan so much, even if you only have a couple of hours, the drive alone can feel like a reset.

Enjoy Nature and Outdoor Walks

One of the reasons for visiting her often is the great hiking on the Bruce Trail nearby. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is also close—another great spot for hiking or simply sitting beside the waterfall.

I like to start with a walk through the original Ball family homestead, a preserved 19th-century hamlet. There’s a working flour mill, a lime kiln, a blacksmith shop, a church, and even a carriage shed—each one offering a glimpse into early settler life.

The Ball brothers—Jacob, Peter, and Thomas—were lieutenants in Butler’s Rangers and received this land as a grant from the Crown. In the early 1800s, they built their first grist mill beside the 27-metre-high waterfall that is a popular spot for photographs.

Explore Jordan’s Local History

The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre (formerly the Jordan Historical Museum) gives a glimpse into the area’s Loyalist past, with rotating exhibits and heritage buildings on-site.

You don’t need to spend long to appreciate the depth of the local stories that shaped this region. The museum uses storytelling and photographs to give you a sense of what life would have been like for the early settlers, many of whom were of German descent and Mennonites.

Stay, Dine, and Unwind at Inn On The Twenty

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, Inn on the Twenty is a lovely place to stay right in the heart of the village. I’ve visited for day trips, but on special occasions, I’ve stayed overnight, and it always feels like a treat.

The rooms are spacious and cozy, some with fireplaces or views of the vineyards. The spa downstairs is quiet and calming, offering everything from facials to massages, and it’s a perfect way to slow down after a walk or wine tasting.