Reviews of Potter Settlement Vineyards and Artisan Winery (Winery)

Laura Voskamp

Owner Sandor Johnson has been working away at growing grapes in the north for over 10 years. Thanks to his persistence, a few more wineries are beginning to open up in the Tweed area. The setting of the winery is truly spectacular.

torrie jasuwan

Beautiful setting, great wine and the staff is entertaining and welcoming.

Colin Gillies

It's a unique winery in a hidden corner of Hastings county. The owner, Sandor Johnson is an impressive raconteur and clearly passionate about his Herculean project of bringing world class wine to Ontario. The facility is still in its early stages but he has great plans for the future and the knowledge and commitment to make something special. It also just happens to be in a beautiful setting, on the brink of the Canadian shield. Great entertainment (the tour) and an excellent tasting experience.

Gary Utter

Beautiful!

Kristy Chown

My boyfriend and I stopped in as we were staying in the area and I don't know if I've had a better wine experience. The property is amazing and we know we'll be back for that alone- stunning stone display, gorgeous vines and lovely building, with plans to develop! There was one group leaving as we arrived and we were led through a detailed tasting of 8-10 wines. This wasn't your run of the mill tasting. This was a journey through the history and reasoning behind each wine. What we learned was so interesting!! The owner sounds like a mad scientist with intense creativity and desire to create world class, unique wines. The business is also centred around family and friends, and love of truly good wine. My boyfriend isn't a big wine connoisseur and doesn't normally like whites, but he loved all of them and walked out of the winery with a case :) we loved our experience and recommend it to anyone. Will be back soon :)

Shane Flynn

Amazing!

Liane Vaz

I attended a wine tasting with my family and what we thought was just going to be a fun way to kill some time while visiting Tweed turned into an unforgettable experience that we are still talking about days later. Sandor was our host, and was nice enough to accommodate us last-minute two hours before a wedding reception. For $10 we sipped on 12 wines - let me tell you, $10 was DIRT CHEAP for what we got! Sandor was an incredibly captivating speaker, he had us hooked onto every word. He gave us a amazing history and context into the vineyard and settlement, and as well as every wine we tasted. HE WAS THE NICK CAGE IN NATIONAL TREASURE OF WINES, I'M TELLING YOU. We ended up spending well over $200 on bottles of wine (ranging from $15 - $50 each) afterwards. I'm not even a big fan of wine to begin with, but have a newfound appreciation for locally made, organic wines now. VQA/LCBO, drink your tears.

Brett Smith

A gem in the middle of nowhere. It's worth stopping by just to hear the stories of how all of their different wines have come together. Call ahead and set up a tasting, it's well worth the trip. Beautiful property, and amazing wines.

Mike B

Amazing wines, and very informative. The story behind some of the wines is truly fascinating, though the speach part of the tasting was at times long-winded.

Shane Flynn

This winery is such a beautiful place.And the wine is the best I have ever had

Doug Mack

Not many wineries have the owner provide the tastings and the deep story of each product. Sandor will fill you with inside info and a bit of his best world class wines.

Menno Unger

I went to Potter Settlement Vineyard for a tasting. The host, Deirdre Reitev gave the most amazing presentation of the wines. I was not a fan of wines, but each variety has such WOW flavor. Not only are their wines fantastic but the atmosphere of the vineyard is like non other that I have experienced. I felt like I was transported into another world. That of a winery in France. An unforgettable experience

Stephanie Lui

A unique winery with award winning wines. We went for the Portage...a Canadian Port and stayed to enjoy Sandor's hospitality. Definitely a hidden gem in Hastings County.

Sarah Townson

Next level tour and tasting. Good luck not buying a bottle or ten!

A D'Silva

One of the best wine tastings ever. Sandor is the best. He is a great story teller and the owner who tells the story of his winery. Its a must visit while in Tweed. Don't forget his Portage.. It's just incredible

Deborah Anderson

Beautiful wine created with dedication and integrity - the only thing better is listening to Sandor tell you about the journey to get to where they are today. Go- you won't be disappointed!

L Hamilton

Fantastic Vinyard lots to see.

Adam Thibodeau

Excellent red wine! Really enjoyed the Marquette wine. I have now purchased this a few times and given it away to people as a gift. Sandor is very knowledgeable about his wines and the region and gives an excellent tour of the vineyard. Would highly recommend anyone in the area to stop in for a taste as you won't be disappointed. Worth the drive to Tweed if you are in the county doing a wine tour

Adam Smith

We just spent an enjoyable hour or so at the Pottery Settlement Winery. We had planned just to pop in however we were lucky enough to come across the owner doing a full tasting tour of the wines. He had a story to tell about each wine, how it was made and personal anecdotes. The stories were great, and the wines as delicious! the grounds themselves are quite lovely and we are excited to see how things develop in the future. Highly recommended!

R.O. MacPherson

Most informative and educational wine tasting session ever, do not miss this one. The wine will speak for itself. (we bought 4 bottles)

Sebastien Lang

Blown away by what we've tasted and experienced at this lovely little place. Not gonna spoil what's in store for you if you visit on a Saturday afternoon, but be prepared to be dazzled. Sandor was a great host, just go!

George Thoms

Wow….. What an incredible wine tour. Come for the incredible wine, stay for Sandor’s stories. Will return any time I’m in and around Tweed. Thank you for an unforgettable tasting.

Sandor Johnson

Our team pours our hearts and souls into this project to make the highest quality wines on my ancestor’s property (family settled in 1836) - and our efforts are focused to make Potter Settlement a gem for our Municipality of Tweed, for Hastings County (the ‘Mineral Capital of Canada’), for Ontario - and for Canada.

sharker 3

We did the tasting, Tammy was fantastic. The wine was to die for. Highly recommended

Andrew Alkenbrack

excellent experience and wine

Robert Knez

Everything was absolutely superb from the divine wine to Tammy being an absolute joy and full of information during the wine tasting. It was my first time to a winery but not my girlfriend's. It was a pleasant experience and we did not leave empty handed! Cannot wait to order more and we hope to return soon following renovations! We also got to meet the owners and everyone made the experience one to never forget!

Tony Dell'Osso

Very informative

Riley Wetmore

A group of friends and I visited Potter Settlement Vineyard for a wine tasting. Sandor (The owner) was very hospitable, he took his time explaining the wines we were tasting and giving us in-depth stories; as to how the wines and ideas came to fruition. An absoloute top notch, world class experience that I will never forget and I will be returning again! This place is nothing short of quality, we all felt very welcome and had a blast tasting the quality wines hand picked by Potter Settlement. Thank you again Sandor for the awesome experience!

Andrea English

Forget Niagara and Prince Edward County, this is where you need to go. This is an absolutely beautiful vineyard with so much history and passion. There is not a single wine I wouldn’t take home with me, they’re all amazing! 100% worth the drive wherever you’re coming from!

Dr. A. Paul

Venturing to start a winery right against the Canadian Shield had to be some kind of crazy but the Johnson family went there. Having some very unconventional recipes & ideas, Sandor’s probably the ‘Elon Musk’ of wines.. especially considering the extremely successful results of his hard work! Artisan winery at its best with not one bottle that’ll disappoint.. this place is a must see for every oenophile!

Bobby Russelo

Beautiful winery with great tasting wine.

Susan Robertson

Finally visited with a friend today and I was definitely not disappointed! Beautiful scenery Ive been to many tastings before and never have I ever learned so much and loved every wine I tasted! Also met a lovely American couple starting their own winery and were gracious enough and bought me and my friend wine. Thank you so much.Truly an awesome day and winery I would definitely recommend.

Brad Houle

Have been a couple of times now (once was for a small outdoor birthday celebration and once for a quick stop in)...all I can say is go for a wine tasting/tour! Stunning scenery, fantastic wine, great service...you won't be disappointed. Excited to see how this gem evolves!

Li'l Chicken Li'l Chicken

Great wine and hospitality! Can't wait to visit again.

Marc Vannier

Great place very knowledgeable owner lots of fun

Nancy Lansdeĺl

My sister and I were out for a drive on such a gorgeous day. We had been saying for months that we should find this winery and check it out , so we did. Stepping inside the door we were greeted by a rather unfriendly lady who says "are you here for a wine tasting or to buy ?" Now there was a group of 5 ladies there tasting . No effort was made to see if we did want to buy. We both felt very unwanted. I will not be not be back. I will spent my money at Huff Estates in Prince Edward County. As gramma said , TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED !!!

R J

My experience with this place was horrible. since i live 2 hrs away , i called a day ago and asked if i need to book appt as i am visiting winery fist time. they said i can come anytime before 6pm the next day. so i went at noon , and was treated unwelcomed. oh you should have booked a time and the owner was attending few other people and i felt like why am i here. i never had a tour of winery or knowledge of wine which were my intentions to go on this visit. Felt really embarrassed to be there.Then i any ways bought a wine when i really dint feel like buying from this place that treated me bad. i wish i had visited those niagara ones that are more accustomed to visitors and know how to treat all guests equally. i would have given this place 0 starts if possible. Reply to owner: it was a typo. I meant to say i was there afternoon. You knew you just pulled an employee to make a sale when you post on site is knowledge of wine and tour etc by your relatives or paid agents. You knew i was there around 2pm when you were open as you were attending other customers on the tour and treated me as if i wasnt there. Just because this is ghe first negative post doesnt mean its true. If you find that unfair i find my visit was unfair as well. Visiting your yard was a total waste of my half day and 40$ wine bottle. I wont be visiting again never. But for ur other visitors try to treat all customers as they come from far to visit for the experience . Not just to buy a bottle.

Shannon Hager

Went to the winery with my mom and aunt today. We were very fortunate to have the owner to ourselves. We enjoyed his stories, knowledge of the wine business and learned things we never knew. We enjoyed the tastings, wine was excellent, I'm not even a red wine drinker and I loved it! The property .and winery is beautiful. We cant wait to go back and sit on the patio looking over the vineyard. We are looking forward to bringing our friends so they can enjoy the incredible wine and service. We were surprised to find a exquisite winery in the little town of Tweed. Of course we all bought wine and enjoying a glass as we write this review. Yum. Thank you Sandor!

deidre reitav

Who would have known that if you wanted to discover the world all you would have to do is visit this remarkable, unparalleled multi national and international award winning winery. The wine and hospitality at this winery is by far the best experience I have had. Each wine is an artistic portrait for the palate, with intricate and discernable strata but with balance and interconnectedness. These exquisite qualities pay homage to the painstaking care, research and salute to keeping the wines here organic and reflective of their ancestral homes. Not only is this winery the first to pioneer the hugely awarded Marquette; this winery brings us the tastes of Europe but with a twist as the grapes enfold themselves into the sparkling overtures lent to them by one of the most mineral dense places on the planet...right here in Tweed. I was carried away as the story of each wine unfolded. The careful research of yeasts, and old world practice. I was given undivided attention during my tour and I will tell you this winery in its value of keeping wine as it should be...is top notch. All I can say...if you want wine and hospitality that transports you to old world regions...this is the place to be. I applaud what this winery is doing. I celebrate its striking brilliant originality and the strive to be different from the rest, to remaining true to tastes and organic growing, to being completely transparent about the product it produces and caring about what the consumer is buying, and for bringing richness and beauty. I can see why there are so many beautiful medals awarded here....I came here to discover the world ....and I did without leaving the country......bellissimo...and many thanks for the beautiful experience to staff at Potter Settlement Winery...keep being amazing....Deidre

John Langendoen

Said it was open and we drove all the way out there and it was closed!! Very disappointed

Gigi Lean

Delicious wines, and the owner has lots of interesting stories to tell

Leslie Brannagan

I said, "I hate the smell and taste of red wine. I like Reisling, that's it." Tammy said, "I look forward to your reaction to 'our reds'." Tammy, a local B&B owner in Tweed and our host for wine sampling at the Potter Settlement Vineyards and Artisan Winery, explained why their wines were different...their commitment to organic growing and cleaning of equipment and the 242 different minerals in their soil and their unique microclimate, to name a few. But on to the sampling. I first noticed that there was no offensive(to me) smell...just identifiable smells as described by Tammy. As my husband, sister-in-law and brother-in-law looked on I cautiously sipped red wine, fully prepared to use the spittoon, but...it tasted flavourful...just like it smelled...delicious! Delicious? Did I say that about red wine? Delicious and flavourful like I have never experienced with red wine...ever! We were all shocked at my enjoyment of red wines...all of them! I challenge anyone who does not care for red wine, to taste Potter's reds and those who like reds be prepared for a very different experience. I could describe the beautiful surroundings and the winery tasting room itself with the most unique bathrooms I have ever seen, the many international awards and the added bonus of hearing the remarkable history of Potter's from the owner, Sandor but I don't want to take away from the reds!

sue bonk

What a surprising find. Beautiful spot, lovely property, friendly and very knowledgeable staff, thanks Tammy.

Afrocan

What a gem of a find! Northern most winery with the most unique tasting wines. A new favourite! Go for the delicious award winning wine. Stay for the beautiful scenery and well told stories. Thanks for the excellent service Tammy. We loved every minute.

Rosemary Byrne

My husband and I had a lovely time yesterday discovering this vineyard. Thank you Tammy and Sandor! The wines were as delightful as this remarkable place! From the moment we got there greeted with friendliness and it's obvious everyone here is passionate about what they do. This is a very special place.

Shawn Stoddart

Had an excellent experience highly recommended it. Must try the Portage

Neil T

Hidden prized winery well worth a stop and tasting (at the very least). Very scenic and historic (dating back to the 1800’s). Clearly Sandor and family care a great deal about every single detail. Many of their wines have numerous gold medals so it shouldn’t surprise anyone when you see the price that comes with them. By far the most unique output using each varietal I’ve ever tasted and the best value $10 tasting ever! Considering we got to try all their wines available and their price points, the tasting was definitely a steal!! Fair warning: be prepared to be surprised by random cannons (scares the birds away) and plan to be there for a while as they share biographies and/or history lessons associated with each offering before each pouring (our tasting lasted over 90 minutes)!

brett3b70@yahoo.com Fox61899

So glad we decided to stop and check it out. Sanford is very passionate about his wines and they are excellent.

Maegan Extross

I visited Potter Settlement Winery this past weekend and am so glad I did! We called around 1pm and Sandor (the owner) fit us in for a wine tasting at 2pm, even though they were hosting a wedding that evening! He is an amazing story teller and we were all very interested in learning all about the history of his winery. His passion for his craft really showed through. Onto the wine! We got to try 12 different wines. All for $10! I am not a huge wine person but these were all really great. You can really tell the difference between the wine from this winery compared to the big brands at LCBO. I left with 4 bottles and will definitely return when I get the chance.

Diane Dawson

My husband and I visited Potter Settlement Vineyards last Sunday. We left with a greater knowledge of wine and a family's passion to create a winery, where it was said, one couldn't be created. We were delighted by Sandor's story telling and his vast knowledge of his craft. We are mainly red wine drinkers and left with red wine, of course but surprisingly, to us, also left with a white. If you are a wine enthusiast don't miss this remarkable vineyard. Bravo Johnson family !

Peggy Drummond

Great experience...great wine. Thanks Sandor

Sue Bishop

AMAZING. Did I say AMAZING? Sandor is an attentive host - and a vat of knowledge. Truely pleasant . Did I say the wines are AMAZING? My husband and I were first introduced to Potters settlement wines at the Belleville home show. We were SHOCKED that these wines were,not only from Ontario, but also ORGANIC! We went to visit the vineyard this past weekend-blown away with the wine tasting-the setting /scenery are worth the hike to Tweed (cute and quaint community) We will be back for sure! Thank you for the tour! High quality Ontario wines! Amazing . Sue and George

Lynn Reid

Fabulous atmosphere, and more importantly the best wine in the world.

Yves Aube

We just got married here last night and it was magical. Sandor, Erin, Betty, Norm and a young man (who's name I can't recall) went over and above to help our vision come to life. It was -35, the blizzard was bearing down on us, and Potter Settlement Winery made an outdoor ceremony possible with fire-pits, beautiful ice lanterns and they even rolled out the red carpet. It was the most enchanting and surreal evening imaginable! When our horses canceled last minute due to weather, the owner Sandor Johnson and his on-site coordinator Erin, went for a quick drive and found a neighbour with ponies who gave my bride her grand entrance. The (soon-to-be-finished) space enhanced the rustic vibe we were after. The simple decor of brass tools and musical instruments, old wooden sleds and old world oddities is charming and created an intimate candle-lit space that belongs in a hallmark movie. If you haven't yet been, take a ride and meet the passionate staff and taste the fruit of their labours. You will love the wine, and if you're as lucky as we were, you might even become part of the family.

Samantha Styczynski

This place is a must visit in Tweed! Sandor’s storytelling was equally as great as the wine!!!!

Rob Cooke

excellent experience and wine

lynndell lesperance

This winery is such a beautiful place.And the wine is the best I have ever had

Leonard Latendre

It's a very knowledgeable wine tour. Several varieties of wine to taste. My favorite is the Marquette.

Jennifer Clark

The whites were rather good! The reds not as good. Overall a great experience!

L M

Serendipity that we happened upon this gem of a winery in the middle of nowhere, and on the edge of the Canadian Shield to boot. Sandor is passionate about his wines, the history of his family farm and barrel wood! Enjoyed the tasting and bought some bottles to put away for a few years...if we can wait. Highly recommended.

Anthea Reitav

Appreciate great wine? Treat yourself and take the time to visit...you will not be disappointed. A beautiful setting of Canadian shield and lush vines and a tasting of award winning unique wines, complete with stories of their creation, add the very personal touch which can be seen in everything this vineyard does.

Scott Claxon

Amazing wine and beautiful setting.