"WINE IS BOTTLED POETRY"
—Robert Louis Stevenson
Wine in Essex County has a rich 160 year history, originating in 1866 on Pelee Island with the establishment of Vin Villa—it was Canada’s first commercial winery. By the 1890s, over 20 wineries operated between Pelee Island and the Amherstburg area. Unfortunately, the increasing profitability of tobacco farming led to a sharp decline in grape acreage. Also with the advent of Prohibition in the United States, the industry saw real decline in the early 1900s. The 1980s saw a major revival in the industry and it is now known as the EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) wine region with 18 beautiful wineries across the county.
Amherstburg’s close proximity to this rich wine culture helps make the town great for residents and tourists.
Below are three excellent 
choices that are just a short drive away.
Sprucewood Shores (16.6 km)
A family-run business started in 1991, Sprucewood Shores is located on a stand of old Spruce trees by the beaches of Lake Erie. Enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the trees, the vines, and the lake.
Oxley Estate Winery (28.3 km)
Surrounded by vineyards, their indoor restaurant and wine shop are located inside a beautifully renovated 1920s style barn. The grounds are beautiful and definitely camera worthy.
Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards (27.7 km)
World class wines and expertly crafted cuisine in a nature lover's haven—vineyards, wildlife (check out the Barn Swallows), and majestic sunsets.
Want a chance to enjoy a from one of these excellent wineries? Listen to CKBG for details.
WHAT MAKE AMHERSTBURG GREAT CONTINUES...
Next week we will shine a light on a 299-foot block of downtown Amherstburg that is one of the hottest shopping destinations in the County.
BOOKS IN THE 'BURG BOOK CLUB: 2026 SCHEDULE
Calling all Clubbers, we have our BOOK PICKS for the whole year. Stop into the shop to pick up your copy of All The Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. That's our pick for MAY!
In June, we will be reading Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin. Just For Summer by Abby Jimenez in July, The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley in August, The Forest King's Daughter by Elly Blake AND Sons of Tecumseh by Maurice Switzer in September, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde in November, and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir in December.
Our Book Club meet-up is the LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, at 7PM at River Bookshop, and available on Zoom.
FURRY FRIENDS STORY TIME WITH DR. BETH
Join us Sunday morning for a special reading of stories about Pets with the Vet at River Bookshop.
Dr. Beth Cozens returns to Story Time on Sunday, May 10 at 11AM to share stories about fun and well known books on pets and friends.
AMHERSTBURG 2026 ART CRAWL: KIDS ART CONTEST
Amherstburg's Art Crawl is hosting an ART CONTEST for kids and teens ages 6-18, with three age categories. All winners will have their artwork displayed in Amherstburg's Art Alley for one year and receive a gift card prize from Beatnik Art Supplies. Submission forms are available at the Gibson Gallery and online at artamherstburg.ca
CALLING ALL ARTISTS: PLEIN AIR COMPETITION
Art Amherstburg is proud to host its first ever Plein Air Competition at the Amherstburg Art Crawl. Artists from across Ontario who enjoy creating outdoors are invited to take part in this two-day public event on Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The event includes a timed 5-hour competition, and cash prizes of $1000 for first, $500 for second, $300 for third, people's choice $100, and honourable mention $100.
We welcome ALL artists of ages 18+, from any level of experience.
Artists will create work within the Amherstburg Art Crawl footprint. A map will be provided.
Be inspired by Amherstburg’s heritage, gardens, and riverfront. The public will be able to view works in progress, attend the exhibition, and purchase original artwork.
Click here for details or to register.
Last Sunday was roaring and rocking! Huge thanks to Musician and Dinosaur expert Kara Kaufmann for joining us last weekend as our Story Time guest. It was our pleasure listening to her read some of our favourite Dino-inspired stories, and our Story Time families especially enjoyed the Dino-inspired songs she played for us.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team