Colchester, ON -- More than one red stands out in Essex County. Leamington is the tomato capital, but look to the west for Essex-Pelee Island Coast (EPIC) wineries and their Explore the Shore tour July 23-24. 
    

There’s probably no better place to experience the effects of terroir on wine than in this micro-climate where 20 soil types can be found in a 10-mile stretch. Third-generation farmers Suzanne Dajczak and Martin Gorski are part of that agritourism scene with North 42 Estate Winery and Serenity Lavender Farm. Situated near Colchester, Ontario, they are one of many destinations along Essex County Road 50, formally known as King's Highway 18A.     
    

“This is one of the oldest agricultural communities in the province,” says Martin Gorski. “We’ve come full circle from fresh produce to finished goods.” 
    

For years, the automotive business was a key driver across the river in Detroit, but that business doesn’t look sustainable for the long term. 

Choose your attitude. A customer is not interested in the fact your hydraulic pump just blew up. It’s a role that requires directing and acting on your own stage.
~ MARTIN GORSKI 

“From all of our travels around the world, whether it’s to New Zealand, California or Europe, the grape economy looks good,” observes Gorski. “It’s smaller but more sustainable.” 
    

While their vinifera varieties were planted on 17 acres in 2007, the family also kickstarted their business with lavender. From planting to product, there’s a shorter time frame to selling finished goods. It’s proven to be a profitable business to the point that expansion is underway for an existing bath and beauty line and soaps made in-house.  A culinary line, infused with lavender, will also be launched. A facility will be dedicated to making jams, jellies, syrups and sauces. 
    

Nearby, the Motor Burger restaurant features a lavender-infused blueberry beer, adding to the story of locally-crafted beers. These are the quixotic elements that bring authenticity to the tourist experience. 
    

After a decade in business, Gorski says he’s grateful for the positive response to the enterprise. 
    

“Invest in infrastructure,” he says. “Laser leveling of the soil and soil analysis have been the foundation. It’s expensive to make changes later.” 
    

Those investments have paid off in quickly earning accolades on North 42 Estate Winery’s Gewurztraminer, 2013, a bronze medal winner and Sauvignon Blanc 2013, a silver medal winner at the 2014 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Based in New York state, the 2016 competition judged 3,824 wines entered from 50 states and six Canadian provinces.  
    

With stateside recognition also comes marketing opportunities. Suzanne Dajczak knows from her market research that U.S. customers are 35 to 65 years of age. They tend to originate within 50 miles of the farm and have higher-than-average annual incomes of $40,000 to $70,000. To reach these customers, she uses a combination of traditional print media and social media. 
    

“Many of our customers are blown away by the beauty of the region set against the Great Lakes,” says Dajczak. “We offer them a premium experience at a reasonable cost.”
    

This summer’s food festivals and travel routes lead past the door of these two harmonious enterprises. 
    

“Choose your attitude,” says Gorski. “A customer is not interested in the fact your hydraulic pump just blew up. It’s a role that requires directing and acting on your own stage.”