With its current zoning, Ferox by Fabian Reis is not permitted to hold events, nor have a hospitality room or patio.
But a Google review from user Jamie O’Donnell four months ago describes “indoor tasting rooms on both ground and second floors.”
Ferox’s website states, “We strive to host a variety of events for all our guests at the winery. From live music to dinners to pick-up parties, there is always something happening at Ferox!”
It is one of many online posts about what Ferox has to offer at its site on Concession 4 Road.
Three years ago, a Jan. 28, 2022 Instagram post on Ferox’s account promoted a gourmet, $250 per person four-course meal for Valentine’s Day in its “intimate barrel cellar.”
This past Nov. 22, an Instagram post promoted a Dec. 1 event offering the public wine, food, music and vendors, which appeared to take place in the production barn.
An Aug. 6 Instagram mention also promoted a “Truffles x Ferox” event offering a four-course meal for 40 guests, which also appeared to take place in the production barn.
An event on the patio has been promoted, too. An Oct. 5, 2023 Instagram item advertised an Oct. 13, 2023 pet fundraiser on the patio with a menu featuring lobster grilled cheese and Wagyu beef hot dogs.
That patio, which already exists, is part of Ferox’s “planned” expansion, should it receive estate winery status.
Farm wineries typically aren’t allowed patios either — amendments and agreements under the Ontario Planning Act are required — and if approved, a site plan control process must follow, said the town’s communications co-ordinator Marah Minor.
Consulting firm NPG’s planning report describes the “proposed” patio as an agriculture-related space for wine tastings with food pairings.
Minor said the patio would be located between the retail barn and the production building. However, online reviews and images show the patio already operating with seating that exceeds what’s outlined in Ferox’s application.
O’Donnell’s review said: “Upstairs is a small balcony with a few seats looking over the vineyard. Small outdoor seating areas are at the front and side of the main building. Out back is a larger patio area for summer sipping.”
Plus, indication of a full meal service — a Sept. 22 OpenTable review by someone named Rose described a “great dinner outside” with beef tartare and oxtail lasagna.
NPG’s planning justification report said the proposed food service on the patio “would” be cooked on an outdoor grill. But Ferox’s June 9, 2023, Instagram post showed its chef, Adriano Cappuzzello, already grilling outdoors for guests.
“Another roaring success … Our first Wine Club Pick up Party of 2023 last week! Members enjoyed the amazing food prepared and cooked by chef @adriano_cpz , paired with our Chardonnay Vintages and exclusive 2018 Red Reserve. Looking forward to an eventful summer!” the post states.
The consultant’s report also said that while certain parts of the hospitality room may appear similar to a restaurant, it’s important to distinguish between the two. In a hospitality room, the food is meant to complement the main focus: the wine.
Ferox’s hospitality room “would” be a supporting service for wine production, not a full-scale restaurant, said the report.
But Ferox markets The Patio @ Ferox Winery as a “farm-to-table” “outdoor pop-up restaurant” on OpenTable and lists more than 10 extensive menu items, such as house-cured salmon and Cornish hen.
However, Paul Harber, brand manager and proprietor of Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, contends that, under the town’s bylaws, Ferox technically can’t even offer customers something as small as a cheese board.
“They can’t sell you anything other than the wine that is 100 per cent made on-site, from start to finish,” he said.
Meanwhile, that Aug. 6 post states “40 guests enjoyed a 4-course meal curated by @thepatio_ferox, spearheaded by Chef @adriano_cpz.”
A Google review by user Rick M on Oct. 24 also mentioned more dishes, including squash gnocchi.
And a June 9, 2023 post had sausages and oysters prepared on a grill outdoors. Plus, the post for Dec. 1 said “chef @aleexeats will be doing two scheduled food and wine pairings.”
Ferox’s website says its “food program” is temporarily offline but plans to reopen. Its OpenTable profile describes the restaurant as weather-dependent, though a March 3 Google review from Brenda Harwood mentioned “hors d’oeuvres.”
Fabian Reis, who owns the winery with his wife Stephanie, has not responded to multiple requests for comment or The Lake Report’s questions on Ferox’s operations.
He only stated that: “We all know there’s an existing estate licence already at Harvest Barn and all we’re doing is — we want to transfer it to our location over at Ferox.”
“So, that’s all that can be said at this point.”
