Between the snowstorms and grey afternoons this past winter, I often found myself looking back to my favourite summer memories. I always seemed to return to one particular day: glasses clinking, laughter spilling out of an open van door, and feeling there was nowhere to be but right where I was. Those are the kinds of experiences you get when you book a tour with Vico Vino Van.
Experiences like these don’t happen by chance. They’re the result of thoughtful planning, creative vision, and a passion for showcasing the local businesses within our region. Through their curated wine, cider and beer tours across Collingwood and the Blue Mountains, founders Henry and Janine have created an experience rooted in exploration and connection.
“I love travelling and recommending all my favourite spots to my friends,” says Janine. “Collingwood is no different — I love when my friends come to visit, and I can take them on an unofficial tour of all my go-to places for coffee, food, and wine. Now we can make the tour official and share it with everyone.”
Like any new local, after moving to the area in 2024, Henry and Janine began exploring the town and finding all their favourites within it. They soon noticed something was missing. While the area offered beautiful destinations, getting between them was not always easy.
“The focus stayed where it should: the conversation, the scenery, and the wine”
“We first noticed that there was a gap in the market in Collingwood,” they explain. “There are a number of wineries, cideries, and breweries, but not very many transportation options. The fact that we live in the area and can develop relationships and collaborate with all of these businesses is what we love most. Everyone benefits. We bring the footfall safely to their door, and they get the opportunity to share their experience with more guests.”
However, what emerged from this realization was not simply a way to get from point A to point B, but a carefully curated experience designed to feel seamless from start to finish.
When I joined in on a tour last summer, the experience was exactly what they had described. We were picked up at a location that was convenient to us, and within minutes, the aux cord was passed around, and film cameras made their way through the van, allowing everyone to document the day.
Over the course of the afternoon, we moved between a variety of wineries and cideries in the area, including Spy Cider House & Distillery, Georgian Hills Vineyards, and Grey & Gold Cider.
There were shared plates, steady pours, and long stretches of conversation. Because the details were handled ahead of time, the focus stayed where it should: on the conversation, the scenery, and the wine. No one was trying to split bills at the table or coordinate rides.
Everything had already been arranged. The day simply unfolded into a fun experiential afternoon of connection, good drinks, and good food. With exciting tour stops like Spy Cider House & Distillery, they’ve curated a tour that hits all the best local spots – destinations that know how to create memorable experiences by putting food, drink and music at the forefront.
People are craving days like this more than ever. Much of life now happens online. Work, communication, and connections are too often filtered through a screen. Experiences like this offer a different beat, where guests are encouraged to unplug if they choose, but are still able to document the day more intimately and intentionally.
“We think people are craving more real, face-to-face experiences,” says Henry. “It’s about finding ways to connect in person again.”
The commitment to connection also carries through to the visual identity of the business itself. Another unique aspect of the Vico Vino Van is the aspect of design throughout their entire business. From the website to their brochures to the van itself, they’ve designed a very cool and aesthetically pleasing business– it’s not your generic white bus tour!
“It is very important to create something unique,” Henry says. “We’re not reinventing the wheel when it comes to tours, but our approach is (hopefully) a little bit more elevated. Our goal is to focus on design – like working with artists on the van design, menu map, brochure, and website.”
“We also wanted to make the booking experience super easy to navigate. Another aspect is great photography and videography –working with local creatives.”
Grey Bruce Simcoe is known for its amazing hospitality scene, and while Vico Vino Van might not be reinventing anything, they are definitely elevating how people explore and experience the local scene. As they enter their second summer in business, new stops are being added, partnerships continue to grow, and the route is evolving with the region.
“Now that we call Collingwood home, it’s been rewarding to not only support local but show guests all that Simcoe and Grey County has to offer,” they say.
Gather your pals and book a tour with Henry and Janine this summer. You can find the Vico Vino Van tour details and booking information on their website at vicovinovan.com and be sure to follow them on socials @vicovinovan
Written by Maddy Grasman
Photos by Erin J Coholan
