What is not to love about the Niagara region and the many wineries it has to offer? There is so many in fact , that it’s hard to choose which ones to visit. Well, now that you can take a flight to Niagara from Toronto with Greater Toronto Airways, there is no need to worry about driving.
White, Rose, Red, Sparkling, you name it each winery has a their own special selections. Bold, medium, sweet? Anything to fit your taste buds. Remember, before you take your first sip, let the wine sit in your glass a few minutes for better taste.
Here is a list of some of our favourite wineries in the region:
RoseWood Estates Winery– Not only does it carry the basics of the Pinot, Merlot but they also specialize in honey wine. It is not as sweet as you think, they mix it to perfection for a smooth balance. Come in for a small sample. Also sell honey, tea and candles.
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Jackson Trigges – Tour the estate that features 3 classic varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. My favorite is the white Riesling. Retail Hours: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. Tasting Bar Hours: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. Sunday 11:00 am – 6:30 pm.
Peller Estates– Many wine tour options include: The big cheese theory, patio tasting, wine and cocoa, grilled food and wine. For a quick wine tasting experience check out the estate room. After your tour stay for a full meal experience in their restaurant, Barrel House Grill. Open 10am to 9pm daily.
Pillitteri Estates – Both private and public tours are available at this family owned winery in Niagara-on-the-lake. Taste 4 wines or ice wines and then stay for a dinner in the wine cellar. Retail Store Hours are 10am – 8pm (May 1 to Sept 30), 10am – 6pm (Oct 1 to May 31), 7 days a week.
The Ice House Winery- All about the sweet ice wine. walk out to the Cabernet Sauvignon grape vines learn how it’s made, see the hidden secrets and taste the wonderful samples. On a hot day, cool down with an Ice Wine Slushie Open Daily 11:00 to 7:00 pm.
Southbrook Vineyards- Tours and experiences offered daily:11:00 AM – Vineyard Tour.2:00 PM – Earthly Infused Food Pairings.3:00 PM – Public Cheese & Structured Tasting. Picnic In The Vines- During Business Hours. After the tasting visit the Farmers table for a snack then check out the different farm animals and keep an eye our for the annual masquerade ball.
Inniskillin Wines -. Providing red, white and ice wine for over 35 years, this one is one of the lesser known wineries to us Torontonians. However, it is definitely worth a visit. Private experiences include: Inniskillin proposal experience, Classic tour and tasting, celebration experience, riedel steamware, and ice-wine tasting. Summer Operation Hours: 9am to 6pm 7 days a week. Daily tasting 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, every half hour for $10 per person.
Joseph’s Estate Wines – 20 acres of delicious grapes! Pinot Grigio! Chardonnay! Riesling! Chenin Blanc! Merlot! May to October Sunday – Thursday 10 am to 6 pm Friday & Saturday 10 am to 7 pm
Frogpond Farm Organic Winery– For those who love the fresh taste of organic, grapes grown without using chemicals. You must try this one! Open: Daily from 11am-6pm
King’s Court Estate- 7th generation, family-owned and operated winery with its roots in Germany. 1.5 h informative, fun, tutored wine tasting. Red, White, Ice wine and fruit wine. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Wine Tastings: By appointment only
Chateau des Charmes– A fifth generation French winegrowers, specializing in sparkling and the bold whites and red wine. Open for special events as well as tasting tours. Have your wedding or family gathering here!
Thirty Bench Wines- Offering Seated Wine Tasting Experience, Best of the Bench 4 wine samples. Vineyard Tour and Tasting Experience and Food Truck Saturdays, Every Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm. July 1st to August 31st 10 am to 6 pm daily September 1st to June 30th Sunday through Friday 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm.
Cave Spring Cellars – 25 years and counting. Offering the reds, whites, roses, sparklings, sweet wines and vintages. Sign up for rewards, not only in wine but also for dining at the Twenty restaurant. Accommodation at Inn On The Twenty and the Jordan House Hotel and Spa. Now that’s something a girl can get used to. Open 10 am – 5 pm
Flat Rock Cellars- State-of-the-art 5-level gravity-flow winemaking facility. I am still not quite sure what that means, even after the 30 minute general admission tour but the wine and the property are perfect to spend a late summer day at.
StoneRidge Winery- Selling Tragically Hip limited edition Chardonnay wine. Sign up for the wine club and now offering the cheese club, what a perfect pair!. Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm.
Harbour Estates Winery– . Enjoy a glass of wine on the patio with one of the best deals in the region: 2 can dine for $19.99. Hours of Operation Daily 12 to 5 pm
Hope the list helps you to choose a few wineries to visit. Of course you can look up Niagara Tourism for a full listing.
Cheers!