A Firsthand Wine Tour Through Ontario’s Niagara Wine Country
Yes, Canada has wine country — and one of its most interesting regions is just down the road from Niagara Falls. I toured Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries on a hosted Ontario Tourism press trip, tasting everything from reds and whites to the region’s famous Icewine. Here’s what the experience was like and what you should know about touring Niagara wine country.
By Kevin Wilkerson, Editor & Publisher, PubClub.com
This is not the Bordeaux region of France. Or California’s Napa Valley.
But for a country renowned for its beer and its beer lovers, the fact that there are large wine-producing areas in Canada may seem as strange as the some of those Canadian Football League team names.
Yet Canada not only has a wine country, it has several. And in the scenic Niagara Falls region in the southern Ontario province. It is just outside of the stately town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a place so cute and adorable you are tempted to hug it and that contains the majority of the wineries and wine tastings and tours.
There are several wineries in the immediate area and they are open year-round. Yes, even in the chilly winter months. In fact, this is when the area’s prized product, Icewine, is harvested. Icewine, for those not in the know, is a very sweet wine and it’s a very methodical process to extract just a few drops of juice from each grape.
The whites are light in flavor; anyone used to the bolder California wines will find them much more subtle, like a light beer is to a regular brew. The reds are full-bodied but not overpowering.
How To Tour Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries
Visiting the wineries can be done by car (be sure and have a designated driver) or as part of a tour. PubClub.com took the Niagara Airbus, which is aboard a mid-sized shuttle bus fro Niagara Falls that arrives at the wineries through the scenic Niagara Parkway.
It’s even possible to do it on a bike and on nice days in the spring, summer and fall, this is a preferred method for many.
The wineries are an ideal day trip from Niagara Falls, and don’t surprised to run into small groups from Toronto playing hookey from work (and texting photos to those back at the office).
Wineries I Visited In Niagara-on-the-Lake
My Niagara wine tour began at Stonechurch Vineyards, a peaceful property with a walking path through the vineyard and a friendly tasting room. Stonechurch later became Small Talk Vineyards and Shiny Apple Cider, which closed in 2022, so this stop is now part of my original experience rather than a current winery recommendation.
Reif Estates Winery
Talk about friendly, Reif Estates Winery is about as accommodating as they come in the wine business. The main building at one of the region’s original wineries looks more like a wine bar than tasting room, sometimes does food pairings and has two rooms bursting with hundreds of bottles of its wines. The reds here shine like the summertime sun. The grounds are scenic and relaxing, an ideal setting to enjoy a glass of wine. The Victorian mansion is a popular place for weddings. Location: 15608 Niagara Parkway RR 1.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
One of the better wineries to visit is Pillitteri Estates Winery. This is a family-run winery and guests are treated to an entertaining and informative tour, followed by a tasting. Pillterri is Canada’s largest estate producer of Icewine and exports to 28 countries. Location: 1696 Niagara Stone Road.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
A highly regarded winery for reds is one of the smallest in the region, Marynissen Estates Winery. It’s a mere shack compared to its more refined neighbors, but this small family winery is a favorite of the in-the-know locals. Location: 1208 Concession 1, RR 6.
Inniskillin Wines
It’s the opposite of Inniskillin Wines, which has half its tasting room devoted exclusively to Icewines. Founded in 1975 as a family winery, it has quickly grown to gain international fame. It’s spacious grounds are inviting for relaxing and enjoying the wines. Location: 1499 Line 3.
For a list of all Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, click here.
Niagara wine country hosts festivals throughout the year, including the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in September and Icewine celebrations during the winter. Dates and individual events change annually, so check the festival websites before planning a trip.
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and nightlife for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism. A resident of California he is not a CA wine snob but he knows good (and bad) wines and has tasted them all over the world, including in Coacia and Switzerland.
Next Stops On The Niagara Falls Party Bus
• Niagara Parkway: Why You Should Take This Scenic Drive From Niagara Falls
• Niagara Falls Things To Know Before You Go There
• Niagara Falls Rainbows: Where And How To See Them
• The Travel Blogger’s Thoughts On Seeing Niagara Falls For The First Time
Next Stops On The Niagara Falls Party Bus
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