We're lucky to have an abundance of sights, sips and bites in our very own province. From incredible Ontario beaches to several different wine regions, there's a lot to keep us busy in our own backyard all summer long and well into the fall. While Windsor (and its neighbouring Kingsville wine area) and Prince Edward County make for great road trip wine weekends, Niagara is an easy day-trip destination for Toronto's oenophiles.
Dubbed as Ontario's wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake has an abundance of top-tier wineries and estates that are sure to fill your cup — plus, there are so many wineries in close proximity to each other so you don't have to travel far. If you'd rather not drive or take the train back to the city, rest your head at any number of quaint boutique hotels like 124 on Queen — you could even treat yourself and tack on a visit to the spa, too. Or, make a reso (ahem, two months in advance) at Pearl Morissette, one the best restaurants in Canada.
From world famous VQA icewine to terroir-rich pinot noir, there's something for every wine lover at the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We've got a list that will make planning your next Niagara wine country adventure a breeze.
10 of the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake
1. Château de Charmes
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Who needs a trip to the south of France (well...) when this stunning château, complete with a fancy fountain, is right in our backyard. The sunsets here are really something, but we know you came here for the vino. Lucky for you, the Bosc family, multiple generations of French winegrowers, know a thing or two about creating excellent vintages. Reserve a winery tour or tasting flight, or take it up a notch and book their vineyard cabana for a relaxing two hours full of charcuterie, wine and good times.
2. Jackson-Triggs Winery
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The first thing you'll notice when you reach Jackson-Triggs is its size. The large, modern-industrial building sticks out against the rows of vines, but the tours and tastings have a totally intimate feel and are kept small for a more educational experience. JT is known for their chardonnay, pinot noir and riesling varietals, so make sure you give them a try. If you're more into sipping than schooling, grab a tasting flight and some snacks on the terrace out back — you might even catch some live music.
3. Konzelmann Estate Winery
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This Niagara-on-the-Lake winery began in the small German town of Uhlbach over a century ago. Fast-forward multiple-generations and Konzlemann Estate is still family-run on this side of the pond. Plus, it's the only lakefront winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The castle-esque estate and lake views are pretty darn easy on the eyes, and you'll love their wine too. While the wine remains close to its Old World history, Konzlemann doesn't take itself too seriously and makes some fun, inventive creations like their famous peach wine (which you can also try in ice cream form).
4. Peller Estates Winery
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There are wineries, and then there's Peller Estates. This mansion winery is the big kid on the block, where you can skip through endless, picturesque vines and sip your way through their stacked wine portfolio. Their Greatest Winery Tour is our kind of hands-on learning, where you can go from a glass of sparkling on the patio to 10Below, an igloo-like icewine lounge where you can sample their "liquid gold." Bundle up! P.S. Reservations are recommended for experiences.
5. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
If you're a red wine lover, this unique, 34-acre organic winery is for you. Located in Niagara's St. David's Bench sub-appellation, the temperatures here are 20 per cent higher than the neighbouring region. This means that grape varieties that grow well with a little more heat (merlot, carbernet) shine here. It's got humble, family-farm vibes and a wood-fired pizza oven that'll make you never want to leave.
6. Reif Estate Winery
We could spend all day in the relaxing sensory garden at Reif Estate Winery — sipping wine counts as meditation, right? As one of the OG family wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Reif Estate knows how to host. Enjoy wine flights with a side of charcuterie on the picnic benches amongst the vines, or pre-book the winemaker's private loft and pretend like the entire estate is yours.
7. Trius Winery
There's something about neon signs that really get the people going, especially when there's wine involved. You've probably seen Trius Winery on Instagram, but there's more to this winery than good looks and pretty flower installations. Visit the Sparkling House where you can sample a selection of Trius bruts and bubbly or check out the on-site restaurant for locally inspired cuisine with a glass of the award-winning Trius Red, of course. Rosé all day is more of a lifestyle here and with $10 wine tastings we're going to have to oblige.
8. Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery
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Turns out The Great One has some pretty great wine — and distilled spirits like a smooth double oaked whisky. If you need a little break from all the vino, the heated Whisky Bar Patio has some awesome cocktails and casual bites (and wine too).
What you might not know is that Wayne Gretzky's grandfather made wine, and this gorgeous modern winery pays tribute to his family's love and passion for wine. Post up near the sparkling fountain (which turns into an ice rink in the winter) and score some sunshine and signature sips.
9. Palatine Hills Estate Winery
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It's impossible not to feel relaxed at this down-to-earth winery and farm, where things are as calm as the gentle breeze on the picnic-bench lined patio. Palatine Hills was at the forefront of Niagara icewine, so you've got to try it here. Not an icewine fan? Their serves might just change your mind. We're also big fans of the riesling.
10. Two Sisters Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake and just a short walk from the gorgeous Niagara River, Two Sisters Vineyard feels like a world away. By acreage, this vineyard is on the smaller side, but you'd never guess. The stunning estate looks like it was carved out of some majestic European town (and, yes, it's actually run by two sisters). Come here to sip sparkling and some rich reds on the veranda and indulge in comforting Italian eats at Kitchen76.
