Ontario’s wine regions are some of the best in the world, thanks to the rich, complex terroir and their proximity to three of the five Great Lakes. The main wine regions in Ontario include Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, and of course, Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Escarpment. As wine lovers ourselves, we’ve put together an all-in-one guide to visiting Ontario’s best vineyards in the Niagara region.
Best Times to Visit Ontario’s Vineyards
The best time to visit Ontario’s vineyards depends on what you’d like to do during your visit. Spring and summer bring warm, pleasant weather that’s perfect for taking a walking tour of the vineyard and enjoying a refreshing glass on the patio.
While that may seem like the obvious choice, Niagara is famous for its icewine—a sweet, fermented dessert wine produced during the winter months. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual Icewine Festival takes place during the wintertime, so if you’re a fan of this delicious delicacy, you may wish to visit in December or January.
Must-Visit Niagara Vineyards & Wineries
Sue-Ann Staff Winery
If you enjoy bold wines with a delicate touch, you’ll love Sue-Ann Staff Winery’s portfolio of outstanding Ontario wines, particularly their icewine selection. Try their award-winning 2016 Wisteria Tree Cabernet Franc Icewine for fruity notes of strawberry and cedar.
The Hare Wine Co.
Image courtesy of Darling Mine Photography
Known for their rich, full-bodied wines, The Hare Wine Co. hosts elevated wine tastings, pairing their fabulous VQA wines with a delicious meal. Take home a bottle of their 2018 Silver Noble Merlot—a complex red wine with notes of black plum, redcurrant, and raspberry.
Château des Charmes
Image courtesy of Josh Bellingham Photography
Located on a sprawling estate, Château des Charmes has been tended by the Bosc family for decades. With more than 40 vintages under their belts, they know great wine! Enjoy the refreshing flavour of their Brut Sparkling, which offers fresh notes of apple, pear, and key lime.
Cave Spring Vineyard
Drawing from four decades of experience, Cave Spring Vineyard produces some of the finest Riesling and Chardonnay wines in Niagara, on par with European counterparts. Their 2020 Riesling CSV is estate grown and features bright notes of grapefruit and honey lemon tea.
Bella Terra Vineyards
Nestled along the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation, Bella Terra Vineyards is steeped in Italian winemaking tradition. Try their 2020 Wild Ferment Riesling, which won a gold medal in the National Wine Awards with fresh flavours of mandarin, orange jelly, and green apple.
Vineyard Transportation Options
Why stop at just one vineyard? Climb aboard our San Francisco-style trolley bus for our Wine Trolley Tour! Attend tastings at four of our favourite Niagara wineries, including The Hare Wine Co., Bella Terra Vineyards, and Château des Charmes. The tour leaves once daily from our Niagara-on-the-Lake hotels.
Guests who’d like to visit vineyards in the Niagara Benchlands will enjoy our Signature Jordan Wine Tour, with stops at Cave Spring Vineyard, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, Creekside Estate Winery, and The Foreign Affair Winery.
Accommodations near the Vineyards
Your weekend escape to wine country just got even better with luxurious accommodations! Choose from our three award-winning hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Prince of Wales, Pillar and Post, or Queen’s Landing. Each hotel holds a unique vintage charm!
For those looking to explore the Niagara Benchlands, you’ll love the comfortable country luxury awaiting you at Inn On The Twenty. It’s the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Discover Ontario’s Best Vineyards with Vintage Hotels
One day just isn’t enough to experience all that Ontario wine country has to offer! Book a weekend getaway with us and discover Ontario’s best wineries today.