If you’ve ever savoured a bottle of Niagara wine, you already know why wine lovers from all over the world flock to the area: the region produces some of the finest wine money can buy, and it’s all produced right here at the centre of Ontario wine country.
We love introducing wine enthusiasts and newbies alike to the best vineyards in the Niagara Region. Book your stay with us and take our Signature Wine Trolley Tour, where you’ll visit several of the wineries in Niagara highlighted here and enjoy a romantic country drive on our San Francisco-style trolley!
The Hare Wine Co.
Situated on some of the most fertile lands in the Niagara region, The Hare Wine Co.’s 10-acre estate has been crafting small-batch, VQA wines for over 20 years, with deep roots in European winemaking going back to the early twentieth century.
The Hare Wine Co. offers both a one-on-one tasting experience for you and that special someone, as well as a large group tasting experience if you’re bringing 8 or more friends (great for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and more!). You’ll create a custom flight of 4 premium wines to enjoy in their rustic Tasting Room, along with delicious accompaniments like charcuterie and fresh Italian-style pizza.
For a fantastic at-home wine tasting, try their 2022 Hare Sparkling Rose, with lively aromas of wild strawberries and hints of rose petals, delivering a palate of crisp red berries and a touch of citrus zest. Alternatively, for a bolder, richer option, grab a bottle of their 2023 Jack Rabbit Special Edition Red, renowned for its bold flavours of blackberry and hints of vanilla. It’s perfect for those extra-special occasions when you’re craving a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Château des Charmes
Built on a solid foundation of Old-World French tradition and modern sophistication, Château des Charmes is a vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake that has been producing award-winning wines for more than 40 years. Their passion and dedication to winemaking, along with their willingness to conquer new frontiers in winemaking technology, has made them an industry leader and experts on locally grown, VQA wines.
Visit Château des Charmes for a wide variety of tasting options to enjoy during your stay in the Niagara Region, including a full guided winery tour and traditional 4-wine flights, where you’ll learn more about the winemaking process with one of their expert staff. They also offer special, fun tastings with unique accompaniments, such as their Ice Cream & Icewine Experience and their Popping the Bubbles Experience, where you’ll savour three sparkling wines alongside three flavours of popcorn. Magnifique!
Take home a bottle of their Brut Sparkling, which is a smooth, creamy blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that will delight your senses with its effervescent bubbles. For a versatile wine with classic aromas of flint with lemon and lime, choose their 2016 ‘Old Vines’ Riesling.
Bella Terra Vineyards
Since 1974, Bella Terra Vineyards in Niagara has been known for its outstanding VQA wines, steeped in the founder’s Italian heritage and family tradition. Its connections to Sicilian winemaking, along with the rich, unique character of the Niagara terroir, allow Bella Terra Vineyards to produce some of the finest wines in the region.
Bella Terra Vineyards offers a few different wine tasting experiences, tailored to your preference. We recommend their Guided Reserve Wine Tasting, where you’ll enjoy a sample of sparkling wine along with 3 of their Reserve wines, all while learning more about the vineyards around you.
Grab a bottle of their Cabernet Franc Icewine for full-bodied acidity complemented by rich sweetness, with delectable notes of maraschino cherry and strawberry. Pair it with a rich chocolate brownie for the ultimate after-dinner treat!
Gretzky Estates
Image courtesy of Wayne Gretzky Estates
Founded by The Great One, Wayne Gretzky himself, Gretzky Estates is known as the only winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake to also have its own distillery, where they brew top-notch Canadian whisky and other spirits. Though Gretzky Estates isn’t on our wine tour, we still recommend it as one of the best in the region! For the hockey fans among us, they also display plenty of Gretzky memorabilia for you to enjoy.
Gretzky Estates has become known for its smoky Whisky Oak Aged Red with notes of dark cherry, as well as their fruity Chardonnay, packed with irresistible flavours like yellow apple, Bartlett pear, and white peach. Its robust flavours and high-quality wines make Gretzky Estates a destination for any amateur sommelier, whether you love hockey or couldn’t care less about the sport and just want an excellent tasting experience.
The Wayne Gretzky Estates’ seated wine tasting experience features your choice of 4 of their signature wines, plus tasty, shareable bites from their extensive menu, including artisan cheeses, fried calamari, and a charcuterie board.
Discover Ontario Wine Country with Vintage Hotels
Discover the best of the Niagara wine route and experience world-class wineries like never before. Your comprehensive guide to Ontario wine country awaits on our exclusive Signature Wine Trolley Tour, available to our valued guests! Our classic trolley provides pickup and drop-off at any of our Niagara Region hotels, and our expert tour director shares local history while you enjoy a delightful ride on the scenic Niagara Parkway. Book with us today to reserve your exclusive taste of wine country with our fabulous Niagara wine-tasting tour!