Experience the vineyards of Niagara

Romantic and fabled, Niagara Falls is known for its 13-story-high landmark cascade, a huge draw since 1846. Equally compelling (and more delicious), are the orchards, vineyards, and fields surrounding the falls that produce some of the country's best wines, including world-famous Icewine. On the U.S.-Canada border between New York and Ontario, good wine is just a short drive from Toronto but worth a stay for a day or two, making Niagara Falls your home base for the journey.

To start things off, get your bearings with this list of Niagara wineries and wine route Planner. From boutique to big name, there are over 100 wineries in the area, including 60 that specialize in Icewine, on the fertile Niagara Peninsula. Then check out some of the following wineries and vino-focused experiences in and around Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

What grapes Niagara grows well

On the international stage, Niagara may be renowned for its icewine production, but sharing a similar latitude as Burgundy, France, & Oregon, United States allows this unique climate to shine when it comes to growing particular grape varietals. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are standouts from Niagara, as well as Gamay Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc all express well from the glacial soil and limestone found in the region. The I4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration) is hosted in Niagara each year to show off the crafting and cultivation of the beautiful whites grown in the area. Another choice from the Niagara Region not to sleep on is the bubbles, with some of the earliest harvested grapes in the region, the bright and vibrant acidity makes sparkling wines from here a palate-pleaser.

Do a Niagara wine tour

Want to really get to know the region? Explore on your own by car or rent a bike (or an e-bike to make it more leisurely). Most wineries host tours and tastings, food pairings, and seminars. Vineyards also make for a lovely spot for lunch, especially the beautiful property of Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Or, leave the planning to others and have the pros take you on a guided overview tasting tour Winery Tours of Niagara caters to upscale clientele, and family-owned Grape Escapes Wine Tours is another great option for those wanting to see it all. They lead cycle or van tours, incorporating lunch, picnics, and even restaurant dinners.

The ultimate icewine experience

You'll get a bit of everything at chateau-like Peller Estates, a sprawling family-run winery where you can easily spend an entire day. Reserve a seat for lunch or dinner at the elegant onsite restaurant that overlooks the vineyard. A Zagat and Trip Advisor standout, the menu, of course, revolves around the harmonious marriage of seasonal, fresh ingredients with luscious, local wines. Tuck into the signature Icewine-poached lobster with black truffle linguini infused with smoked bacon in a chardonnay cream sauce.

The 10Below Icewine Lounge is wildly popular and justifiably so. Part of the winery tour, the lounge is constructed entirely of ice and simulates what it's like for vintners to harvest Icewine varietals in temperatures 17 degrees F or colder. Step up to the ice bar and sample the estate's Vidal Icewine, perfectly chilled. Don't worry, your parka is provided.

Learn about wine pairing in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Combine great wine with a charming town.. First, visit organic Southbrook Vineyards. Then stroll down historic Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a 19th-century village popular for its handsome heritage buildings dating back to the 1700s.  Visiting the Prince of Wales Hotel is an experience in itself, but indulging in the hotel's lavish afternoon tea will really complete the experience. 

Drink and dine your way through the region

For dinner, try  Michelin Guide recommended Restaurant at Trius Winery, Ravine Vineyard Restaurant, a local favorite in a historic farmhouse with a seasonal farm-driven menu showcasing local producers, or travel into St. Catharines and experience another Michelin-recommended spot known for its zero-waste butchery and sustainable approach, Fat Rabbit.

For those seeking an ambitious fine dining experience, with an ever-changing regionally focused menu, set your calendars for when reservations open at Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located in the heart of Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench wine appellation. They also produce their own small production estate-grown wines with a low intervention philosophy.

Taste the region’s award-winners

You'll want to sample the best of the best at family-owned, organic, and biodynamic Tawse Winery in Vineland. This popular winner of numerous awards, including Canada's Best Winery, encompasses five vineyards producing head-turning, terroir-driven reds, whites, and rosés. 13^th Street Winery in St. Catharines is also oft-cited as Niagara's best, spotlighted for its Gamay and sparkling vintages, as well as an opportunity for the art lovers to walk through their field of sculptures and rotating art gallery on the property. 

And if you can find it in its tucked away location, Ontario Winemaker of the Year in 2024 Kelly Mason, hosts private intimate tastings on her property. The way Mason speaks about Pinot Noir is enough to make anyone fall in love and respect the fragile bunches that line the rows of the vineyard.
To pack it all in, consider a longer vacation with time to hit all of Niagara's top attractions. And don't forget an extra suitcase to bring all the goodies you can fit back home with you.