Sip your way through Niagara’s wine country

Nature had a plan for the Niagara region to become a wine destination. A unique microclimate, combined with soil deposits from the formation of Niagara Falls and the influence of the Great Lakes created perfect conditions for producing rich, satisfying wine flavors. With varietals that include chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet franc, riesling, gamay noir and, of course, sparkling and icewine, there are tastes for every palate here. 

The region is also known for its agricultural production, and thanks to its dedicated culinary community, for its farm-to-table feasts. With Niagara so close to nearby border crossings and less than two hours from Toronto’s international airport, this destination is fantastic for a weekend trip and even better for a longer stay. 

With all of this in mind, it’s no wonder winemakers and chefs are inspired by their lush surroundings. 

Festivals celebrate the region's food and wine

Niagara’s natural bounty has inspired chefs and winemakers to craft unforgettable experiences. From vineyard tours and tastings to year-round festivals, they showcase the region’s flavors in every season. Sharing a latitude with renowned wine regions like Burgundy and Oregon, Niagara’s climate is ideal for exceptional winemaking—so why not celebrate?

The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in September should be first in your calendar not only because it’s the region’s oldest, but also because the event honors the grape at the peak of its harvest season. Starting with a grand parade in the nearby city of St. Catharine’s, this celebration sees locals and visitors dancing together in the autumn breeze to lively entertainment in area parks. Visitors can buy a Discovery Pass to attend tastings at participating wineries where signature flavors are showcased alongside local food pairings. Featuring partners like Bella Terra Vineyards, 13th Street Winery, and Palatine Hills Estate Winery, the festival offers a chance to explore some of the region’s top wineries at the height of the season.

The Niagara Food & Wine Expo is a standout summertime event in the culinary community, bringing together experts from wineries, breweries and restaurants to celebrate the humble grape. With cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs—2024’s lineup included the likes of Food Network star, Chef Anna Olson—the event offers cooking classes and tastings from local exhibitors eager to share their latest creations.

Also in summer, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration showcases 130 world-class cool-climate wines and exclusive experiences. Meet master sommeliers from the region’s top wineries and learn from expert keynote speakers about what makes this wine category special. If you’re a chardonnay fan, this just might become a regular event—or maybe this buttery, adaptable varietal will turn you into a lifelong fan.

Winter also brings occasion to celebrate in Niagara. The Niagara Icewine Festival, held over three weekends in January, is an annual celebration of the region’s world-renowned icewine. Discovered in Germany in the 1700s when the grapes froze on the vine and the processing revealed a surprisingly sweet, intense flavor, icewine is a natural fit for Canada because of its distinct seasons. 

The Niagara region is Ontario’s top icewine producer, earning the region global recognition for its craftsmanship. At the Icewine Festival, every event is as unique as the wine itself. From a sophisticated opening gala to an enchanting winter village, the festival immerses visitors in a world of indulgent tastings, gourmet pairings, and one-of-a-kind experiences at partner wineries.

Find excitement at each winery visit

No matter how long you stay in Niagara, winery visits will undoubtedly be a highlight. A trip to the world-famous Niagara Falls is a must—this bucket-list wonder is one of the most iconic natural attractions on the planet and the perfect starting point for exploring the region. But beyond the mist and the roar of the falls lies a landscape rich with vineyards where passionate winemakers have put Niagara on the global wine map. 

Why not start with a winery that made history 32 years ago? Trius Winery turned heads when its Bordeaux blend-inspired red became the first Canadian wine to be recognized as the “Best Red Wine in the World.” Since then, Trius Winery and Restaurant has only grown its reputation for excellence. 

Now, Trius boasts a Michelin Guide recommendation honoring the on-site restaurant. Here, executive chef Frank Dodd creates locally inspired dishes with ingredients that include Heritage Farms Cornish hen with potato and parmesan gnocchi, sunchoke, chestnut sauce, shaved manchego, winter truffles, parsnip crumble, riesling sauerkraut, winter parsnips, and icewine cranberry. Or opt for the Ontario lamb tasting: braised lamb shank and grilled lamb sirloin with pecan caramel crust, white bean cassoulet, icewine red cabbage and nantes carrot. For a deeper dive into winemaking, take the Trius Tour, which includes a visit to Canada’s largest sparkling wine cellar. Trius also embraces local collaboration, recommending  visits to its neighbors, Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery next door, and Peller Estates Winery, a short drive away.

If the sight of Ravine Winery gives you déjà vu, it might be because it was a filming location for Top Chef USA. Not surprising, then, that the stunning space is a regular choice for weddings and events, with a 2,000 square-foot wrap-around terrace offering gorgeous views of the 34-acre family farm, established in 1867. With wine tastings daily, an on-site restaurant where farm-to-table fare takes center stage, and a wine-and-vines tour, there’s plenty to see and do here. 

Vineland Estates Winery sits on 180 acres of vineyard and offers visitors an insider glimpse into the past. With its restored 19th-century buildings, once owned by Mennonite immigrants and now home to the winery’s restaurant and shop, you’ll feel transported back in time, even as you savor the flavors of today. Adjacent accommodation options (a guest house and a bed and breakfast) allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local experience. You can enjoy intimate tastings indoors or while exploring the vineyard. For a true Canadian winter experience, try a cozy fireside tasting in the snow.

At Two Sisters Vineyards, the story began in 2007 with its first vines, which have since expanded to over 130 acres. The main estate opened in 2014 featuring Italian Renaissance design inspired by the family’s heritage. Visit the on-site Kitchen76 restaurant with Italian dishes from ravioli to truffle pizza to beef carpaccio, or a sister restaurant in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tastings include experiences both in the wine boutique and the winery’s cavernous barrel room (paired with bites from Kitchen76). You can even treat yourself to a unique private cellar consultation with the winery’s estate sommelier Magister Dieter Unrah to discuss your own cellar-in-progress. 

From the inspiration of the microclimate to the dedication of the winemakers and chefs, the Niagara region has developed a thriving ecosystem where everyone works together to coax the best flavors from nature and swirl them into glasses and onto plates. For visitors, it’s a chance to explore an exquisite landscape full of rolling farmland (or magical snowscapes in winter) and gather with a community that truly cares about food, wine and its origins.