Wineries of the Niagara Region: A Guide to the Best Tasting Experiences

Vines in a winery in the Niagara Region

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.

A Vintage Hotels wine trolley in front of a Niagara region winery

We love introducing 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 highlighted here, and enjoy a romantic country drive on our San Francisco-style trolley! 

The Hare Wine Co.

The Hare Wine Co.

Situated on some of the most fertile lands in the region, The Hare’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 tasting, try their 2019 Pinot Grigio, which tantalizes the nose with fresh notes of citrus and satisfies with refreshing tangerine and orange zest. Alternatively, for a bolder, richer option, grab a bottle of their 2018 Silver Noble Merlot, with its tempting notes of dark chocolate and raspberry. It’s perfect for those extra-special occasions when you’re craving a touch of elegance and sophistication. 

Château des Charmes

Château des Charmes

Built on a solid foundation of Old-World French tradition and modern sophistication, Château des Charmes 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.  

Queenston Mile Vineyard

Queenston Mile Vineyard

Queenston Mile’s devoted team of winemakers has honed their craft over 20 years, helmed by one of Canada’s most respected vintners. Their collection of wines is intentional and curated, with only the finest wines making the cut.  

With a range of tasting experiences to choose from, Queenston Mile goes the extra mile by offering delicious accompaniments like artisan cheeses and charcuterie boxes alongside 4 of their cool-climate wines. For the classic experience, try their Signature Wine & Cheese Tasting. For something a little more adventurous, check out their Mile & Mimosas Experience, where you’ll sample 3 of their favourite sparkling wines in the form of refreshing mimosas.  

Back at home, enjoy the whimsical charm of their award-winning Grand Mile Sparkling Wine, which blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to create an elegant, balanced wine. Their 2020 Chardonnay is also not to be missed, with its full-bodied flavour and pleasant acidity. 

Bella Terra Vineyards

Bella Terra Vineyards

Since 1974, Bella Terra Vineyards 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 offers a few different 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 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. 

Their seated 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

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!  

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