Chocolate & Cheese

Winter Wine Tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Returns February 2027

Self-guided wine tastings in February & March

Warm up with a delicious escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake!
The Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Passport invites you on a self-guided journey through wine country, where each participating winery welcomes you with a VQA wine paired with a specially crafted, bite-sized culinary dish enhanced with decadent chocolate and artisanal cheese.

Thoughtfully designed to complement the wine in your glass, these indulgent pairings celebrate the comforting flavours of the season and the creativity of Niagara’s winemakers. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter weekend or a gourmet getaway with friends, this seasonal tasting experience is the perfect way to savour Niagara-on-the-Lake, one delightful stop at a time.

Cheese, Chocolate, Cheers

A plate with a bread roll and a small dish of sauce, a bottle of Riesling wine, and a glass of white wine on a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

Learn all about the Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Passport

    • 8 curated tasting experiences at participating wineries

    • Expert pairings of VQA wine with chocolate and/or cheese (Alternate wines may be available at the winery’s discretion for guests who request them.)

    • A self-guided experience you can enjoy at your own pace

    • Choice of two pass types:

      • Signature Tasting Pass (with wine)

      • Designated Driver Pass (non-alcoholic)

    1. Pick your eight stops
      Browse the pairings below and click “Book Now” under the wineries you want to visit. Each pass includes eight tastings, so additional passes must be booked in multiples of eight.

    2. Choose your date and pass type.

      For each tasting, select when you’d like to visit and whether you’re booking a Signature or Designated Driver tasting.

    3. Checkout online.

      Complete your purchase and receive your digital tasting passport (PDF) by email from SquadUP. Be sure to check your junk folder just in case.

    4. Show up and sip.

      Present your confirmation at each winery during your reserved times. Tastings run 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and reservations can be made up until 11:59 PM the night before. Groups of 8+ should contact wineries directly ahead of their visit.

  • Forgot to book in advance?

    Same-day tastings are available for $15 each (including HST + fees).

    • Available only on event days

    • Must be purchased same day

    • Available until 4:30 PM

    • Quantities are limited, so early booking is encouraged

    • Signature Tasting Pass (8 tastings): $65.95 (including HST + fees)

    • Designated Driver Pass (8 tastings): $50.61 (including HST + fees)

    • Day-of Tasting (1 tasting): $15 (including HST + fees)

Explore last season’s pairings

A glass of red wine, a bottle of Bella Terra Cabernet Merlot wine, and a bowl of macaroni and cheese with a piece of meatloaf on top are on a white table in a restaurant with a red wall background and wine bottles on shelves.

Bella Terra Vineyards

Comfort Meets Cabernet

Featuring: Mac n’ Cheese + Dry Rub Rib

Paired with: Cabernet Merlot Reserve, 2023

Non-Alcoholic Option: Hot Chocolate

Dietary Info: N/A

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a small plate of appetizer on a wooden table in a winery or brewery setting.

Between the Lines Winery ⋆

Pinot & Pork Perfection

Featuring: Smoked Pork Belly, cheddar cornbread, Baja Slaw, Cocoa-Chipotle Mayo

Paired with: 2021 Pinot Noah Reserve

Non-Alcoholic Option: Available

Dietary Info: gluten free, vegetarian available

A bottle of white wine, a glass of white wine, and a slice of cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and lime zest on a black plate, all placed on a wooden barrel.

Byland Estate Winery ⋆

Cheez the Moment

Featuring: Lemon Baked Cheesecake with Salted Citrus Chantilly

Paired with: Oaked Chardonnay 2023

Non-Alcoholic Option: Gatorade Zero (591 mL)

Dietary Info: N/A

A glass of red wine, a bottle of Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot, and a sandwich with beef and caramelized onions on a bun on a white plate.

Chateau des Charmes⋆

Old Vines Cabernet Merlot x Dark Chocolate Pork Shoulder Slider

Featuring: Dark Chocolate Smoked Pork Shoulder Slider with Triple Cream Brie and Caramelized Onion “Jam”

Paired with: Old Vines Cabernet Merlot

Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal mocktail

Dietary Info: Alternatives available upon request

A bottle of 2024 Dandor Riesling wine, a glass of white wine, assorted cheeses including walnuts, and wine candies on a wooden board in front of wine barrels.

Dandor Estate Winery

From Moldova to Niagara 

Featuring: Upper Canada Cheese Co. Nosey Goat, delicately drizzled with B-Y’s Honey Farm honey and finished with Grimo Nursery walnuts, alongside a classic traditional chocolate from Moldova.

Paired with: Dandor Estate Winery Riesling

Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal Mocktail

Dietary Info: Vegetarian 

A glass of red wine, a bottle of De Simone Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and a dessert on a white plate on a table in a wine bar. The background has stone walls, wine barrels, and a wall decoration.

De Simone Vineyards ⋆

Tira Miss U

Featuring: Indulge in a homemade deconstructed tiramisu that features velvety mascarpone cream layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. This delightful dessert harmonizes beautifully with the 2021 Cabernet Franc.

Paired with: Cabernet Franc, 2021

Non-Alcoholic Option: TBD

Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available

A bottle of Vantage white wine, a glass of white wine, and a small piece of cheesecake with a raspberry on top on a white plate with a black napkin, all placed on a wooden table.

Ferox Estate Winery

A Sweet Advantage

Featuring: White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake from Bella Cakes

Paired with: Vantage White

Non-Alcoholic Option: A “white wine” Spritz

Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available

A bottle of Hare Cabernet Franc wine, a glass of red wine, and a small plate with a piece of chocolate dessert and a slice of cake on a white surface, with shelves of wine bottles in the background.

The Hare Wine Co. ⋆

The Dark Side of Delicious

Featuring: Dark chocolate and red wine braised short rib on olive oil crostini with sharp cheddar.

Paired with: Hare Cabernet Franc

Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal Mocktail

Dietary Info: Gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free options available

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a plated dish of meat with vegetables on a wooden table in a restaurant setting.

Inniskillin Winery ⋆

Cocoa Braised Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta

Featuring: Cocoa Braised Beef Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta

Paired with: Reserve Cabernet Franc

Non-Alcoholic Option: Maple Meadow Cooler

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available upon request

Bottle of Jackson-Triggs Sparkling Moscato, flute of sparkling wine, piece of chocolate cake on a white plate, on a wooden table with a firewood stack in the background.

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate ⋆

Fig & Sparkle Romance

Featuring: Warm malted figgy pudding layered with silky crème fraîche and topped with a tajin almond drizzle

Paired with: Sparkling Moscato

Non-Alcoholic Option: Jackson-Triggs Non-Alcoholic Rose

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a plate of cheese with fruit drizzled over it on a wooden table, with a fireplace in the background.

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Cheesecake Bite Delight

Featuring: Vanilla cheesecake bites, lightly dusted in cocoa, and finished with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Paired with: 2024 Pinot Noir

Non-Alcoholic Option: Cranberry raspberry juice

Dietary Info: Kosher, Vegetarian, Halal

A bottle of Lakeview Cellars Malbec red wine, a glass filled with red wine, and a white plate with three deep-fried balls on a dark wooden table.

Lakeview Wine Co. ⋆

Cocoa Kissed Arancini

Featuring: Cocoa dusted arancini with a hint of chili heat

Paired with: 2019 Malbec

Non-Alcoholic Option: Spiced Cranberry Cooler

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a bowl of spaghetti on a metallic outdoor table, with orange and pink flowers in pots and a wooden fence in the background.

Marynissen Estates ⋆

Cabernet & Comfort

Featuring: Smoked brisket chili topped with Gunn’s Hill artisan shredded cheese

Paired with: 2022 Cabernet Franc

Non-Alcoholic Option: Crimson Non Alc Sangria

Dietary Info: Gluten-free

A bottle of Balance Merlot wine, a glass of red wine, and a small chocolate dessert with nuts on a white plate on a wooden table in a cozy bar or cafe setting.

Niagara College Teaching Winery ⋆

Nutty Affair

Featuring: Hazelnut gianduja bites with roasted nuts and dark chocolate

Paired with: Balance Merlot

Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling Fruit Shrub

Dietary Info: Not available

A bottle of Palatine Hills Merlot red wine, a partially filled wine glass with the same logo, and a plate with a peach slice covered in chocolate on a wooden table.

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

Twisted for Merlot

Featuring: Soft extra sharp cheddar pretzel drizzled with dark chocolate

Paired with: 2024 Lakeshore Merlot

Non-Alcoholic Option: Black Cherry Sparkling Soda

Dietary Info: No dietary alternatives available

A wooden table with a bottle of Pinot Noir wine, a glass of red wine, a white orchid plant, and a plate of cheese bites, with a Christmas tree with lights and decorated wall sconces in the background.

Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant ⋆

Sweet & Savoury Tartlet Perfection

Featuring: Pear and goat cheddar tartlet with cabernet chocolate mole sauce

Paired with: Private Reserve Pinot Noir

Non-Alcoholic Option: Crimson Cider

This mocktail is made with spiced apple juice, lime juice and 99 old fashioned syrup.

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A bottle of Canadian wine labeled 'Canada' with a red maple leaf and the Olympic rings logo, a plate with a sandwich and a small bread bun, on a wooden barrel table.

Pillitteri Estates Winery ⋆

NOTL Cheesesteak

Featuring: Niagara-style Philly cheesesteak with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and mozzarella on a soft brioche bun

Paired with: Team Canada Red

Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling Cider

Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available

A bottle of Queenston Mile Vineyard 2020 Viognier wine, a glass of white wine, and a small dish with herbs on a square white plate with a spoon, all on a rustic wooden table.

Queenston Mile Vineyard ⋆

Gettin’ Hot & Bisqué!

Featuring: Creamy seafood bisque with lobster, shrimp, baby clams, and a hint of chili chocolate.

Paired with: 2020 Viognier Estate Reserve

Non-Alcoholic Option: Cranberry Kiss Mimosa

Dietary Info: Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Available

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a plate of food with sliced chili peppers on a wooden table in a cozy kitchen or restaurant setting.

Ravine Vineyard ⋆

That’s a Mole!!!

Featuring: Braised mole negro pork stew with slow cooked Ontario pork shoulder and crispy tortilla

Paired with: 2021 Ravine Merlot

Non-Alcoholic Option: Strawberry Lemonade

Dietary Info: Details to come

A bottle of white wine, a filled wine glass, a slice of berry pie, and a bunch of grapes on a wooden stand on a bar countertop in a cozy restaurant or winery setting.

Reif Estate Winery ⋆

The Hanging Man’s Berry Cheesy Melt

Featuring: Brie and Gruyère grilled cheese on focaccia served with a bright cranberry dip

Paired with: The Hanging Man Kerner

Non-Alcoholic Option: San Mon (Non-Alcoholic Prosecco)

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a piece of fried food on a plate are on a wooden surface with a Christmas tree in the background.

Riverview Cellars Winery ⋆

The Arancini Affair

Featuring: Crispy arancini filled with seasoned beef and mozzarella, served with marinara sauce

Paired with: Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal Mocktail

Dietary Info: Vegetarian option available

A bottle of Riesling white wine, a glass filled with wine, a bread roll on a decorative plate, and a small dish of dipping sauce are arranged on a wooden table in a kitchen.

Strewn Winery 

A Savoury, Airy Love Affair à la Française!

Featuring: Light, airy Gruyère gougères served with a smooth, smoky red pepper dip

Paired with: 2022 Premium Riesling “Lively” (medal winner) 

Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling White Proxies

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A bottle of red wine, a glass of red wine, and a dessert in a chocolate cup topped with strawberries on a white plate, arranged on a wooden barrel with a teal background.

FRESH Wines, at Shiny Apple Cider⋆

Berry Sweet Chocolate Cheesecake Cup

Featuring: Strawberry cheesecake mousse in a rich chocolate cup with a sweet crumble topping

Paired with: FRESH Meritage

Non-Alcoholic Option: Berry Vanilla Fizz

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

A glass of red wine, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and three chocolate desserts topped with caramel and nuts on a wooden board.

Trius Winery & Restaurant ⋆

A Pairing to Go Nuts For

Featuring: Milk chocolate crémeux bar topped with maple candied pecans

Paired with: Distinction Cabernet Sauvignon

Non-Alcoholic Option: Cupid’s Candy Floss Fizz

This is our seasonal inspired juice topped with candy floss.

Dietary Info: Gluten free

A bottle of Laurent-Griot sparkling wine, a glass filled with white wine, and a small blue plate with two pieces of chocolate on a white outdoor table.

Wayne Gretzky Estates ⋆

Buzzin’ for Bacon Fudge Bars & Brut

Featuring: Milk chocolate fudge bar with bee pollen, toasted coconut, and crispy smoked bacon

Paired with: Brut Sparkling Wine

Non-Alcoholic Option: The Happy Camper

This is a pear inspired mocktail with hints of lemon and 99 old fashioned simple syrup.

Dietary Info: Gluten free and vegetarian fudge available, contains dairy