Niagara River

Wineries to visit: Peller Estates, Lailey Vineyard, Reif Estate Winery, Inniskillin Winery

Click here to Download a PDF of this page

It seems we’re not alone in thinking that that the scenery along the Niagara Parkway is perhaps the prettiest in the country (see the immortal words of Winston Churchill).  In the warm months, cyclists and joggers jostle for space along the designated trail that hugs the gently winding riverbank from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the village of Queenston and beyond to Lake Erie. More sedentary types find a shady spot for a picnic and enjoy the view - yes, that’s the United States on the other bank. History buffs, or those travelling with one, are visiting the many historic sites along the way. If you’re a casual cyclist looking to explore some of our wineries without covering a lot of distance– this tour is tailor-made for you. We invite you to stop by four wineries that are a stone's throw from the river and just minutes from each other.

Peller Estates has come a long way from its humble beginnings over 40 years ago, in B.C.’s Okanagan valley. John Peller has realized his grandfather’s dream with a stunning winery and a wide ranging portfolio of wines that honour a traditional approach to winemaking. At Peller Estates, the belief is that you can’t rush great winemaking – and it’s a philosophy that is working. Looking to the vines for inspiration, the winemaking team produces exceptional award-winning wines.

Lailey Vineyard specializes in small batch, exclusively estate-grown wines. Over the course of three decades, the Lailey family has transformed the land, replacing orchards with vineyards. A few years ago, the Laileys decided to eliminate the use of herbicides in the vineyards. Weed removal is a now a labour-intensive process but the award-winning wines they are producing have convinced them that soils rich with microbial life are beneficial and add complexity to the grapes. 

At Reif Estate Winery, the family heritage of winemaking is now in its 13th generation. President and oenologist Klaus Reif, who hails from the Rhine Region of Germany, moved to Niagara in the 80s to run his uncle’s estate. He currently oversees 125 acres of vineyards, portions of which contain some of Niagara’s oldest vines, and creates wines that support his philosophy: “Great wines start in the vineyard”. Guests can sample wines paired with artisan cheeses in the property’s beautifully restored coach house.

Inniskillin Winery, founded by industry pioneers Donald Ziraldo and Karl J. Kaiser, played a significant role in propelling Niagara’s wines onto the world stage.  The story of  Inniskillin’s win of the coveted Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vinexpo, Bordeaux, France in 1991 for its 1989 Icewine is now the stuff of industry lore.  Although initially acclaimed for its Icewine, Inniskillin has proven it also excels with classic varietals. Tastings take place in the impressive Brae Burn Barn, a historic building whose design is thought to be either realized or influenced by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this page.