The New Wave of NOTL Wine
TRIP PLANNER
This one’s for the wine geeks.
FULL DAY | YEAR-ROUND | MODERATE PACE
You already know the big names, this is where the real heads go.
Like wine regions around the world, there is a new, younger generation doing interesting work and experimentation in the cellars.
MORNING KICKOFF
Byland Estate Winery
Vibe: The small house label from a treasured grape grower
Staff Pick: Chardonnay Icewine
Jackson Bai bought this vineyard eleven years ago and grows fruit that some of the country's best winemakers buy from him. Planted in 1981, these are the oldest Gamay vines in the country.
Ferox by Fabian Reis
Vibe: Little black barn off the main wine trail
Staff Pick: Blanc
Five different wineries we met with said Ferox was their favourite winery and we can see why. Winemakers Fabian and Cubby are constantly experimenting and making new styles like their new Blanc that blends Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc inspired by the Gemischte Satz style in Austria.
Niagara Hidden Gems & Things to Do in Niagara
“There’s fantastic sourdough that’s being produced... You would definitely have to try the sourdough. There’s a larger bake on Saturdays.”
Itty Bitty Farm Stand
104 Niagara St — Old Town
Chef Ryan Crawford's farm stand. Sourdough baked from a starter named Roxanne that he's been keeping since culinary school in 1999, plus pasta, sauces, preserves. There’s also two million sunflowers in the backyard.
“They’re great people and they give great advice for whatever you’re looking for.”
Theodore's Artisan Butchers
1397 York Rd, —St. Davids
Tomorrow, when you're basking in the afterglow and opening one of the bottles you brought home, you'll be glad you stopped and put a few dry-aged steaks in your cooler.
HERE’S YOUR AFTERNOON
NC Craft
Vibe: Sure it’s a school, but it’s like a cool school
Staff Pick: Cherry Pilsner
Don’t let the school out front fool you, in the backyard of the teaching winery, there’s a food truck cranking out pizzas (run by Niagara College’s world class culinary school) and an incredible view of the escarpment. Did we mention they make beer and cider too?
Between the Lines Winery
Vibe: A red barn you’re accidentally going to drive past
Staff Pick: Lemburger
Family-run, small-lot production. The first Niagara winery to can wine. They planted Lemberger (aka Blaufränkisch) which almost no one else in Niagara has growing and takes beautifully to the Niagara terroir.
Best places to eat in Niagara recommended by locals
“They have one with peanut butter on it which sounds like it shouldn’t work and it works so well. Get a few, and split it with your friends.”
The Burgh
1 Albert St W — Thorold
Tucked in the back of a local watering hole are the best smash burgers around. The quality of food is unexpected enough, but the toppings are just as unexpected like peanut butter or jalapeno poppers. Chef Owner Stephanie was also the sweetest. One of the more memorable hidden gems we visited!
Pharmacii
159 St Paul St — St. Catharines
If you’ve had enough wine for the day, swap in some mind-bending cocktails and Korean-inspired small sharing plates. You have to get the Korean Fried Chicken in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy gochujang sauce.
“Their food is out of this world.”
How It Works:
No reservations required. Just show up and show your pass
Valid for one year from date of purchase
50% of proceeds from this pass go to local charities
What’s Included:
1 tasting per winery, available Monday through Friday
FREE visit to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Our recommended Tasting Pass for first-timers and wine lovers that want to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake at their own pace. This pass includes one tasting at each of our 25 member wineries.
Winemakers’ Tasting Pass
$59.62 / person (taxes + fees included)
Plan Your Trip to the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
FUN, NOT FUSSY
FAMILY FRIENDLY
GIRLS DAY OUT
NOTL CLASSICS
COUPLES RETREAT
