TASTING PASSPORT

Explore decadent pairings of wine, chocolate & cheese in Canada’s iconic wine destination

PASSES ON SALE JANUARY 5, 2026

Cheese, Chocolate, Cheers

Warm up with a delicious escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Pass invites you on a self-guided tour through wine country, featuring rich chocolate, artisanal cheese, and perfectly paired VQA wines at participating wineries. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend or a gourmet getaway, this seasonal experience is the ultimate way to treat your taste buds.

Learn more about the Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Passport

    • 8 curated tasting experiences at participating wineries

    • Expert pairings of VQA wine with chocolate and/or cheese

    • Flexible self-guided schedule

    • Choice of two pass types:

      • Signature Tasting Pass (with wine)

      • Designated Driver Pass (non-alcoholic options)

    1. Select your preferred wineries when booking—no need to choose specific times

    2. Present your confirmation email at each stop (sent via SquadUP)

    3. Groups of 8 or more should call each winery ahead of time to ensure availability

    4. Tasting hours are 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

    5. Reservations close at 7:00 AM the day before your visit

  • Forgot to book in advance? Same-day tastings are available for $6.50 each (plus HST and fees)

    Only available until 4:30 PM on event days

    Quantities are limited, so early booking is encouraged

  • Signature Tasting Pass – $52.00 (plus HST & fees)

    Designated Driver Pass – $39.00 (plus HST & fees)

    Each pass includes 8 winery tasting experiences.

Book Your Tasting Passport

Bottle of Bella Terra “Calm the Franc Down” red wine with a glass poured, paired with a chocolate dessert on a white plate, in front of a Bella Terra Vineyards sign.

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

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

Dandor Estate Winery

TBD

Featuring: TBD

Paired with: TBD

Non-Alcoholic Option: TBD

Dietary Info: TBD

Bottle of Byland Reserve Gamay Noir with a glass poured, paired with sliced meat and vegetables on a small white plate, against a dark background.
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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

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

De Simone Vineyards

Tira Miss U

Featuring: Cream, Savoiardi Biscut, cocoa, coffee

Paired with: Cabernet Franc, 2021

Non-Alcoholic Option: TBD

Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available

Ferox Estate Winery

A Sweet Advantage

Featuring: Vanilla Cheesecake topped with Red Wine Ganache

Paired with: Ferox Cabernet Franc Reserve

Non-Alcoholic Option: A “white wine” Spritz

Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available

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

Alt text: Bottle of Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Noir with a glass poured, paired with a small slider sandwich on a white plate, set inside a dining room.

Inniskillin Winery

Cocoa Braised Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta

Featuring: Cocoa Braised Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta

Paired with: Reserve Cabernet Franc

Non-Alcoholic Option: Fall Sangria

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

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

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Sweet Tooth Tango

Featuring: Silky vanilla cheesecake dusted with cocoa and topped with raspberry sauce.

Paired with: 2023 Pinot Noir

Non-Alcoholic Option: Cranberry raspberry juice

Dietary Info: Kosher, Vegetarian, Halal

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

Marynissen Estates

Cabernet & Comfort

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

Paired with: 2023 Cabernet Franc

Non-Alcoholic Option: Crimson Non Alc Sangria

Dietary Info: Gluten-free

Bottle of Niagara College Teaching Winery Balance Chardonnay with a glass poured, paired with a bowl of pumpkin soup topped with seeds, set on a wooden table inside the winery.

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

Bottle of Palatine Hills Ramblers Schmoozer with a glass poured, paired with a glazed pastry on a white plate, with a pink cocktail on the side.

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

Bottle of Peller Estates Private Reserve Chardonnay with a glass poured, paired with a paper cup of creamy soup and a spoon, on a light countertop.

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: Seasonal Sparkling Juice Mocktail

Dietary Info: Vegetarian

Bottle of Pillitteri “Bring Me Flowers” white wine with a glass poured, paired with three mozzarella balls drizzled with sauce and greens on a rectangular plate, inside the winery.

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

Bottle of Queenston Mile Shiraz with a glass poured, paired with a beef burger topped with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, served on a square white plate.

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

Bottle of Ravine Sand & Gravel Cabernet with a glass poured, paired with a tostada topped with beef, onions, and sour cream, set on a rustic wooden table.x

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

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

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

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

Bottle of FRESH Wines red with a glass poured, paired with a small slider sandwich on a white plate, set on a table with greenery outside the window.

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

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: Seasonal Sparkling Juice Mocktail

Dietary Info: Gluten free

Bottle of Wayne Gretzky Estates Chardonnay with a glass poured, paired with a small baked tart on a dark plate, set on a counter.

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: Seasonal Sparkling Juice Mocktail

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