First Timer NOTL Classics
TRIP PLANNER
The wineries that put Canada on the map
FULL DAY | YEAR-ROUND | MODERATE PACE
Niagara wine’s greatest hits
This is what all the fuss is about in wine country. These wineries have become icons and we’ve also got food recommendations so you can dine like a local.
MORNING KICKOFF
Inniskillin
Vibe: Choose your own adventure: cellar tour, observatory, patio.
Staff Pick: Sparkling Vidal Icewine
The first estate winery licensed in Canada since Prohibition, and the name that took Canadian Icewine global. You’re going to be overwhelmed with choice so let their team guide you!
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Vibe: The only winery literally on-the-Lake
Staff Pick: Peach Wine
Fifth generation, originally from outside Stuttgart, and the one property on this list where you can see Lake Ontario from the vines. It was a 45-acre peach orchard when Herbert Konzelmann bought it — he cleared it, ended up with an absurd volume of peaches, and did the only thing he knew how to do with fruit.
Niagara Hidden Gems & Things to Do in Niagara
Walker's Country Market
15796 Niagara River Pkwy
Immaculate local fruits and vegetables, old-fashioned baking and picnic-perfect sandwiches. Family-run for over 90 years, Walker’s is just perfect. There’s also a church in the parking lot. You’ll see.
“Probably the best egg salad sandwich you can get around. And the butter tarts — I probably eat an amount of those in the summer I wouldn’t like to admit.”
“That’s my favourite restaurant. I enjoy the steak and a local beer from Oast House. Very good.”
Silks Country Kitchen
1501 Niagara Stone Rd — Virgil
Brunch where the locals actually brunch. Same owners for thirty years, some of the staff for nearly as long. Going later in the day? Everyone loves their steaks. The kind of steak you eat with steak sauce but in a good way.
HERE’S YOUR AFTERNOON
Reif Estate Winery
Vibe: German castle and terraced patio
Staff Pick: The Magician Shiraz/Pinot
Vines first planted here in 1977, family history going back thirteen generations in Germany. Themed flights, blind tastings, food pairings and a sensory garden out front.
Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant
Vibe: The grand one. Winery restaurant, and the ice lounge.
Staff Pick: Sparkling Ice Cuvée
Fifty-plus years in the business. You can see the vines from the property. A proper destination restaurant, and tasting rooms built out of ice* (*seasonal). A must-visit and a customizable experience depending on your interests and timing.
The best desserts in NOTL according to locals
The Grove
1267 Niagara Stone Rd
At least three wineries mentioned how much they love The Grove. There’s a lot of heart and soul put into everything there: homemade ice cream and sorbet, butter tarts, preserves. And everyone is so freaking nice there.
“The most amazing ice cream and fabulous, fabulous sorbets.”
“It’s one of those places where you can see the production, where they’re making everything. I’ve never had a bad one”
Fritters on the Lake
217 King St — Old Town
Tucked around a corner in Old Town, you don’t want to miss out on these homemade fritters. They are fried fresh to order using fresh Niagara fruit. Add some ice cream!
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
