Relaxed vibes, easy drinkers and the biggest nachos we’ve ever seen
FULL DAY | YEAR-ROUND | EASY PACE
Fun, Not Fussy
TRIP PLANNER
No pinky’s out on this trip to wine country
Take a break from your regularly scheduled craft brewery programming and expand your palate at wineries with anti-snob atmosphere.
MORNING KICKOFF
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Vibe: Relaxed farmhouse kitchen, not a “chateau.”
Staff Pick: Cabernet Franc
One of the most beloved winery restaurants in the region, but they also have an incredible bakery and café so you can load up before the first tasting gets poured.
Palatine Hills Estate Winery
Vibe: If your favourite craft brewery was making wine instead
Staff Pick: Overtime Meritage
Now in its third-generation, owner Charles and winemaker Vadim are taking the snobby, pretentious part out of wine and bringing it to the bonfire. They’ve got a running club and an on-site spa experience* (*seasonal).
The Backyard Spa Project
A glass of wine is even more relaxing after a sauna and cold plunge on location at Palatine Hills Estate Winery in Niagara’s First Mobile Nordic Sauna
Niagara Hidden Gems & Things to Do in Niagara
Niagara Gorge
4009 Niagara River Pkwy — Niagara Falls
This forested hiking trail into the Niagara Glen starts with some rickety wood stairs, through various water features before opening up into the whirlpool where locals have picnics and go fishing on their days off.
“Grab a bottle to go and dip your feet in the Niagara Gorge.”
Norcini & Co. Butchery & Deli
3567 Portage Rd — Niagara Falls
Legitimately still dreaming about the pastrami sub (the mortadella is next level too). Some of the best steaks you can get, throw some goodies in your cooler for tomorrow.
“Really interesting different cuts of meat. I could have one of their subs every day. I shouldn’t, but I could.”
HERE’S YOUR AFTERNOON
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Vibe: Winery and distillery, approved by #99
Staff Pick: Shiraz Cabernet
Breakup the wine tastings with a whiskey tasting — along with a ton of hockey memorabilia. You miss 100% of the tastings you don’t take.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Vibe: OG wine family making house wines for professional athletes.
Staff Pick: Exclamation Reserve Cabernet Franc
One of the largest icewine producers in the world. The family still lives on the estate — shared with one of NOTL’s favourite pizzas: Barrel Head. Really cool wines to try out, especially if you’re a fan of Italian wines but want to support local.
Where to eat in Niagara
The Grist
78 Four Mile Creek Rd — St. Davids
If your idea of a good meal is massive portions and tons of options, The Grist is the spot for you. An in-house brewery and the biggest nachos we’ve ever seen in our entire life (called “Tachos” because of the addition of tater tots).
Trust Beer Bar
3 Garden Park — St. Catharines
Mainstay for craft Ontario beers and debatably some of the best Mexican around. The team there recommended the Crunch Wrap and it was out-of-control. Finish with a Mezcal-soaked brownie with a blow-torched marshmallow.
Winemakers’ Tasting Pass
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.
$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
