Niagara wine country in Ontario is known for its picturesque vineyards, delicious wines, and award-winning wineries. With over 100 wineries in the region, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. In this blog, we have curated a list of the top 10 wineries in Niagara wine country, based on their wine quality, tasting experiences, and overall ambiance.
1. Inniskillin Wines
Founded in 1974, Inniskillin is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Niagara wine country. Their specialty is Icewine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen on the vine. Inniskillin has won numerous awards for their Icewine, including the prestigious Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vinexpo in Bordeaux. In addition to Icewine, they also produce a range of white, red, and rosé wines. The winery’s tasting room is located in a rustic farmhouse, and visitors can enjoy a tasting flight paired with local cheese and charcuterie.
2. Peller Estates Winery
Peller Estates is a family-owned winery that has been operating in Niagara wine country since 1969. They are known for their innovative approach to winemaking and commitment to sustainability. Their signature wine is the Ice Cuvée, a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with small bites at the Barrel House Grill.
3. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
Jackson-Triggs is another family-owned winery that has been producing wine in Niagara wine country since 1993. Their focus is on producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. They offer a wide range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with small bites at the Terrace Restaurant.
4. Trius Winery
Trius Winery is located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake and is known for its award-winning red wines. Their flagship wine is the Trius Red, a Bordeaux-style blend that has won numerous awards over the years. The winery offers a range of tasting experiences, including a guided tasting paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie, and a wine and food pairing experience at their onsite restaurant, Trius Winery Restaurant.
5. Two Sisters Vineyards
Two Sisters Vineyards is a boutique winery owned by the Marotta family. Their focus is on producing premium wines from estate-grown grapes. Their signature wine is the Lush, a Bordeaux-style blend that has won multiple awards. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with small bites at the Kitchen76 restaurant.
6. Reif Estate Winery
Reif Estate Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Niagara wine country, with a history dating back to 1982. They produce a range of varietals, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Visitors to the winery can take a guided tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie at the onsite restaurant, The Farmhouse Café.
7. Château des Charmes
Château des Charmes is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 40 years. They specialize in cool-climate grape varieties such as Riesling, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir, but also produce a range of red, white, and rosé wines. Visitors to the winery can take a guided tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. They also offer food and wine pairing experiences at their onsite restaurant, the Vineyard Café, which features farm-to-table cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
8. Stratus Vineyards
Stratus Vineyards is a sustainable winery that produces high-quality wines using organic and biodynamic farming practices. They are known for their Bordeaux-style blends, including their signature Stratus Red. Visitors to the winery can take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with small bites at the onsite restaurant, The Inn at Stratus.
9. Malivoire Wine Company
Malivoire Wine Company is a small, family-owned winery that has been producing wine in Niagara wine country since 1995. They are known for their cool-climate wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. Visitors to the winery can take a guided tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with local cheese and charcuterie.
10. Hinterbrook Estate Winery
Hinterbrook Estate Winery is a boutique winery that produces small-batch wines from estate-grown grapes. They are known for their Cabernet Franc and Riesling, which have won numerous awards. Visitors to the winery can take a guided tour of the vineyards and production facilities, and enjoy a tasting flight paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie at the onsite tasting room.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, Niagara wine country in Ontario is a must-visit destination. With so many amazing wineries to choose from, you’re sure to find a wine that suits your taste buds. We hope this guide to the top 10 wineries in Niagara wine country helps you plan your next wine tasting adventure. Cheers!
