Winery Tours in Niagara Region of Ontario???

August 17, 2006 5:00 AM

Any suggestions or recommendations for Winery tasting / tours in the Niagara region of Ontario? Logistics appreciated.....

Where, when, any reservations or costs involved. Is there are some that serve snacks as well? I am just trying to plan a Sunday afternoon.

Some small unique ones or even large ones would be great!

posted by vidarling to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

I did the Inniskillin tour about 5 years ago and it was a lot of fun. The Jackson-Triggs winery always has something going on.

I highly recommend both.
posted by purephase at 5:20 AM on August 17, 2006

I second the Jackson-Triggs suggestion. They are housed in a fabulous building.

The Strewn winery has a really great restaurant.

You may also wish to plan some time for downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.
posted by doowop at 6:45 AM on August 17, 2006

I would strongly suggest starting with Vineland Estates. Go while the weather is still nice, and eat outside on the deck. The view is stunning. There are several other vineyards within a short distance--I'd suggest finishing with Cave Springs in Jordan, and a dinner that you will never forget (followed, possibly, by a deliciously comfortable and romantic night?) at On The Twenty in Jordan.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:16 AM on August 17, 2006

D'oh... cost is usually pretty damn cheap. Maybe 25pp for the top-end tour, which will usually include cheeses or some sort of nibbly things.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:17 AM on August 17, 2006

Thank you for those great suggestions!
posted by vidarling at 10:13 AM on August 17, 2006

I usually take visitors to Hillebrand. They have tours every half hour during the day (used to be free, now I see they are charging $5 per person, but you don't have to reserve a spot, just show up). It's one of the large wineries but everyone I've taken has enjoyed it. They also have a restaurant there with a patio and it's pretty nice if you want to make a few hours of it.

Here is a map of Niagara wineries - the cluster on the right are all near Niagara-on-the-Lake. We usually drive around there and do a bunch of winery stops/tastings and then go into Niagara-on-the-Lake itself and walk through the downtown. In that area I like Marynissen Estates and Lailey Vineyards.
posted by Melinika at 12:59 PM on August 17, 2006

I'd also suggest renting a minivan or something, and having a designated driver. Sure, sure, you're supposed to swish and spit... but many people (unless you're true oenophiles) will throw that out the window right quick.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 3:16 PM on August 17, 2006

Thanks again, we had a great time.

We stuck with the Beamsville Bench area and hit 6 wineries.

In order of enjoyment , 1 being the best

1. Henry of Pelham
2. Flat Rock Cellars
3. Lakeview Estates
4. Mallivoire
5. Cave Springs
6. Tawse.

It was a nice way to spend an afternoon.
posted by vidarling at 6:53 AM on August 21, 2006

Just wanted to thank everyone for their recommendations here. I was in that region about a week ago and used this thread as a guide.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 10:34 AM on September 22, 2006