Home to some of Ontario’s most delicious local produce and wines, Niagara never wastes an opportunity to celebrate the fruits of its labour. Explore five of the region’s best wineries below.
Two Sisters Vineyards
Sisters Angela and Melissa Marotta started Two Sisters Vineyards with the goal of producing premium Niagara wines and creating a beautiful place for wine lovers to eat and explore. The grounds span 130 acres, with planted varietals including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Their dedication and selection of delicious wines won them Canada’s Best Performing Small Winery award in 2018.
Wayne Gretzky Estates
1219 Niagara Stone Road | Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Beloved for more than its famous namesake, the Wayne Gretzky Estates: Winery & Distillery is the only one of its kind in the Niagara region. Visit to try some of The Great One’s wines, whiskies and spirits. Their tastings cost $22 a person and allow you to sample four beverages in their cozy tasting hall. If you’re stopping by for an impromptu visit, grab a bite to eat at their Beer Garden or Whiskey Bar decked out in field games and all. In the winter time, check out their outdoor skating rink.
Trius Winery & Restaurant
1249 Niagara Stone Road | Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
What could be better than good food, delicious wine and a gorgeous bucolic setting? Wine and culinary lovers can find it all at Trius Winery & Restaurant, where executive chef Frank Dodd’s delicious dishes are paired with award-winning wines. They have an intimate outdoor patio that’s warm and inviting, plus a seasonal Wine Garden that’s perfect for catching up with friends over a more casual drink.
Colaneri Estate Winery
348 Concession 6 Road | Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Enjoy the drive up to the family owned and operated Colaneri Estate Winery, which features a beautiful Spanish-style building in the heart of the vineyard. Owner Mike Colaneri had the vision of creating the winery in the shape of a “C”, not only symbolic of his family name but so that visitors can embrace the captivating view. Their retail store overlooks the winery’s production area where people can experience the sights and sounds of the winemaking process.
Reif Estate Winery
15608 Niagara Parkway | Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
For those that fancy a bit of history with their wine, be sure to visit Reif Estate Winery. Founded in 1982 by Ewald Reif, the 125 acre farm is one of the region’s founding family wineries. To date, the winery produces wines from its vineyard that was first planted in 1977. When you visit, try their 2018 vintage of Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine which won gold the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, England.
There’s a lot to love about Niagara — so why not call it home? A new release of townhomes are now selling at Empire Imagine from the low $800’s.
Photos courtesy of: Open Table Blog (Trius Winery); Bed and Breakfast Niagara on the Lake & Niagara Falls Hotel (Reif Estate Winery).