Wine flies when you’re having fun. If you live in Ontario and love wine, you need to go one some Niagara On The Lake wine tours. They make for the perfect weekend road trip to do with your friends, and surprisingly they are rather affordable too.
When it comes to wine tours, you might think you’d need to be a wine expert or at least have some knowledge to enjoy the experience, but that isn’t the case at all. There are tours for everyone. Want to sip rose and take cute photos with your friends, no problem. Do you need help picking wines to serve at dinner parties- they got you. Already have a solid knowledge, and want to try blind tastings -that works too.
While I’d love to suggest that you go to as many wineries as possible, as each offers a unique experience, I’ll do my best to highlight some rockstars in the area. That way, if you only have time to visit one you can find the best one for you.
Trius Winery
Trius Winery is where you want to go if you are having a girl’s weekend spent on Niagara On The Lake wine tours or want to get some Instagram worthy shots. Their tour will take you to fun Instagrammable backdrops where you’ll get to sip everything from bubbly to rose. While learning about the wine does happen, the focus is more on having fun and taking cute photos (while you happen to enjoy many boozy glasses).
Stratus Vineyards
Stratus Vineyards is fantastic for anyone with a bit more wine knowledge under their belt. The reason is they have tons of uncommon wine varietals that you won’t find at the other wineries. But with so many options, it could be overwhelming for some. Thankfully they do have a tasting sheet menu with brief descriptions of all the wines to make it easier for you.
Chocoholics will also want to stop here, as they make a wine-infused chocolate bar that is absolute bliss.
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Wayne Gretzky Estates has something for everyone, from wine, spirits and even beer. If you are going with a group of friends with a wide range of interests, this would be a great choice, and it is conveniently next door to Trius winery so that you could do both.
Inside they offer all sorts of fun classes, from blind tastings, cocktail making and more. But if you prefer, you can also grab a seat at the bar and have a self-guided tasting too. Here the setting is laid back, and you can even play games with your friends on the patio.
When I went, I tried the blind tasting, which was incredible, and I can’t recommend it enough. I got to try several wines, whiskey and even see how the drinks might pair with food. Leaving the class, I felt I gained tons of knowledge and a massive smile on my face.
Peller Estates
One of the main reasons you need to see Peller Estates is for the jaw-dropping ice bar. 10 Below Ice Bar, is made entirely out of ice, and you’ll need to wear their provided parkas before you step in. Within the ice bar, you’ll get to try all sorts of deliciously sweet ice wine. For those of you who find ice wine too sweet, you might be surprised as the wines inside aren’t the icky syrup you’ve had in the past. Instead, they are bottles you’ll find yourself wanting to purchase to bring home and enjoy with friends.