Niagara wine region
The Niagara peninsula is the largest and most concentrated winemaking region in Canada.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside along Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, and protected by the elevations and ridges of the Niagara Escarpment, vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula, Niagara Benchlands and Niagara-on-the-Lake flourish with a terroir perfect for cool-climate wines.
Because wine production is so integral to the culture of this region, it’s also home to Canada's only educational winery, Niagara College Teaching Winery and Culinary Institute.
Enjoy mouth-watering wines all year round, from varietals such as Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. Seasonally, you’ll also find glorious Rosés, popular late-harvest batches and Icewine.
Quick guide to Niagara wine region
Find a winery
With wineries spread across a viticulture area of 5,500 hectares, there’s a lot of ground to cover.
Visit stately wineries steeped in local history at multi-generation, family-run operations. Or check out progressive properties taking innovative new approaches. Get to know the passionate vintners behind the scenes at small batch boutique operations.
Tastings and tours
In Niagara, tours and tastings are anything but ordinary, from cheese and chocolate pairings, swirling and sipping seminars to cellar tours.
Leave the planning to the experts and book a personalized wine tour, either by luxury coach, limo, bicycle, on a Segway or for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, by helicopter.
Best time to visit Niagara wineries
Wine lovers will be happy to hear wine appreciation at Niagara’s Wineries is a four-season affair.
The warm summer months of June, July and August deliver long days outdoors, dining al-fresco and local farm stalls and markets brimming with fresh wine-pairing fruit like strawberries and peaches. Harvest season runs from September through November and is an equally attractive time to tour Niagara’s wineries, with the splendour of the fall colours as a dramatic backsplash.
Try Icewine
Arguably Niagara’s most famous product is its world-renowned Icewine, which is made from frozen grapes. Sample award-winning Icewine from a number of wineries in the region.
Get inspired
Planning your Niagara wine adventure in Ontario? Get started with these helpful articles.
Ready to explore more? Get started.
Know before you go
Drink responsibly
In Ontario, you must be at least 19 years old to order, handle and consume alcohol. Ontario has a zero tolerance policy on impaired driving.
Extend your trip
Although Niagara’s wine country is suitable for a day trip, you may wish to plan for a longer visit to fully experience the breadth of wine related experiences, including wine pairing at one of the many farm to table restaurants or a wine inspired treatment at an upscale spa. Consider central accommodations to minimize your designated driver’s time behind the wheel, or better yet, choose to stay at a working winery.
Attend a local festival
Wine-inspired celebrations are held throughout the year from the summer Homegrown Wine Festival to the Grape and Wine Festival in fall and the Icewine Festival each January.
Last updated: October 17, 2024