15 Best Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: A Wine Tour

Looking for Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries to visit? Our travel guide, features some of the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake!

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is world-renowned for its wines, being one of the four appellations (grape-growing regions) in Ontario alongside Lake Erie North Shore, Twenty Valley and Prince Edward County.

Did you know? Niagara-on-the-Lake is the birthplace of Ontario’s modern wine industry.

It’s not surprising that winery hopping is one of the best things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and also in Niagara Falls, which is only about a 25-minute drive.

You’ll usually see tour buses and limousines and even cyclists doing Niagara on the lake bike wine tours stopping at various vineyards across the area.

What makes it even better is you get to do this in such beautiful surroundings.

Check discounted Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tours on GetYourGuide / Viator

In fact, Niagara-on-the-Lake is recognized as the Prettiest Town in Canada.

This is also what makes the region’s wines so special: its terroir is influenced by its proximity to Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Escarpment.

During a weekend, my friends and I did a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a winery trip!

We used the the Winemakers’ Selection Tasting Pass, which allowed us to visit 25 Niagara on the Lake wineries and sample their winemaker’s selection of best/rare/interesting wines for only $25!

It was seriously such a great deal and an awesome way to explore the wine country!

The pass itself is good throughout the year, but we wanted to see how many we can do in a day.

The result: 15 of the best Niagara on the Lake wineries and 20+ samples of wine! And, yes, we had a designated driver.

We’re covering them all in this Niagara wine and wineries guide!

Note: As of May 2023, the pass now costs $40 (plus taxes and fees) for 20 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and valid from January 2-December 31 2023, Mondays to Fridays.

More behind the scenes on Travelling Foodie Instagram: @TravellingFoodie for Food and @JourneyTraveler for Travel

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Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation is what makes these wines unique and special.

Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries can be categorized in the sub-appellation they belong based on the geographic region they reside: Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek, St. David’s Bench and Niagara River.

During the trip, we were only able to visit three of the sub-appellations (Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek and Niagara River).

This winery guide covers some of the best wineries in Niagara on the Lake in these areas.

Pandemic Note from Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake: “Many wineries now require appointments in order to manage the space at their wineries to maintain proper physical distancing.”

Also Read: Day Trip in Niagara Parks, Ontario

Niagara River Sub-Appellation Wineries

These are the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake that are directly adjacent from the Niagara River.

Inniskillin Wines

Inniskillin is one of the oldest wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

They are one of the most popular wineries for icewine, and, therefore, it was fitting that their winemaker’s selection was the 2017 Riesling Ice Wine.

According to Winemaker Bruce Nicholson, riesling is the “ultimate variety for icewine” because of its natural high acidity that balances with the rich concentrated flavours.

One thing you’ll notice is the term “VQA” on the label.

VQA means Vintners Quality Alliance, and they ensure strict quality assurance that the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries produce wines that are entirely made from grapes grown in the region.

Inniskillin have one of the larger estates in the region, which features several restored and redesigned historic buildings including the Brae Burn Barn (tasting room) as well as an exclusive dining forum, Founders’ Hall.

Website / Address: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Riverview Cellars

Just around the corner from Inniskillin is Riverview Cellars, a family-run winery adjacent to the Niagara River.

Winemaker Alyssa Bator’s selection is the 2015 Angelina’s Reserve Gewurztraminer, which has aromas of rose petals and lychee, and tastes of peach and ginger.

In the Wine Country Ontario’s Travel Guide, you’ll learn Wine Tasting 101 with these four S(imple) tips: See, Swirl, Smell and Swish.

Seeing the colour of the wine by holding it up against light actually gives a hint about the grape variety, and indicates age of the wine or vintage.

Also Read: Malibu Wine Hikes in Conejo Valley, California

Website / Address: 15376 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Reif Estate Winery

Along the Niagara River as well is Reif Estate Winery, one of founding family wineries in Niagara on the Lake, founded in 1982.

Winemaker Roberto DiDomenico’s selection is the 2016 Shiraz Reserve that features shiraz harvested from a 15 year-old farm across the street from the winery.

Website / Address: 15608 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Lailey Winery

North of Reif Estate Winery along the Niagara River is Lailey Winery, which has one of the oldest plantings in the Niagara region on a 23-acre property.

The winemaker’s selection is the 2013 Chardonnay Curious made from the oldest chardonnay vines in the region dating back 1975.

This was definitely the best chardonnay I’ve had.

It was light and crisp, but had lingering after-taste of peaches and pear.

Website / Address: 15940 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant

The nothernmost winery along Niagara River Sub-Appellation is Peller Estates Winery, which started out from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

Here we were offered a flight of three wines, which included the winemaker’s selection along with the staff’s selection of 2016 Vintage Sauvignon Blanc and 2016 Vintage Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Katie Dickieson’s selection is the Andrew Peller Signature Series Ice Cuvee, one of their most awarded wines.

This was the first time I’ve had Ice Cuvee, and it ended up being my favourite for the trip.

I was mindblown by this traditional sparkling wine mixed with vidal icewine.

It had the perfect balance of being in between white wine and icewine in sweetness, but still highlighting the tropical fruits and citrus notes from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Among all the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, Peller Estates is the only one serving Ice Cuvee so be sure to make a stop if you want to try!

Website / Address: 290 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Niagara Lakeshore Sub-Appellation: Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake

These Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries border from the shores of Lake Ontario up to inland for approximately 3 kilometers along Line 1 Road.

Joseph’s Estate Wines

After our lunch in Old Town, we continued with our Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries tour to Joseph’s Estate Winery, founded by Dr. Joseph Pohorly, a pioneer of Icewine in 1980s.

During our trip, they didn’t have the winemaker’s selection available so they let us try the Proprietor’s Reserve 2014 Riesling instead, which is the wine for the Sip & Sizzle Touring Pass.

Also Read: Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station, Ontario

Website / Address: 1811 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Stratus Vineyards

Nearby Joseph’s Estate Wines along Niagara Stone Road is Stratus Vineyards.

This is one of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries with interesting architecture: a futuristic-looking gravity flow winery distinguished by its LEED-certified facility.

Winemaker JL Groux’s selection is 2014 Stratus Red, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

I actually really liked the wine, even more so as I enjoyed the beautiful views outside the patio.

Website / Address: 2059 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Jackson Triggs Estate Winery

If you’re looking for Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries that are close to Old Town, the closet one is Jackson Triggs Estate Winery.

Winemaker Marco Piccoli’s selection is the 2014 Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, made in the traditional method but with a not so traditional grape.

This was my first time trying Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, and I really enjoyed it!

I find this is a great bubbly option with its crisp and refreshing taste.

Among the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Jackson Triggs Estate Winery is dubbed Canada’s most awarded winery.

Website / Address: 2145 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Strewn Winery

Our next stops were Niagara on the Lake wineries directly adjacent to Lake Ontario.

First stop was Strewn Winery, which started as a local fruit cannery and evolved to a winery.

Here we got to sample two wines.

Winemaker Marc Bradshaw’s selection is the 2016 Sparkler, a Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc to celebrate Strewn’s 20th anniversary.

Did you know? The Sparkler is the first sparkling wine they crafted.

Among the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, Strewn is the only one with both an on-site Wine Country Cooking School and a restaurant called the OLiv.

They wanted us to try the 2016 Terroir Pinot Blanc because Strewn grows about 10% of all the Pinot Blanc in Ontario which makes it a specialty for them.

I have to say it is one of the best Pinot Blanc I’ve had, and I actually liked this more than the Sparkler so I’m glad we got to try this one too.

Website / Address: 1339 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

Also Read: Tidal Bay Wine, A Guide to Nova Scotia’s Wine Appellation

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Hinterbrook Estate Winery

Right next to Strewn is Hinterbrook Estate Winery, is one of the unique wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake committed to practicing ecological sustainability by using solar and geothermal power and water recycling to create their wines.

Hinterbrook Estate Winery didn’t have the winemaker’s selection available, so they let us choose one wine of our choice from the tasting menu.

I sampled the 2014 Special Select Late Harvest Riesling, which I found was a really great alternative to Icewine if you want something less sweet.

Website / Address: 1181 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Konzelmann Estate Winery

Next stop was Konzelmann Estate Winery, founded by winemaking pioneer Herbert Konzelmann from Germany in 1984.

This is one of the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake if you want to be by the lake because it is Niagara’s only lakefront winery

Here we got a flight of two wines of our choice.

I tried the 2015 Barrel Aged Merlot Reserved because I love merlot, and the 2016 Vidal Special Late Harvest to finish on a sweeter note.

Website / Address: 1096 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

Also Read: 2 Day Trip in Norfolk County, Ontario

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Palatine Hills Estate Winery

Our last stop on the Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellation was Palatine Hills Estate Winery, a family run winery that started as a vineyard growing grapes for consumption.

Here we were offered a flight of three wines of our choice.

The first I tried was the 2016 Neufeld Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay which was a new release.

For my second one, I initially wanted to try the 2012 Neufeld Vineyard Reserve Merlot, but they ran out.

I opted for 2012 Neufeld Vineyard Reserve Meritage since it has 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc.

It won Silver in the Intervin Wine Awards 2017.

My last one would be a sweet one again.

I got the 2016 Gewurztraminer Icewine because it was my first time seeing it.

All the other Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries we visited didn’t have this.

Travelling Foodie Tip: Ask for a free tasting of the Overlander Cider (Extra Dry).

Website / Address: 911 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Four Mile Creek Sub-Appellation: Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries

These best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake are located at the centre of the sub-appellations: south of Niagara Lakeshore, west of Niagara River and north of St. David’s Bench.

Marynissen Estates Winery

Our third Niagara on the Lake wineries stop was Marynissen Estates Winery.

Winemaker Marc Pistor’s selection is the single varietal 2015 Cabernet Franc to highlight the region’s soil and climate that allows for this great version of a versatile wine.

If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, Marynissen is one of the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit because it is home to the oldest commercial planting of Cabernet Sauvignon in Canada.

Website / Address: 1208 Concession 1 Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Trius Winery & Restaurant

As the day was ending, we saved the last two Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries which closed the latest.

First one was at Trius Winery & Restaurant, which has the largest underground sparkling wine cellar in Canada.

Did you know? Trius’ winemaker is 2016 Winemaker of the Year Craig McDonald.

Here we were offered a flight of 3 wines of our choice (left to right in photo): Trius Rose, Showcase Riesling Icewine and Showcase Cabernet Franc Icewine.

To fully experience the icewine, follow the last S of Wine Tasting 101.

Swish the wine in your mouth for 5-10 seconds, and experience the burst of flavours evolving.

Also Read: Best of Windsor-Essex County, Ontario

Website / Address: 1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery

Last stop for the Niagara wineries trip was Wayne Gretzky Estates, Niagara’s newest destination winery and distillery with a whiskey bar patio and skating rink.

Winemaker Craig McDonald’s selection is the 2015 Estate Series Shiraz Cabernet, a blend of 62% Shiraz, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

What makes this blend so unique is each varietal received barrel malolactic fermentation, then nine months of oak barrel aging before the wines were blended together.

The final assemblage was then put back into barrel for a further 3 months (20% of the barrels were new oak; 50% American oak and 50% French oak).

Website / Address: 1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0

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MAP of Wineries in Niagara on the Lake (NOTL)

Here’s a map with all the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries covered in this travel guide.

When you’re planning a trip to Ontario’s wine country, a useful resource to bring is the Wine Country Ontario’s Travel Guide here.

This comprehensive guide will tell you everything about Ontario’s wine countries including the wineries (with a plotted map), restaurants, activities and accommodations for each region.

There are also lots of information and tips about wine which comes in handy during wine tasting.

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How’s that for a day of wine hopping? Hope this gives you an idea on some of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries.

It’s always fun to winery hop in a wine country. Use this as inspiration to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries or the other Ontario’s wine countries, and do a getaway yourself because you deserve to wine down and smell the rosé!

Be sure to save this Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries Travel Guide so you know the don’t make pour decisions.

What do you find are the best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Let me know!

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Huge thanks to Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for sponsoring this post. As usual, reviews and opinions are entirely my own.

You can learn more about Wine Country Ontario thru their website, or find them in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.