How lucky am I that I live 45 minutes from some of the best wineries in Niagara on the Lake?
Seriously, I pinch myself every time I am driving out to the vineyards.
People travel from all over the world to see the Niagara Region…and for good reason. Between the neighboring Niagara Falls, Crystal Beach, Jordan and the town of Niagara on the Lake itself, it has so much to offer.
While all of these areas are great, what brings me out this way the most are the wineries. We go once every two weeks so I can confidently say that I know them inside and out.
I am excited to share my favourite ones and some of the coolest wineries in Niagara on the Lake that are worth visiting!
The Best Family Wineries in Niagara on the Lake
- Best Wine: Two Sisters or Stratus
- Best Fun Vibe: Shiny Apple Cider or Palatine
- Best Restaurant on Site: Two Sisters or Ravine
- Best for a girls day: Trius
How to Get Around the Wineries in Niagara on the Lake?
While you can Uber or designate a driver, what fun is that? I would 100% recommend a Niagara Bike Wine Tour. I have done a few over the years and we always have the best time.
You can do a guided tour through a biking company or you can rent bikes on your own.
I always prefer doing them on our own so we go at our own pace. The E-bike option is something you should consider as you can get from place to place super quick. It also makes it less work on you- especially after a tasting flight or two!
#1. Two Sisters
Two Sisters is one of the most well known wineries in Niagara on the Lake.
The minute you step onto the property you can understand why. It’s classy, upscale and their restaurant has some of the best reviews in the area.
Visiting Two Sisters transports you to Europe. Full stop. It makes you feel like you are somewhere really fun! We did a tasting in the vineyards themselves and decided on a picnic chacuterie option which really allowed us to have the full exeprience.
Where to know before visiting: If you want to eat on site, you NEED reservations. Book in advance.
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- 10 Of the Best Beaches in Hamilton, Ontario
- Ultimate Guide to Norfolk, Ontario: Glamping, Wineries & Beaches!
#2. Trius- One of the Most Instagrammable Wineries in Niagara on the Lake
Trius Winery is hands down the cutest spot in this list if you are visiting Niagara with your girlfriends. There is lots of pink, neon lights, bubbly flowing and a ton of spots to hang out at.
You actually can spend the whole day here if you wanted! They have a tasting area, full menu restaurant, sparkling wine bar and the option for a full tour of all the spaces.
Tip: I would 100% recommend booking a tour as you get to visit all of the rooms. Some of the rooms are designated to ONLY tours ( if you saw any of the interior swings or Rose all Day sign these are the spots that you can visit on the tour!)
#3. Pillitteri Estate Winery
Pillitteri Estates Winery opened back in 1993 and has become a house hold name over the years- specially for it’s ice wine ( which was praised by Queen Elizabeth herself on a Niagara on the Lake visit!).
The owner was always so passionate about wine and worked in the business his whole life before making his dream of owning his own spot a reality.
More recently they have really amplified their offerings and have onsite pizza ovens, a cocktail menu and live music on most weekends! It’s such a well rounded destination that you can’t miss!
#4. Ravine Winery
If you are craving a winery in Niagara on the Lake that has rustic charm and serves up the best pizza in the region, immediately go to Ravine Winery.
Not only do they serve up pizza but they have an incredible farm to table menu ( they have an on site garden!) that will have you ordering just about everything
Additionally, the winery houses the families 100+ year old farm that has been thoughtfully restored and maintained over the years. It says a lot about the winery that has evolved over the years but has also stayed true to it’s roots.
#5. Shiny Apple Cider
Say hello to the brightest and cutest cider house in Niagara on the Lake.- Shiny Apple Cider
All of the apples used to make the ciders are grown at local Ontario farms and are produced to create over 7 varieties! They are vegan and gluten free and oh so tasty!
I would recommend starting your wine tour/route here as it’s a bit lighter and pairs beautifully with a few pastries! They also have “Mimosa Sundays” if you want to visit then!!
#6. Stratus Wines
If I was to describe Stratus, I would call it the modern and sleek kid of the bunch. It’s ultra luxe and at the same time is known for it’s sustainability efforts.
It was one of the first wineries to become LEED certified which says a lot and their wine selection is ultra premium. You can’t find Stratus in the LCBO which makes me always enjoy a glass here more!
The modern architecture definitely makes Stratus a stand out winery and I would add this one to your list just for that fact alone.
#7. The Hare Wine Co
With over 10 acres of vineyards and farm, The Hare Wine Co serves up beautiful ice wines, full body reds and light and refreshing Rieslings.
Even though the grounds are expansive, this winery feels intimate and warm. Their main building is decked in string lights making it feel super romantic and picturesque. Make sure to do a tasting experience which offers up 1oz samples from their premium series of wine selections!
#8. Konzelmann Estate Winery
Konzelmann Estates is another Niagara on the Lake winery that gives “Europe”. It’s like a Castle has been transported right into the winery!
What I love about this winery is that it is one of the only wineries that sits on the waterfront! They also have a ton of extra experiences ( like Domes in the winter), food pairings and more!
#8. AMO Winery
Want to talk about the most swanky winery in Niagara on the Lake? It’s this one right here!
Welcome to Amo Wineries which is one of the newest wineries to open in the region!
You can expect some delicious tasting bites to pair with their marvelous wine selection. And it doesn’t stop there, the interior space is rich in character: think velvet chairs, mahogany accents and moody tones. If it’s raining, this is the spot to go but if it’s not their patios filled with cabanas will also blow your mind!
#9. Palatine Estate- The Hipster Winery of Niagara on the Lake
Image via their website
Palatine Winery is a winery in Niagara on the Lake that has been around for ages yet is still a hidden gem! The owners have really reinvented it over the years but has remained a family spot through the generations.
They have a well manicured patio that makes you feel like you are at a younger and hip winery. You also can catch a ton of events there from Music Sundays to Food Pop Ups! Check their event page for the latest and greatest.
#10. Chateau des Charmes
Chateau des Charmes is the winery in NOTL that makes you feel like you are in France.
Entering the estate property literally can leave you speechless- it’s that stunning! If you really, really, really love it, you can also get married here
Tip: Make sure to check/call them before visiting because it is often booked for weddings on the weekend!
#10. Between the Lines Winery
Do you like cute red barns? Head to Between the Lines Winery! This is one of the best Niagara on the Lake wineries for those who love a classic and cozy spot!
They have a wine tasting spot, restaurant and tour option and you can’t go wrong with either option!
Their popular blends are their Riesling and Cab Franc but you really can’t go wrong with any selection here!
Other Favourite Wineries in Beamsville and Jordan:
- 13th Street Winery: This is the perfect winery to visit with kids! It’s spacious, has an art gallery on site, and even a little shop with famous butter tarts that you need to buy ( TRUST ME!)
- Vineland Estates: Romantic date night spot! Food is incredible and the restaurant itself is perched up with views of the vineyards AND water in the distance
- Westcott Winery: Sophisticated with a killer restaurant on site. This winery is one of our favourites that we keep returning to.
- Tawse Winery: Cute place for a tasting. They also have live music sometimes!
- The Good Earth: One of my favourites restaurants in Ontario! Obsessed!
Best Breweries in Niagara on the Lake:
- Oast House– This is my favourite brewery in Niagara on the Lake. It has everything you need plus more- killer food menu, awesome patio overlooking the hop fields and it often has some fun events that it hosts throughout the summer!
- Silversmith Brewing– Fancy having a beer in a restored church? This is the place for you then! The interior space here is absolutely stunning ( how could it not be with the stain glass windows!) and their beer is actually really good too.
- Exchange Brewery- This place is right on the main street in Niagara on the Lake making it a very easy brewery to hit up if your hotel is in town!
Where to Stay in Niagara on the Lake
There are several lodging options along with many Air bnb options in the Niagara on the Lake area. I find many of them a bit outdated and I feel like the area could use a few more options overall. Here are my top 3 choices that are each unique!
- The Pillar and Post – A classic hotel in town with an excellent restaurant right on site and a spa! I do enjoy it here more during the winter as it has the ultimate cozy vibes!
- 124 on Queen– Newly renovated with a sleek on site spa, 124 is probably my favourite choice of the bunch and it’s right in town!
- The Rose House– a perfect place to stay for a Bachelorette or Girls Getaway!
We absolutely adore the Niagara on the Lake region and love visiting all the wineries in the area. We pretty much go there once every two weeks so feel like we know our wineries if I do say so! Whether you are planning a wine tour or just want to visit one of them, I hope you find this winery list helpful!
Please always reach out on Instagram or email me with any specific questions you might have!
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