Best Niagara-On-The-Lake Wineries in Ontario, Canada

I’ve always enjoyed visiting Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the entire Niagara Region. On my last trip, despite not being a big wine drinker, I decided on a whim to explore some of the local Niagara wineries. I’m so glad I did! 

Every winery I visited was welcoming, friendly, and stunningly beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to experience beyond just tasting wine.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just someone who appreciates beautiful estates and great food, Niagara-on-the-Lake is definitely worth a visit.

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Choosing the Best Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) has more than 20 wineries, with the Niagara wine region as a whole featuring around 100. From small, intimate, family-run wineries to large, well-known Ontario estates, the variety is impressive. 

The best part? There’s no cost to simply visit these wineries, though tours and tastings usually come with a fee. It’s also easy to add a visit to a winery to your day trip to Niagara Falls. 

You can just drive (or cycle) up, walk in, and take a look around! It’s also entirely possible to visit several wineries in one day if you choose to do so.

Whether you’re planning a day out with friends, a romantic date night, a girls’ weekend, or a bachelor or bachelorette party, visiting the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a fantastic way to experience the heart of Ontario.

15 Best Niagara Wineries for Ambiance and Experience

In compiling this list of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, I focused on the ambiance and overall experience rather than the taste or quality of the wines. 

Wine tasting is a personal journey, so I’ll leave the choice of the best Niagara wine to your own taste buds! Instead, these recommendations are based on the locations where I felt most relaxed and welcomed.

If you’re wondering if Niagara Falls is worth visiting, these wineries add an extra layer of interest to your trip.

1. Peller Estates Winery

Address: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Unique 10Below Icewine Lounge
• Patio overlooking lush vineyards
• Upscale restaurant open for lunch and dinner
• Family friendly estate

I absolutely loved my visit to Peller Estates, one of the more recognized wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The property is large and has a family-friendly atmosphere. It is both welcoming and beautiful!

For dining, you have options ranging from the fine dining experience at The Winery Restaurant to the more relaxed Terrace Wine Bar, which overlooks the stunning Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards.

One of the must-try items is their sangria icewine slushie—it was delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day!

A standout highlight of the Peller Estates is the 10Below Icewine Lounge. This igloo-like lounge is Niagara’s only venue where you can taste ice wine at -10°C. Don’t worry – they provide coats to keep you warm during the tour.  Various Tours and wine tastings are also available. 

With various tours, beautiful scenery, interesting pairing experiences, and a friendly atmosphere, I consider Peller Estates to be the best winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

2. Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery

Address: 1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Year-round outdoor heated patio with skating rink in the winter
• Wayne Gretsky hockey memorabilia on display
• Exellent Gift Shop with a variety of merchandise
• Tastings that include wine, whisky, beer and cocktails

It’s no surprise that Wayne Gretzky Winery & Distillery is one of the most popular wineries in NOTL. Owned by one of Canada’s most beloved hockey players, this winery is a great spot for both sports fans and those who appreciate good food and drink.

The estate is impressively designed, featuring the Whisky Bar Patio, an outdoor area that’s open year-round with heaters in the cooler months. The reflective pool even transforms into a skating rink during the winter!

In the summer, you can play pool, ping pong, or corn hole on weekend afternoons in the Wine Garden. There are also options to taste wine, whisky, beer, or cocktails at this estate. The food is also excellent here. 

Due to its popularity, it’s recommended to make reservations if you want to dine on the patio or join a tour, as it can get quite busy here. 

3. Trius Winery and Restaurant

Address: 1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Art installations perfect for Instagram photo opportunities
• Aesthetically stunning
• Restaurant and seasonal wine garden
• Cotton Candy

Trius Winery is conveniently located right next to Wayne Gretzky’s, making it easy to visit both locations in one trip. 

Trius offers one of the most Instagrammable winery tours with its various art installations. These special spots, like the Rosé Lookout, Sparkling Cellar, and Sparkling House, however, are only accessible through their exclusive Trius Tour.

The tours are not only informative but also a lot of fun, showcasing a variety of wines and ending with a sweet touch—cotton candy! 

For dining, you can enjoy vineyard views from the elegant Trius Winery Restaurant or opt for a table in the seasonal Wine Garden. 

4. Pillitteri Estates Winery

Address: 1696 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Delicious wood fired pizza
• Outdoor patio with live music
• Family friendly
• Award winning ice wines

My recent visit to Pillitteri Estates Winery was a delicious experience, thanks to their highly recommended wood-fired pizza. I tried the Sweet Heat pizza at the BarrelHead Wine Pizza Patio, and it did not disappoint! 

The patio is a charming spot, often featuring live music, making it the perfect place for a relaxed, family-friendly meal.

Pillitteri is renowned as the largest estate producer of icewine in the world and is a family-run estate with over 900 awards to its name. They offer a 45-minute tour experience that includes a tasting of four wines, providing a great introduction to their offerings. 

For those who prefer a more casual experience, walk-in wine tastings are also available. 

Whether you’re there for the wine, the pizza, or the ambiance, Pillitteri Estates Winery is a delightful place to visit.

5. Konzelmann Estate Winery

Address: 1096 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Only lakefront winery
• Famous for their peach wine
• Private Vineyard Dome Experience available
• Unique pairing experiences, including chocolate and junk food
• Reduced designated driver prices for those not drinking

Konzelmann Estate Winery stands out as the only winery right on the lake. They’re well-known for their peach wine, and while I haven’t tried it yet, the Peach Sangria is definitely on my list for my next visit!

The winery offers a cozy outdoor fire pit and tasting area, as well as a private igloo that can be reserved for tastings. The dome is a completely private setup featuring a charcuterie board and wine pairings—perfect for a date night or an anniversary celebration.

In addition to the Vineyard Dome Experience, a Chocolate Pairing Experience, a Junk Food Pairing, and a Tour and Tasting are available. Of course, you can also have a guided tour of the facilities. 

Another excellent feature is the designated driver pricing, so non-drinkers can join the winery tour without participating in the tasting at a reduced rate.

6. Château des Charmes

Address: 1025 York Rd, St. Davids, ON

• Unique wine pairings
• Exclusive Cabana rentals
• Stunning estate and property

Château des Charmes is one of the prettiest wineries in NOTL with an extravagant building and beautifully landscaped grounds. 

They have a one-hour guided tour and impressive tasting flights that can be paired with delicious treats like chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, and even popcorn. For something truly different, try their ice wine paired with handmade donuts.

The location includes a lovely patio overlooking the vineyards, perfect for enjoying a relaxing afternoon with a glass or two of wine. 

For special occasions like a girls’ weekend or a celebration with friends and family, consider reserving one of their vineyard cabanas. These cabanas offer exclusive two-hour access with wine, food, and stunning views of the vineyard.

7. Between The Lines Winery

Address: 991 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Dog friendly
• Excellent Charcuterie Picnic
• Reasonable Grape to Glass Wine Tour

Between The Lines is a family-owned estate winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offering a welcoming and dog-friendly environment. One of the highlights is the Grape to Glass Wine Experience, a 45-minute tour with four wine samples.

The winery features a modern-rustic space that serves as both the tasting room and the cellar. The Charcuterie Picnic comes highly recommended for a delightful pairing with their wines. 

While the Classic Wine Tasting doesn’t require reservations, all other tastings, tours, and food experiences do, especially on busy Saturdays. 

8. Two Sisters Vineyards

Address: 240 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• One of the prettiest wineries in NOTL
• Large outdoor patio
• Fine dining at Kitchen76
• Breathtaking cellar room

Two Sisters Vineyards is a stunning and slightly more upscale winery compared to some others in the area. The beautifully maintained grounds feature a small pond and fountain, and the entrance is magnificent. 

The outdoor wine bar and large patio provide the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine, light bites like charcuterie, and the vineyard views.

For dining, Kitchen76 offers Italian-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner, although it is not recommended for young children. 

The winery also offers wine tasting tours, and the cellar room is truly breathtaking. In the Wine Boutique, you can enjoy a tasting flight of four award-winning wines from their menu.

The food is stellar, the service outstanding, and the wines delicious, with the desserts being a standout. 

Reservations are highly recommended. Two Sisters Vineyards is truly exceptional and a must-visit destination on any visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

9. Bella Terra Vineyards

Address: 925 Line 2 Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Cozy, relaxing atmosphere
• One of the best charcuterie boards for NOTL wineries
• Reasonably priced

I would consider Bella Terra Vineyards a charming gem of a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Bella Terra is smaller than some of the other well-known estates, which may be appealing to some people. I found Bella Terra to have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. 

The vineyard views from the red Adirondack chairs are breathtaking, and their charcuterie board is generous, packed with a variety of meats, cheeses, and Italian antipasti, making it a perfect lunch for two.

Relax and enjoy some good quality wine and food during the outdoor vineyard tour or patio tastings.

10. Inniskillin Wines

Address: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Oldest winery in NOTL
• Pet-friendly patio and tasting room
• Famous for their Icewines
• Unique experiences include cooking classes and painting sessions
• Park ‘N’ Pedal Vehicles Welcome

Inniskillin Wines holds the distinction of being Canada’s first estate winery and is one of the oldest in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The winery is particularly renowned for its ice wines, which are a must-try.

The property features a large, pet-friendly patio with delicious food! It has a large tasting room with a wide selection of wines to sample and a range of souvenirs to purchase. 

Visitors can enjoy experiences like the Icewine Experience and Inniskillin Tours and Tastings, making it a fantastic option for wine enthusiasts. For those looking to cycle to other wineries, cars are welcome to park here during your winery bike tour.

11. Ravine Vineyard Estate

Address: 1366 York Rd, St. Davids, ON

• Farm to table dining
• Rustic ambiance
• Pizza patio, no reservations required
• Dog-friendly

Ravine Vineyard Estate is a charming, family-run winery and restaurant known for its rustic ambiance. 

The food here is exceptional, with the Ravine Restaurant offering a farm-to-table dining experience that uses home-grown ingredients from their on-site garden. 

For a more casual option, the Pizza Patio serves delicious pizzas without requiring reservations.

The estate has a beautiful indoor dining area and a spacious, shaded patio, making it a pleasant spot to relax. While they don’t produce ice wines, they offer a large selection of other wines, and their tasting flights are notably generous. 

Ravine is also dog-friendly, making it a great choice for visitors with pets.

Guests can enjoy wine tastings and tours, and reservations are recommended for the Farm Bistro Dining to ensure a table.

12. Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate

Address: 2145 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Concert series at their open-air amphitheatre
• Friendly and welcoming staff
• Large patio overlooking the vineyard

The Jackson-Triggs winery is a fantastic winery to visit, complete with a lovely restaurant and an indoor/outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard. 

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and sampling all day in the boutique without needing a reservation—walk-ins are always welcome. The winery also offers group or private tours, taking visitors from the vineyard to the cellar for a comprehensive experience.

One of the standout features of Jackson-Triggs is their open-air amphitheatre, where they host a series of incredible intimate music performances. Tickets for these concerts are extra, but well worth it for the special experience. 

The building and vineyards are stunning, and the food and wine are delicious. The views are amazing, with outdoor seating providing a perfect spot to enjoy the vineyard scenery. The friendly and welcoming staff add to the overall excellent experience.

13. Shiny Apple Cider

Address: 1242 Irvine Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Cider and wine flights
• Colourful and casual winery
• No food options

If you prefer cider over wine, Shiny Apple Cider is a must-visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s a great spot for both cider enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. This small venue is colourful, inviting, and has a casual vibe. 

While there are no food options available on-site, they sometime host special events such as Fresh Fridays with 50% off wine and wine flights, Sangria Saturdays, Mimosa Sundays, and Pieza Pizza Sundays.

14. The Hare Wine Co

Address: 769 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Relaxing and stunning patio overlooking the vineyards
• Small food menu with vegan options
• Excellent wedding venue

The Hare is a beautiful, rustic winery with a lovely patio and beautiful views of the vineyards. While the food menu is limited, the vegan charcuterie board is a standout option.

Although they don’t offer tours, The Hare provides guided wine tasting experiences. It’s also a stunning wedding venue, capable of hosting up to 130 guests for a distinct and memorable celebration.

I found this location to be the perfect spot to relax in the garden with a drink or a glass of wine without the crowds of some of the other NOTL wineries.

15. Reif Estate Winery

Address: 15608 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Outdoor kitchen & wine garden
• Close to the Niagara River Parkway and waterfront scenic bike trail
• Icewine slushies

Reif Estate Winery is a small winery conveniently located right off the Niagara River Parkway, making it an easy stop for travellers between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s also a great location to reach by bicycle from the waterfront scenic trail.

The winery offers a variety of tasting experiences, including themed flights, blind tastings, food pairings, and a sensory wine garden. 

The outdoor kitchen serves casual dishes like burgers, paninis, salads, and even kids’ burgers.

Reif Winery is, however, featured in a lot of wine tours. During my visit, a tour group was present, which affected the ambiance a bit. However, it’s likely to be a more tranquil experience at other times.

Are There Kid-Friendly Wineries in Niagara?

Yes, there are plenty of kid-friendly wineries in Niagara, making it easy for families to enjoy a day out. While most NOTL wineries welcome children, some are particularly inviting for families. 

Here are a few great options based on my personal experience:

• Peller Estates: This winery has a large outdoor area where kids can run around while adults relax in Adirondack chairs or on the patio.
• Wayne Gretzky Estates: In the winter, there’s a skating rink, and throughout the year, kids can enjoy activities like ping pong and cornhole in the yard.
• Pillitteri Estates Winery: Known for its outdoor pizza patio, this winery offers a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families.

These wineries provide a mix of fun activities and a welcoming environment, making them ideal for visitors with children.

Best Niagara Wineries for Lunch

There are so many great options for lunch at wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here are my top recommendations:

• Pillitteri Estates Winery and Ravine Vineyard Estate offer delicious pizza in a relaxed setting without the need for reservations.
• Wayne Gretzky Estates’ Whisky Patio has a popular menu with a variety of options. Due to its popularity, reservations are a must.
• Inniskillin Wines features a relaxed outdoor patio with an excellent food menu, perfect for a casual lunch.
• For a more refined dining experience, try Peller Estates or Two Sisters Vineyards.
• If you’re a fan of charcuterie, Bella Terra offers the best charcuterie board, ideal for a leisurely lunch.

These wineries provide diverse and delicious dining options, ensuring a satisfying lunch experience. 

Is a Niagara Wine Tour Worth Taking?

Absolutely! Wine tours are popular in Ontario because the take you to some of the absolute best wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A Niagara wine tour is ideal for several reasons:

• It’s a fun activity for friends or couples and is especially popular for a girls’ weekend.
• It provides convenient transportation between wineries, so you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving.
• You get to sample a variety of wines at different locations, enhancing your tasting experience.
• Wine tours offer insights into the wine-making process, the history of the wineries, and Ontario wines.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake is a short distance from Niagara Falls, and it’s easy to add a wine tour to your Niagara Falls travel plans.
• Many tours offer pickup services from both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Tips for Visiting NOTL Wineries

• Decide if you want to focus on one top winery or enjoy a longer tour with multiple stops.
• Make reservations for wine tours, patios, and restaurants, especially during the busy summer season and on Saturdays.
• For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during the week, rather than the weekends, especially in the peak season.
• Check the operating hours of the wineries, as they generally do not stay open late into the evening.
• Consider visiting in any season. While summer is popular, wineries host interesting events and experiences year-round.

What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Niagara Falls?

The legal drinking age in Ontario, Canada is 19. Anyone drinking at any of the NOTL wineries must be 19 years of age and show legal ID. This can include a driver’s license or passport.

Where to Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

So you’re planning to come to visit a Niagara-on-the-Lake winery, and you’re looking for some accommodations. Here are my suggestions for a great stay.

Prince of Wales Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 8.6 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | ➤ Address: 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Prince of Wales is a luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic district. This beautiful and historic hotel, built in 1864, is a well-known landmark on the town’s main street. 

Its prime location makes it an ideal choice for couples who want to immerse themselves in the charm and history of NOTL. 

The hotel’s elegant ambiance and rich history make it one of the most popular accommodations in the area, offering a perfect blend of luxury and heritage.

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard

⭐️ RATING: 9 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | ➤ ADDRESS: 16104 Niagara River Pkwy| 

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at the Riverbend Inn & Vineyard. This charming Georgian mansion is set in 17 acres of vineyards, offering a perfect vineyard getaway. 

With 21 beautifully furnished rooms, the inn provides an intimate atmosphere and features a gourmet restaurant known for its delicious food.

Guests can enjoy exceptional views from the property and can take a golf cart ride to the nearby Peller Estates for a complimentary wine tasting. 

The Riverbed Inn is an ideal choice for couples looking for a stay truly focused on the winery experience in Ontario. 

Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake

⭐️ RATING: 8.8  | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | ➤ ADDRESS: 524 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake  

This new hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, close to Niagara Falls, without breaking the bank. 

Conveniently located right off the QEW Highway and very close to the Outlet Shopping Mall. It has large rooms, free parking, and a complimentary breakfast. 

The Holiday Inn Express is ideal for families and travellers who want a modern and comfortable hotel in a convenient location at a great price point.

Staybridge Suites Niagara-On-The-Lake

⭐️ RATING: 8 out of 10 Stars  | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | ➤ ADDRESS: 524 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Staybridge Suites Niagara-On-The-Lake is a modern and new hotel, conveniently located next to the Holiday Inn Express and a short drive from Niagara Falls.

 It offers a selection of studio and one-bedroom suites, each equipped with full kitchens, making it an ideal choice for extended stays. 

The hotel is also pet-friendly with reasonable fees, and provides on-site laundry facilities for added convenience.

Guests can enjoy free breakfast and parking, making it a budget-friendly option in the Niagara area. With its spacious suites and family-friendly amenities, Staybridge Suites is perfect for families looking for a comfortable and affordable stay.

Add a Visit to a Winery to Your Niagara Falls Trip

Visiting the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a fantastic way to enhance your Ontario experience, whether you’re planning a day out with friends, a romantic date night, a girls’ weekend, or a bachelor or bachelorette party. 

Just a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, these wineries are easily accessible by car, bike, or tour, making it simple to drop in, explore the winery, or enjoy a tasting. 

For a more curated experience, consider booking a Niagara Wine Tour, which takes care of all the details for you.

So, why not add a NOTL winery visit to your weekend trip to Niagara Falls? It’s a delightful way to spend the day and an excellent addition to any getaway in Ontario, Canada.