Guide to Niagara Region wineries

Niagara Peninsula appellations

The Niagara Region features one primary appellation, the Niagara Peninsula, which is a defined geographic wine-producing area with a unique identity. It contains two regional appellations—Niagara Escarpment and Niagara-on-the-Lake—along with several sub-appellations.

Niagara Escarpment and area

Bounded by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, this winery-rich area is also known as the “Niagara Benchlands” for its distinctive plateaus or benches.

It’s home to renowned sub-appellations, including Beamsville Bench, Twenty Mile Bench and Sort Hills Bench, as well as Lincoln Lakeshore, Vinemount Ridge and Creek Shores. Stretching from Winona in the west to St. Catharines, the Benchlands encompass picturesque towns and villages such as Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan.

Niagara-on-the-Lake and area

Steeped in history, Niagara-on-the-Lake combines world-class wine with picturesque small-town charm. Sub-appellations include Four Mile Creek, Niagara River, Niagara Lakeshore and St. David’s Bench.

Just minutes from the Niagara River and the famous falls, it’s an ideal destination for pairing wine experiences with theatre, fine dining and local attractions. 

Iconic wineries and landmark vineyards

Visit legendary wineries that have played a pivotal role in establishing the Canadian wine industry and making Niagara a global wine destination.

Renowned for award-winning wines, stunning estates and unforgettable experiences, guided tastings and tours at these wineries offer a glimpse into Ontario’s winemaking heritage.

Ontario’s landmark wineries are great for first-time visitors to Niagara’s wine country.

Trius Winery

Owned by the Peller Family, Trius was the first Canadian vintage to be awarded the Best Red Wine in the world. Decades later, the celebrated Trius red is joined by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling, as well as popular sparkling wines. Today, Trius is home to the most extensive underground sparkling wine cellar in Canada.

Trius maintains a solid social media presence, showcasing a fun and eclectic atmosphere, as well as its uniquely Instagrammable wine tours.

Curated tours and experiences include #TheTriusTour, which offers exclusive access to the Rosé Lookout, Sparkling Cellar and Sparkling House.

Book a table at the MICHELIN-recommended Trius Winery Restaurant for locally inspired cuisine.

Location: 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Reif Estate Winery

Reif Estate Winery is a pioneer in Ontario’s Icewine. The first vintage of Vidal Icewine was produced in 1984 and has been made from the same vineyard plot ever since.

Tours and tastings of internationally acclaimed Icewines, as well as red, white, sparkling and rosé wines, are available. And in season, you’ll want to visit the aromatic sensory garden and outdoor kitchen for a leisurely meal.

Location: 15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery

Established decades ago, Jackson-Triggs Estate has become a household name and one of Canada’s most renowned wineries, recognized for its forward-thinking approach to winemaking and notable cultural and culinary events.

The Niagara Estate offers tours, tastings and experiences for every level of wine lover. Sample premium wines from the VQA portfolio, paired with delicious snacks and enjoy musical entertainment. The winery is home to an incredible outdoor amphitheatre where concerts and other live performances are hosted each summer.

Location: 2145 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Peller Estate Winery and Restaurant

Peller Estates Winery has been crafting exceptional wines for over 50 years and has also developed some of the region’s most immersive wine and culinary experiences.

Tours and experiences include a visit to the underground barrel cellar as well as sampling in the 10Below Icewine Lounge, an igloo-like structure built from 13,607 kilograms of ice.

The Winery Restaurant at Peller is an upscale dining experience of country cuisine paired with award-winning wines.

Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Château des Charmes

Founded by fifth-generation French winegrower Paul Bosc in 1978, Château des Charmes was one of the first commercial vineyards in Canada to open its doors to visitors.

It was also the first to experiment with European Vitis vinifera grapes, which have long been popular in Mediterranean wine regions. Château des Charmes’ wines display balance, finesse and structure.

Reserve a tasting tour of the winery estate and learn about winemaking, followed by a tasting flight of four VQA wines at the Wine Bar.

Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Stunning lakefront vistas, gorgeous architecture and great wines evoke the old-world vineyards of France, Italy and Germany, Konzelmann’s country of origin.

This exclusive lakefront winery offers informative and enjoyable tours and experiences. Sample award-winning whites, reds, sparkling wines and dessert wines in the Tasting Hall or relax on the patio with a glass or bottle of your favourite.

Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Henry of Pelham Estate Winery

Generations of winemakers have built Henry of Pelham into one of Ontario’s premier wineries, still harvesting the land where some of the first vineyards were planted in Canada. The winery is home to the largest working underground wine barrel cellar in the nation.

Located in Short Hills Bench, the most easterly sub-appellation of the Niagara Escarpment wine region, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for growing intense grape flavours that result in premium wines ranging from full-bodied Baco Noir to rich Chardonnay.

Visit for a wine tasting, public wine tour or book a private, candlelit tasting in the famous cellar.

Location: 1469 Pelham Road, St. Catharines

Vineland Estates Winery

Agricultural roots run deep at this scenic hillside estate. Restored historic buildings include the original family farm homestead built in 1845, now the vineyard restaurant.

Reserve one of several taste and tour experiences offered and sample award-winning Riesling among other varietals in the mid-1800s wooden “cathedral” barn.

Pair wine with local cuisine and sensational views at the Vineland Restaurant and stay the night in the B&B cottage or estate guesthouse.

Location: 3620 Moyer Road, Vineland

Cave Spring Vineyard

Cave Springs Vineyard, an original winery on the Beamsville Bench, specializes in exceptional Riesling and Chardonnay, and is dedicated to adopting more sustainable practices while honouring the land and its unique terroir.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide unparalleled views of the vines from the Vineyard Tasting Room. The Winery Tasting Room is located in historic Jordan Village just steps from the upscale Inn On The Twenty: an elegant hotel, restaurant and spa.

Locations:

• Vineyard tasting room, 4043 Cave Spring Road, Beamsville
• Winery tasting room, 5-3836 Main Street, Jordan

Inniskillin Wines

A frontrunner in Canadian winemaking, Inniskillin was the first Canadian winery to achieve a winery licence after Prohibition, becoming the nation’s first estate winery.

Book a tour and tasting experience to sample various red, white and sparkling wines while learning about the history and craftsmanship that made Inniskillin a household name. Additionally, the award-winning Vidal Icewine is a must-try.

Location: 1499 Line 3, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Boutique, small-batch wineries

Niagara’s boutique wineries provide an intimate and authentic way to experience wine country.

Many are family-run, with hands-on winemaking, charming tasting rooms and unique, small-scale wines you won’t find anywhere else. These wineries are ideal for travellers seeking a personal connection and a truly distinctive experience.

13th Street Winery

Just west of St. Catharines, this charming boutique winery celebrates art, food and drink with a selection of exceptional wines, an art gallery and sculpture garden, a seasonal vineyard kitchen bistro and a bakery boasting some of the best butter tarts in the region.

Location: 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines

Featherstone Winery

Eco-forward and producers of small-batch wines on the upper Twenty Mile Bench along the Escarpment, Featherstone is also committed to giving back to the local community.

Sample a custom flight in the tasting room or pair with seasonal snacks and wood-fired pizza on the veranda. And if you’re touring with your four-legged friend, Featherstone, Sue-Ann Staff Winery and Westcott Vineyards co-host the Muddy Paws Wine Trail each summer, welcoming good dogs and dog lovers for wine, food and tail-wagging fun.

Location: 3678 Victoria Avenue, Vineland

Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Guests love the award-winning Chardonnay and Rosé, as well as the down-to-earth vibe and stunning views at this organic winery estate.

Hidden Bench has been acquiring national and international awards, including a prestigious Best in Show” at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Location: 4152 Locust Lane, Beamsville

Tawse Winery

Sustainable and organic practices are at the heart of this eco-forward winery, which features a multi-level gravity-flow system, a wetland biofilter, and geothermal, energy-efficient technology.

Voted Canadian winery of the year several times, it demonstrates that the terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varietals are equally impressive.

Location: 3955 Cherry Avenue, Vineland

Creekside Estate Winery

Enjoy the informal, laid-back atmosphere at this dog-welcoming winery.

Relax over a glass of signature Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah. Pair with sharables like cheese and charcuterie or a burger on the outdoor deck overlooking a small pond.

Location: 2170 Fourth Avenue, Jordan Station

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Nestled in St. David’s Bench, Ravine Vineyard is a charming 14-hectare organic winery with a timeless aesthetic, lovingly maintained by generations.

Guests are invited to explore the family farm, garden and vineyard through guided tours, tastings and an authentic farm-to-table dining experience.

Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids

Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery

Celebrate world-class wine and food in an idyllic setting.

Every winery in the region offers lovely views, but Peninsula Ridge really shines with vistas of the Niagara Escarpment, the rolling vineyards and Lake Ontario. On a clear day, you can even see the Toronto skyline.

The seasonal patio or upscale Restaurant are both ideal spots to savour a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Location: 5600 King Street, Beamsville

Foreign Affair Winery

Bringing a taste of Italy to Niagara, Foreign Affair Winery specializes in the traditional appassimento method of drying grapes before fermentation to create bold, complex wines. The result is rich reds and layered whites that blend European techniques with the unique terroir of the Niagara Benchlands.

Sample a featured or customized flight of four wines on a guided tasting and pair with something from the lunch or charcuterie menu.

Location: 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station

Leaning Post Wines

This small-scale, family-owned winery captures the essence of Niagara’s cool-climate wines, producing high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with minimal intervention.

Slow down and savour each glass in the cozy tasting room or on the spacious outdoor patio. Enjoy the signature tasting flight or by-the-glass wines.

Location: 1491 Highway 8, Stoney Creek

Back 10 Cellars

With just four hectares of vineyard, Back 10 Cellars produces small-batch, handcrafted wines from low-yielding vines, and the delicious wines have earned a loyal following.

Stop by for curated flight experiences, including seated tastings in the covered patio overlooking the vines.

Location: 4101 King Street, Beamsville

New and noteworthy wineries

Bold, vibrant and brimming with personality, emerging wineries in the Niagara Region are leaving their mark through modern designs, inventive branding and innovative winemaking techniques.

The unique energy and fresh flavours offer an exciting experience for returning visitors eager to discover something new. Of course, “new” is a relative term—especially in wine years.

Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery

After retirement, hockey great Wayne Gretzky opened a winery and distillery on the outskirts of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The estate produces wine, beer and spirits, remains open year-round, and naturally also features an ice-skating rink. Book a tour, sip wine or brews under the patio heater, watch skaters on the ice rink, take a cocktail class or enjoy a tasting flight.

Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pearl Morrissette

Since its inception in 2017, Pearl Morissette has continued to turn heads and make waves.

This acclaimed, unconventional winery, restaurant and bakehouse in Jordan Station emphasizes a regional dining experience, focusing on a grape-to-glass and regenerative farm-to-table philosophy.

The restaurant holds prestigious awards, including ranking #1 on Canada’s 100 Best list and earning a MICHELIN star.

Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station

Megalomaniac Winery

Megalomaniac boasts one of the highest altitudes in the Niagara Region. Enjoy incredible views from the outdoor patio and the elevated tasting room, which features expansive windows.

Book a vineyard tour, pull up a chair for tastings, or linger over a sparkling brunch, lunch or dinner while soaking in the show-stopping view.

Location: 3930 Cherry Avenue, Vineland

Two Sisters Vineyards

Melissa and Angela Marotta have quickly become one of Canada’s leading producers of super-premium and luxury wines and the winners of the Top 10 Wineries in Ontario.

Explore the vineyards, enjoy wine and food pairings, and sample flights during one of the curated wine tastings and tours.

Location: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Hare Wine Co.

The Hare Wine Co. welcomes visitors with its grand stone courtyard, rustic elegance and portfolio of wines that highlight the best of Niagara-on-the-Lake, from rich, velvety reds to indulgent Icewines.

Customize a flight of four table wines and Icewines or reserve a one-on-one tasting experience.

Location: 769 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

AMO Estate Winery

A fresh addition to Niagara’s wine scene, AMO Estate Winery blends tradition with innovation to produce exceptional small-batch wines.

Sample a selection of handcrafted wines, including Lux Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling Icewine, in the sophisticated lounge or Cabana-style terrace.

Location: 976 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dobbin Estate

Situated on Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, Dobbin Estate crafts high-quality, small-batch wines.

Methods are rooted in sustainable farming and a deep respect for the land, featuring the careful selection of tightly planted, organically grown vines and low-yield cropping practices.

A variety of unique wine tastings are offered from the farmhouse and the patio.

Location: 3403 Eleventh Street, St. Catharines

Queenston Mile Vineyard

Specializing in Pinot Noir Rosé and Chardonnay, Queenston Mile Vineyard blends modern elegance with a relaxed, approachable vibe. This 20-hectare vineyard has been producing small-batch wines that highlight the character of the St. David’s Bench area for several years.

Enjoy guided tastings, lounge on the patio or take a stroll through the vineyard.

Location: 963 Queenston Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Big Head Wines

Big Head Wines pushes the boundaries of winemaking. Employing a variety of techniques, including wild fermentation, the appassimento method and different ageing processes, there’s flavour in every bottle.

The 45-minute tasting experience features five pours that represent the wine portfolio or opt for a more immersive group tasting of six wines from the cellar.

Location: 823 Line 6 Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

This list is a small sample from the rich and diverse winery scene throughout this region. Wine Country Ontario is an excellent resource to help you plan your perfect trip to Niagara’s top wineries.