One of Ontario’s most charming and historic destinations is nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, where the Niagara River meets the lake. Niagara-on-the-Lake, often shortened to NOTL, was founded in the 18th century and it was the first capital of Upper Canada. It still wears its past proudly, with its tree-lined streets, beautiful heritage buildings, and a picturesque Old Town that’s been frozen in time. Beyond its colonial history, the region has a very unique geography that’s helped shape it into a major wine-producing part of Canada. But what are the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries to enjoy?
NOTL isn’t short of wineries, and the area is known for producing everything from elegant Pinot Noirs to crisp Rieslings. And let’s not forget about its famous Icewine either. Its winemaking culture is deeply rooted in innovation and craftsmanship, with many estates still being family-run. Wine isn’t just something you drink here – it’s an experience that often comes paired with farm-to-table dining or scenic tours and cycling routes through the vines.
Whether you’re a casual sipper, a wine lover, or you’re not really into wine at all, planning a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one winery.
- Why are there so many wineries near Niagara Falls, ON?
- Best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries
- Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Is Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tasting worth it?
Why are there so many wineries near Niagara Falls, ON?
Commercial grape growing in NOTL dates back to the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that Canadian wines gained international recognition. People visiting Niagara Falls now flock to NOTL, combining iconic sightseeing with vineyard tours and tastings. This has encouraged the continued development of wineries throughout the region.
A big reason why there are so many wineries near Niagara Falls is the region’s exceptional conditions for growing grapes. The area benefits from a unique combination of factors such as gentle slopes, mineral-rich soils, and a moderate climate influenced by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. When these elements are put together, it creates a longer growing season than much of Canada. The balance of cooling and warm breezes is great for producing high-quality wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
Best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries
Lakeview Wine Co.
A modern, community-focused winery that ranks highly on the list of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries is Lakeview Wine Co., located just minutes from NOTL Old Town. Even though it doesn’t have a historic estate like other nearby wineries, Lakeview Wine Co. offers a wide range of well-crafted wines that showcase Niagara-grown grapes. They also work closely with local growers which helps to support the region’s agricultural heritage.
Lakeview is best known for their popular labels like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Grigio. They also have a good selection of small-batch craft wines which makes any wine tasting here very relaxed and welcoming. You can opt for a simple wine tasting experience, selecting each individual wine you want to sample, or you can upgrade your tasting to include a locally sourced snack board (highly recommended). Lakeview’s award-winning wines are definitely not to be missed during a trip to NOTL at any time of the year.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Konzelmann Estate Winery is one of the region’s oldest wineries, founded in 1893 by a German winemaking family. It’s located right along the shores of Lake Ontario, so its vineyards are provided with cooling lake breezes that are perfect for producing refined cool-climate wines. The estate’s European roots are still on display today too, making it one of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries to visit.
Their tastings range from casual walk-ins to guided tours and tastings that highlight the winery’s history and its winemaking process. I’d recommend their seasonal outdoor flights experience which takes place on an outdoor patio (covered in the colder months). You’ll be given a selection of four wines to try, and each one is paired with a snack that’s been locally sourced. This all takes place around a cozy firepit, making it a great experience in NOTL during the autumn or winter.
Marynissen Estates Winery
One of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries that many overlook is Marynissen Estates. This family-run winery was founded in the 1950s and it’s long been associated with traditional winemaking. In fact, it was one of the first wineries in the region to grow grapes to produce Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Marynissen Estates is located just a short drive from NOTL Old Town, but it still retains a quiet charm that appeals to people looking for a more authentic wine tasting experience in Niagara.
This winery focuses on classic varietals like Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon which are often produced in a more traditional style. Tastings here are very personal and unrushed, and the staff are more than happy to share stories about the winery’s legacy and how each type of wine is produced. We visited for the first wine tasting of the day at 11am, and the team allowed us to try a huge range of wines – including some Icewine!
Two Sisters Vineyards
Two Sisters Vineyards is considered by many to be the best Niagara-on-the-Lake winery due to its striking appearance, wine and dining experiences, and its beautiful vineyard views that stretch far into the distance. It was founded in 2009 by two sisters, and it blends Italian inspiration with modern luxury. This has quickly earned it a reputation for both its wines and its hospitality, among other experiences.
The estate specializes in Bordeaux-style reds like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside elegant whites. You can expect the tasting experiences here to be very elevated and polished, hosted in either their tasting room or on the terrace where you can enjoy the views of the vineyard. Two Sisters Vineyard is a place to go if you’re looking for expertly guided tastings and an overall upscale experience, so it’s perfect for special occasions.
Lailey Winery
If boutique wineries are more your thing, you may want to stop by Lailey Wines. It’s known for its minimalist approach to wine tasting, and they have a strong focus on expressing Niagara terroir. This winery has earned a loyal following thanks to its small-lot, handcrafted wines and their emphasis on sustainable practices and low-intervention winemaking.
Tastings here are very intimate, so don’t be surprised if you find that you have the building all to yourself in the off season. They produce a carefully curated selection of wines like Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and complex Cabernet Francs. Lailey Wines is a great place to come if you’re interested in a quieter tasting experience and artisanal wines. You’ll find it marks a strong contrast to the larger estate wineries, but it’s still a nice winery in NOTL to add to your itinerary. However, I wouldn’t rank it too highly among the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries if you’re looking for a very unique experience.
Shiny Apple Cider
While on the hunt for the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, you’ll probably come across a few non-wine focused tastings along the way. Shiny Apple Cider is one of my favourite places to visit in NOTL. They strongly focus on craft cider made from locally grown Niagara apples, but they do have a few wines on their menu too. This cidery reflects the region’s long-standing fruit-growing tradition, and it gives visitors who aren’t fans of wine a chance to do something different.
If you visit Shiny Apple Cider in the warmer months, you can enjoy sitting outside on colourful chairs, surrounded by the orchard. They have a lot of ciders to try, ranging from dry to traditional styles to seasonal blends. The prices are also very reasonable, so you can easily try out all of their ciders (and wines) if you want to spend an entire afternoon here. Plus, they have food you can order to nibble on while you sip away to your heart’s content.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Known for its excellence in Icewine production, Pillitteri Estates Winery is one of the most famous wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s located along Niagara Stone Road so it’s very easy to access, and it sits close to numerous other wineries in the area. Pillitteri has earned many international awards for its wines, and it’s widely recognized as a leader in Canadian Icewine too.
You can find a broad range of other wines on offer here, besides Icewine. These include Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Their tastings often highlight their dessert wines, but they’ll also showcase their table wines if that interests you more. If you’re feeling hungry, or you don’t want to do a full wine tasting, you can pop into their on-site restaurant, BarrelHead, for wood-fired pizzas, seasonal dishes, cocktails, and wine – of course. Their dishes are designed to pair perfectly with Pilletteri’s wines, making it the perfect stop for tasting and dining.
Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Thinking of staying overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake? In my opinion, this area offers much nicer accommodation than Niagara Falls – and you’ll find it quieter too. There are plenty of hotels in NOTL to choose from, including B&Bs, boutique hotels, and guesthouses.
124 on Queen Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. This makes it the perfect base for exploring restaurants, shops, and nearby wineries. The hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort, with a variety of rooms and suites available for all group sizes. Don’t forget to check out their on-site spa, as well as their two popular restaurants serving locally sourced dishes and wine throughout the day.
Alternatively, The Scotsman Hotel is another stunning luxury boutique hotel with a more home-like feel to it. Their thoughtfully designed suites and common spaces are Scottish-themed with a modern twist. Features like fireplaces, a grand piano, a self-service bar, and cozy decor all add to the peaceful vibe of the hotel. It sits just behind the main street in NOTL too, with free parking available for guests.
Is Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tasting worth it?
Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tasting is absolutely worth it, regardless of if you’re a dedicated enthusiast or a casual wine drinker. Even if you’re not a fan of wine, most of the experiences are very budget friendly, so you can join in on the fun without wasting a lot of money. The region offers a rare combination of beautiful vineyard landscapes, award-winning wines, and welcoming tasting experiences that are both polished and personal. It can be difficult to find the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries to enjoy, but each experience is different from the last, so you’re sure to have a good time searching.
If you have any questions about the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries listed above, or you’d like to recommend alternatives, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next trip.
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