Award-winning wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s unique soil composition and climate make it an ideal location to find terroir wines with a distinct geographic flavour profile. Sip, swill and savour a wide variety of reds, whites, sparkling and dessert wines from the region at these award-winning wineries. Each vineyard offers its own unique personality.
Jackson Triggs Estate Winery
2145 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara on The Lake, ON L0S 1J0This well-known winery is one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the country thanks to its special gravity-flow system. The 11.5-acre vineyard specializes in three classic varietals — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Winemakers also work with other grape growers in the region to produce Merlots, Cabernet Francs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Gewürztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs. Intimate educational tours give visitors the chance to explore the vineyard and underground barrel cellars for an up-close look at how the premium wines are made. The on-site amphitheater also hosts concerts and musical performances throughout the summer months.
Trius Winery at Hillebrand
1249 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0This award-winning winery has been producing some of the region’s finest terroir wines for more than 35 years. Winemaker Craig McDonald’s selection of VQA wines is crafted with grapes grown in four separate vineyards, each with its own unique soil composition. The signature Trius Red blends Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes; visitors can create their own perfect blend of Trius Red to take home during special winemaking events. The winery also hosts a number of special foodie-inspired events, wine tours, talks and private tastings.
Peller Estates Winery
290 John Street, Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S 1J0It’s all about the sweet stuff at this prestigious estate winery specializing in artisanal ice wines. The winery has earned plenty of industry awards and international acclaim for its signature Sparkling Ice Cuvee, Signature Series Chardonnay ‘Sur Lie’ and Oak Aged Vidal Icewine. Resident winemaker Katie Dickieson creates wine blends inspired by food. In keeping with the foodie-focused blends, the on-site restaurant offers seasonally inspired fare (and wine pairing of course) from chef Jason Parsons. From the picturesque dining room, visitors can drink and dine while overlooking sweeping views of the vineyard below.
Hinterbrook Estate Winery
1181 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara on the Lake, ON L0S 1J0Grapes are handpicked, hand sorted and gravity fed on one level at this eco-conscious winery. The environmentally conscious facility also integrates geothermal heating and cooling, solar panel tracks and rainwater collection in the winemaking process. Winemaker Natalie Spytowsky has earned international praise for her unique Franc Blac, a white wine produced from red Cabernet Franc grapes. The winery has also earned accolades for its 2010 Rose, 2010 Riesling and 2009 Cabernet Franc Icewine.
Coyote's Run Estate Winery
485 Concession 5, Niagara On The Lake, ONThis small-batch estate winery is known for its handcrafted wines that reflect distinct terroir qualities thanks to its two separate vineyards with different types of clay soil. The Red Pay vineyard is stony and iron-rich, producing grape varietals that are light, fruity and floral. Meanwhile, the Black Paw vineyard is enriched with dark moist soil that results in wines with rich, smoky undertones. Bottles of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris have all been produced from the two unique soils with remarkably different results.
Inniskillin Wines
1499 Line 3, Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S 1J0Renowned for its artisanal ice wine varietals and VQA table wines, this historic winery has earned countless gold medals and awards at international competitions from around the world. The Inniskillin Wine Tasting Bar invites visitors to sample a tasting flight of four ice wine varietals— Vidal, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and sparkling — and the Riedel Icewine glass, the perfect stemware for sipping this sweet dessert wine. Take some time to explore the sprawling estate, which is home to several restored buildings and barns.
Stratus Vineyards
2059 Niagara Stone Rd RR 3, Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S 1J0This environmentally sustainable spot is the first LEED-certified winery in the world. The building features recycled materials, the vineyard is 100 per cent herbicide free and geo-exchange technology is used to heat and cool the entire property. Grapes are handpicked and hand sorted during harvest to produce the flagship Stratus Red and Stratus White. These assemblage wines are seasonally unique composite blends that are perfected through hundreds of blind tastings.
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