The Niagara Wine Trail USA wineries are ideal for vinifera grapes, used in wines like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Expect those and more on the tasting menus for this December's Holiday Happening. The weekend of December 5 and 6, can be spent sampling wine, mead and cider along the trail (you can spread your tastings out over the two eligible days or go all at once!).
Each ticket includes three tastes of wine at each participating winery, a commemorative wine glass and a keepsake gift. There is no transportation provided, but designated drivers and non-drinking attendees don't need tickets. (It is highly recommended tickets are purchased in advance online, and individual tastings may be purchased directly from the wineries during event.)
The participating wineries of Niagara Wine Trail USA each have something special and exciting to offer. Read on to find out more about what your experience will be at each one!
810 Meadworks
Enjoy eight different meads on tap at 810 Meadworks, including still and carbonated options, along with handmade chocolates and local feasting platters.
Arrowhead Spring Vineyards
This winery happens when sustainable farming meets traditional winemaking. Arrowhead Spring Vineyards produces a wide array, including estate Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Vidal Blanc.
A Gust of Sun Winery
The Ransomville and Spencerport locations of A Gust of Sun Winery are as well known for their wine and chocolate pairings as they are for their West Highland White Terriers — which can be seen on the label of many of their bottles.
BlackBird Cider Works
With 10 types of cider available at BlackBird Cider Works, it may be hard to choose — unless the Christmas Cider is available to help get you in the seasonal mood.
Black Willow Winery
If you are as interested in cooking as you are in drinking wine, make a stop into the shop at Black Willow Winery to pick up a bottle of their imported olive oil and vinegar.
Chateau Niagara Winery
This family-owned winery specializes in dry wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. You can also look for unusual offerings like Saperavi, made from an ancient Georgian grape, from Chateau Niagara Winery.
Freedom Run Winery
Consider an overnight stay at the charming Manor House at Freedom Run Winery. The Manor House is said to have been a safe house for slaves escaping to freedom, which gives the vineyard its name.
Honeymoon Trail Winery
Don't leave without a stop into the gift shop at Honeymoon Trail Winery, where you can nab oenophile-friendly gifts like grape seed lotion, cork cages, wine bottle holders and whimsical corkscrews.
Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards
The orchards at Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards have been in use since 1868! It's expanded into a big operation now, including a delicious bistro where you can refuel between tastings.
Leonard Oakes Estate Winery
If you need a wine break (as if but, play along), try a beer flight at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for only $8 for four, 5-ounce samples.
Liten Buffel
Started by two friends, Liten Buffel is focused on Pinot Noir, Syrah and Riesling grapes. There’s also a tasting room and some beautiful scenery.
Long Cliff Winery & Vineyards
Learn more about the winemaking and storage process by taking a vineyard and cellar tour at Long Cliff Winery & Vineyards. Just book 24 hours in advance at $20 per person.
Midnight Run Wine Cellars
Ask the knowledgeable staff at Midnight Run Wine Cellars which of their artisan cheeses pair best with their wine for a match made in heaven.
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
It's a bird, it's a plane — no, really, it’s a plane. Niagara Landing Wine Cellars takes its name from the active and historic landing field it sits next to.
Salamaca Estate Winery
Opened by two brothers, you'll find Chardonnays, personal attention and a lovely remodeled barn to house the tasting room at Salamaca Estate Winery.
Schulze Vineyards & Winery
Spread across 122 acres, the family-run Schulze Vineyards & Winery produces one of the region's most famous and distinctive specialties: ice wine.
Schwenk Wine Cellars
At Schwenk Wine Cellars, try wines cultivated over generations of wine-makers — some of the recipes are passed down from the owner's great-grandfather who made wine in Germany!
Spring Lake Winery
While visiting Spring Lake Winery, cap off your tasting with Italian hospitality and food, either inside the Timberlodge or to-go so you can keep moving on the Holiday Happening tour!
Victorianbourg Wine Estate
Want to give an unforgettable gift? Ask during your tasting at Victorianbourg Wine Estate about the winery's custom wine labels.
Vizcarra Vineyards
Located at Becker Farms, Vizcarra Vineyards produces fruit wines like Rhuberry and Spiced Apple alongside their more traditional whites and reds. Stop at the Farm Market to pick up fresh baked goods.
The Winery at Marjim Manor
Attention thrill seekers. The Winery at Marjim Manor also specializes in fruit wines, but ghost story fans will want to visit thanks to its place on the beloved TV show "Ghost Hunters" for its supernatural lore.