Your Guide to Wine Country This Summer

Wine Country Ontario is open again to visitors and even though things may look a little different with Covid-19 safety protocols in place, the beautiful wine country settings and charm remain the same.

In fact, many wineries are offering up new experiences – newly constructed outdoor tasting spaces, snack boxes and picnics in the vineyard.  

Instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests at a busy tasting bar, you’re invited to sit down with your glass of wine, take your time and take in the beauty of the vineyards.

Here are some ideas to help you build your next wine country visit.

Fielding Estates Winery in Beamsville has built a new vineyard lounge with lots of guest seating. You can enjoy a flight or a glass of wine and cheese box while taking in the gorgeous views of the vineyards and Lake Ontario.

How about a picnic in the vineyard at Vineland Estates Winery in Vineland? You can get comfy on a picnic blanket among the vines with a bottle of wine, cheese and charcuterie – they even provide the blanket and glasses. There’s also a picturesque patio if you’re in the mood for a meal from their restaurant.

At Back 10 Cellars in Beamsville you can taste your “Wines by the Vines.” Sit at one of their covered picnic tables next to their vineyard for a glass of wine or a tasting flight, add some charcuterie or even a wine gelato.

For lunch, Henry of Pelham’s Coach House Café in St. Catharines is a great spot. You can enjoy ‘the brother’s lunch’ by the vines and, trust me, pair it with a glass of their bubbly!

Sue-Ann Staff winery in St. Catharines has turned their special events tent into a tasting space and is serving up deluxe charcuterie and lox boxes alongside your tasting flight or glass of wine.

Visit the bistro at Good Earth Food and Wine Co. in Beamsville for a meal on their patio surrounded by gardens and vineyards. Their menu is always changing to reflect what is local and in season and can only be described as edible art.

The Trius Brut Bar is back in Niagara on the Lake. You can sip wine on the outdoor patio – including their popular Frosé (frozen rosé). They also have a restaurant patio and the Instagram worthy Truis tour has returned.

And if you are lover of history, make sure a stop at Kew Vineyards in Beamsville is on your list. The 160-year-old estate is home to some of Niagara’s first vines and makes for an intimate experience enjoying a glass of wine on the patio – the bubbly selection is amazing!