Just follow the blue "wine route" signs, and you'll discover some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Ontario, as well as numerous historical wineries in Niagara Falls "wine country." With over a century of wine-making history, the Niagara Escarpment and the Beamsville Bench areas feature ideal weather and topography for vintners of all types. Many wineries offer year-round activities and events such as tastings, tours, wine pairing, flights of wines and guest chefs. Touring "wine country" provides a unique way to tour the countryside, and is also a great souvenir hunt. Visitors may tour by car, or by bicycle; bicyclists may follow the Niagara Parkway or Welland Canal Trails.
- Cave Springs Cellars. Open since 1986, Cave Springs is one of the oldest Vitis vinifera wineries in the Niagara area. Here, visitors can buy current releases, back-vintages and wine accoutrements. Be sure to see Ontario's oldest functioning wine cellar, built in 1871. (3836 Main Street, Jordan, Ontario)
- Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery. Specializing in fruit wines, Sunnybrook Farm features enticing wines made with apples, plums, peaches, nectarines and blueberries. (1425 Lakeshore Road, 2 miles west of Niagara on the Lake)
- Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery. The knowledgeable staff and beautiful setting make this a winelover's must-see. Dine in a Queen Anne Victorian while enjoying the panorama of Lake Ontario and Toronto, and then visit the wine shop, located in a restored 1885 post and beam barn. Tastings, facility tours and underground barrel cellar tours are featured. (5600 King Street West, Beamsville, Ontario)
- Thomas & Vaughan Vintners. This winery features several tour packages, from the complimentary self-guided tour to guided tours. After a tour, choose from dessert wines, Premium Estate Reds and Icewine at a wine tasting. (4245 King Street, Beamsville, Ontario)
- Hernder's Estate Wines. Observe the winemaking process from start to finish at the vineyard, barrel cellar, bottling line and tasting room with many tasting options. (1607 8th Avenue, St. Catharine's, Ontario)
These are just a few of the many wineries in Niagara Falls "wine country," but others are easy to find. Take a Fly and Wine Helicopter Tour, and soar over the beautiful scenery; you'll enjoy complimentary tastings at three local wineries. Local vintners are proud of their wines and gladly provide facility tours, winery history and wine knowledge. It is truly a unique experience to see where the wine comes from, start to finish, and then follow the tour with an on-the-spot tasting.
