Niagara-on-the-Lake: Between the Lines Grape to Glass Tasting

Summary

Niagara wine tasting journey from vineyard to cellar with family stories

You’ll walk straight into vineyard life at Between the Lines Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake—touching vines, tasting four distinct wines (Red Barn and Reserve), and hearing honest stories from people who work the land every day. From cellar coolness to bright sips in the sun, you’ll leave with more than just flavors lingering.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled into Between the Lines Winery just as a breeze picked up over the vines—there’s something about Niagara-on-the-Lake air that smells a little like apples and earth. Our guide, Sarah, waved us over by the big red barn (she said it’s been there since her family started out). First thing she did was hand me a glass of their Reserve Riesling—crisp, almost lemony. I tried to swirl it like I knew what I was doing but mostly just sloshed it around. Sarah laughed and said everyone does that on their first day trip here.

Walking through the rows, she pointed out how some grapes were still tight on the vine—apparently they’d just come out of dormancy a few weeks ago. She let us rub one of the leaves between our fingers; it smelled green, if that makes sense. There was this low hum from bees working nearby, and honestly, I could’ve stood there all afternoon. But then we ducked into the cellar where it was cool and smelled faintly like wet stone and oak barrels. The winemaker (I think his name was Greg?) explained how they pick which fruit goes into each bottle—he got so animated talking about fermentation that he almost knocked over his own glass.

I didn’t expect to taste so much difference between their Red Barn and Reserve wines. The last pour had this peppery note that lingered—I still think about that one when I’m back home making dinner. Four tastings felt generous for 45 minutes; nobody rushed us even when I asked too many questions about what “terroir” actually means. If you’re looking for a quick but real grape to glass wine experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this is it. Just don’t expect fancy transportation—they tell you right up front you’ll need to get yourself there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Between The Lines Winery

• Arrive at winery at reservation time
• Learn winery history and vineyard overview
• Get crash course on vine growth
• Tour cellar and winemaking process
• Enjoy four wine tastings

Top questions

How long does the Grape to Glass Wine Experience last?

The experience is approximately 45 minutes.

Is transportation included for this wine tour?

No, transportation is not provided—you arrive at the winery at your reservation time.

How many wine tastings are included?

The tour includes four wine tastings per person.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Is Between the Lines Winery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the winery is wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals permitted on this experience?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What types of wines are tasted during the experience?

You’ll taste Between The Lines Red Barn and Reserve Wines.

What’s included

Your visit includes four guided wine tastings featuring both Red Barn and Reserve selections from Between The Lines Winery’s estate vineyards; you’ll meet local staff or winemakers along your route through vineyard rows and into their working cellar—but remember, transportation isn’t included so you’ll need to arrive at your reserved time on your own.