Niagara-on-the-Lake: Cycle Wine Tour & Tasting with Lunch

Summary

Cycle between Niagara wineries tasting local wine with lunch or cheese

You’ll cycle peaceful roads between three Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, taste local wines with expert stories along the way, and enjoy either a relaxed lunch or cheese pairing depending on your tour option. Expect laughter with fellow travelers, gentle countryside air, and your purchases delivered safely back—leaving your hands free for handlebars (and maybe another glass).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet—just the soft whir of bike wheels and the wind carrying a faint sweet smell from somewhere (maybe those wildflowers by the road?). Our guide, Sam, waved us off from the little shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a grin and a warning about “sneaky hills.” Honestly, I’d worried about keeping up, but it was more gentle than I’d expected—just enough to make you feel like you’d earned that first sip of riesling. We pedaled past old barns and rows of vines so tidy they looked drawn on. There was this couple from Toronto riding behind me; we all laughed when someone’s hat blew off into a ditch. Sam just shrugged—“part of the experience!”

Stopping at the first winery felt like arriving early to a party—quiet, sun still warming the stone walls. The woman pouring our tastings told us stories about her grandfather planting their first vines after moving from Italy. The chardonnay had this kind of apple-peel sharpness that surprised me (I’m not usually a white wine person). We tried three wineries in total on this cycle and wine-tasting tour—each one different, each with its own dog snoozing in the shade or someone tending roses at the end of a row. If you do the full day, there’s lunch at Caroline Cellars: homemade bread, something with goat cheese—I can’t remember exactly because I was too busy soaking up how everyone around the table seemed to loosen up after that second glass.

I went for the half-day option (no lunch included), so we got a small cheese and charcuterie plate at one stop instead. It hit the spot after a couple hours biking under patchy clouds. If you’re thinking about snacks—bring some extra just in case, especially if you’re like me and get hungry quick. The best part? Any bottles you buy get delivered back to HQ so you don’t have to wobble home with them strapped to your handlebars (trust me, I would’ve dropped mine).

I didn’t expect to care much about cycling between wineries—it sounded like just another way to get around—but honestly, it made everything feel slower and closer somehow. By the time we rolled back into town, legs pleasantly tired and cheeks warm from sun and wine both, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all afternoon. That view over Lake Ontario as we finished—I still think about it sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cycle and wine tasting tour

• Bike along country roads
• Stop at three wineries
• Enjoy wine tasting at each winery

Top questions

How long is the Niagara-on-the-Lake cycle wine tour?

You can choose between a 4-hour half-day or 6-hour full-day tour.

Is lunch included on this cycling wine tour?

Lunch is included only on the full-day option; half-day includes a small cheese & charcuterie plate.

Are bikes provided for this Niagara wine tasting tour?

Yes, cruiser bicycles and helmets are provided; e-bikes are available for an extra fee.

How many wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three wineries during both half- and full-day tours.

Can I buy wine during the tour?

Yes; any purchases will be delivered back to HQ so you don’t have to carry them while cycling.

Is this cycle & wine-tasting tour suitable for beginners?

The route is suitable for all fitness levels; it’s mostly gentle country roads.

What happens if it rains during my bike tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing just in case.

Is there an age requirement for wine tasting?

You must be at least 19 years old to participate in tastings on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a regular cruiser bicycle (with optional e-bike upgrade), helmet, guided cycling between three Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries with tastings at each stop, plus either a two-course lunch (full day) or cheese & charcuterie plate (half day). Wine purchases are picked up for you so your ride stays light—and there’s always someone local leading the way.