Niagara-on-the-Lake: Private Wine & Charcuterie Tour

Summary

Niagara wine tastings with charcuterie private day trip

You’ll wander vineyard roads in Niagara-on-the-Lake, tasting up to sixteen different wines with friends or family by your side. Enjoy charcuterie pairings at one stop, learn from local guides who actually know their stuff, and get a peek behind the scenes at a working winery. Expect laughter, new flavors—and maybe a label you’ll keep forever.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me when we stepped out in Niagara-on-the-Lake was this soft, earthy smell — like damp leaves and something sweet in the air. Our driver, Paul (who turned out to know everyone at every winery), waved us into the van and handed out bottled water before we even thought to ask. The drive between vineyards was quiet, just rows of vines and these old wooden fences that looked like they’d been there forever. I kept catching myself grinning for no reason. Maybe it was the light or maybe just knowing we didn’t have to worry about driving after all that wine.

At the first stop, someone poured us a pale gold riesling while slicing prosciutto so thin you could almost see through it. There was this little moment where our guide tried to teach us how to pronounce “charcuterie” properly — I still don’t think I’ve got it right. The pairing was perfect though: sharp cheese, salty meat, a sip of something cold and floral. I remember thinking how different each place felt — one tasting room had big windows and laughter echoing off the walls, another was hushed except for the sound of corks popping. We tasted maybe twelve or more wines by the end (I lost count at some point), but nobody rushed us or made us feel awkward for asking questions.

Pillitteri Estates had this new facility that smelled faintly of oak barrels and stone floors. Our guide there asked what kinds of wine we liked — I said “anything not too sweet,” which made her laugh — then she picked four bottles for us to try. She explained things about icewine and why their soil matters more than you’d think (I nodded along but mostly just enjoyed the way she talked about her family working here). At Hinterbrook, they let us scribble our own labels on souvenir bottles; mine looked like a five-year-old drew it but hey, it’s still on my shelf now.

I keep thinking about that last glass outside as the sun started dipping behind the vines — everything went quiet for a second except for birds in the distance and someone clinking glasses nearby. We left with full bags (and fuller heads) and honestly? I’m already planning who I’d bring next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Niagara wine tastings and tours

• Visit sprawling vineyards and taste wines
• Enjoy charcuterie and wine pairing
• Tour Pillitteri Estates Winery and taste 4 wines
• Explore Lakeview Wine Company tasting centre
• Visit Hinterbrook and create custom wine label

Top questions

How many wineries do we visit on this Niagara wine tour?

You’ll visit four different wineries during your private tour.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, 3-4 tastings per stop are included—so around 12-16 total wines.

Is transportation provided between wineries?

Yes, private transportation with an experienced driver is included.

Does this tour include food?

You’ll get a charcuterie & wine pairing at one winery plus snacks along the way.

Is there a full winery facility tour?

Yes—at Pillitteri Estates Winery you’ll get a guided facility tour as part of your visit.

Can we customize which wineries we visit?

The tour is customizable within Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wine region options.

How many people can join this private wine tour?

This experience is available for groups up to six guests per booking.

Are non-alcoholic drinks available?

Bottled water is provided throughout your day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all scheduled wine tastings (up to sixteen), bottled water throughout, snacks along the way, a charcuterie & wine pairing at one stop, plus a guided winery facility tour before heading back relaxed—and probably carrying home more than one bottle.