Niagara-on-the-Lake: Small Group Wine Tasting Tour & Pickup

Summary

Niagara-on-the-lake wine tour with tastings at three wineries

You’ll join a small group for a relaxed wine tasting tour through Niagara-on-the-Lake, visiting three distinct wineries with a friendly local guide. Taste Ontario’s famous ice wine alongside other varietals, share laughs with fellow travelers, and enjoy easy hotel pickup—just remember to eat beforehand since no food is served along the way.

What’s the experience like?

"Try this one — it's the ice wine," our guide said, grinning as she handed me a glass that looked like liquid amber. I’d heard about Niagara-on-the-Lake’s famous ice wine before, but honestly, I didn’t expect it to taste so... well, syrupy and bright at the same time? The whole van laughed when I made a face — apparently that's normal for first-timers. We’d started out from our hotel just after lunch (I almost forgot to eat — don’t do that), and by the time we reached the first winery, the air smelled like wet grass and something sweet drifting from the vines.

The group was small enough that it felt more like a bunch of friends than a tour. Our guide, Sarah, knew everyone at each stop — she even waved at an older man driving a tractor who shouted back in French-accented English. At the second winery, the tasting room was all polished wood and sunlight slanting through big windows. There was this moment where someone spilled a little merlot on their sleeve and nobody cared; we were too busy arguing about which white tasted more like green apple (I still think it was the second one). The drive between stops was maybe ten minutes each, just enough time for stories about local families or how last winter's frost nearly ruined some vines.

By the last stop, I could feel that soft buzz you get after good conversation and just enough wine. No food on this tour — which I should’ve remembered — but honestly, sharing crackers from someone’s bag on the bus made it feel even more real. The light outside turned gold as we pulled back into town. I caught myself thinking how different these wines tasted here compared to anything back home. Maybe it’s just being surrounded by all those rolling fields and old barns… or maybe it’s just that kind of day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tasting tour

• Meet at Niagara on the Lake office
• Visit first winery for tasting
• Visit second winery for tasting
• Visit third winery for tasting
• Enjoy 3.5 hour wine tasting tour

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tasting tour?

You visit three different wineries during the tour for guided tastings.

Is food included on the Niagara-on-the-Lake small group wine tour?

No food is included on this tour; guests are advised to have breakfast or lunch before joining.

Does the tour include pickup from Niagara Falls hotels?

Pickup from Niagara Falls hotels is only available for afternoon departures, not morning tours.

What wines will I taste on this Niagara-on-the-Lake tour?

You’ll sample several varietals including Ontario’s famous ice wine at each winery.

How long does the wine tasting tour last?

The morning tour lasts about 3–3.5 hours; afternoon tours run 3.5–4 hours.

Are children allowed on this Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour?

Infants and small children can join if accompanied by adults but must not consume alcohol.

Is public transportation available near pickup points?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for meeting points in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on your departure time and location), guided tastings at three different Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries featuring local varietals such as ice wine, plus all transport between stops—just be sure to eat beforehand as no meals are served during the experience.