Niagara-on-the-Lake: Wine Tasting Tour & 3-Course Lunch

Summary

Red, white & sweet tastings with vineyard lunch in Niagara

You’ll spend an afternoon tasting red, white, and sweet wines at three Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries with a local guide who keeps things lively. Enjoy a three-course lunch prepared by top chefs, walk through barrel rooms that smell like old wood, and relax knowing hotel pickup is included. It’s more than just sipping wine—it’s sharing stories and quiet moments you might remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake to smell so earthy—almost like rain on warm stone. Our guide, Jamie, greeted us with this easy laugh and a quick story about his uncle’s vineyard mishaps. We started the wine tasting right away; I tried to swirl my glass like I knew what I was doing but mostly just splashed it. The pinot had this peppery thing going on that caught me off guard (in a good way). It was still early afternoon but the sun felt heavy—like it was pressing down on the rows of vines outside.

Lunch came next at this restaurant tucked behind a wall of wild roses. Three courses sounded fancy but it didn’t feel stuffy—my fork clinked against the plate as I tried not to drop anything. The soup tasted bright and herby. Someone at our table asked about icewine pairings and Jamie just grinned, “That’s dessert for grown-ups.” He really knew his stuff but never made it feel like a lecture. There was this moment when everyone went quiet over dessert, just listening to the hum of conversation from another table and the faint clink of glasses. I still think about that silence sometimes.

The last stop was more hands-on—we actually walked into the barrel room, where it smelled like toasted bread and old wood. Jamie pointed out how each batch ages differently depending on where it sits in the cellar (I guess even wine gets moody). There was time to wander through their boutique before heading back. My shoes were dusty by then and I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day—which says something, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Pickup from Niagara Falls hotels
• Visit first winery and taste wines
• Visit second winery and taste wines
• Extensive tour at third winery
• Observe wine-making process
• Shop at winery boutiques
• Enjoy three-course lunch at winery or restaurant
• Return to pickup location

Top questions

How many wineries are included in the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour?

The tour includes visits to three different wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Is lunch included during the wine tasting tour?

Yes, a three-course lunch is included at a casual yet chic restaurant or winery.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Complimentary pickup is available at most hotels in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

What types of wines will we taste?

You’ll sample red, white, and sweet wines during your tastings.

Is there a guided tour inside any of the wineries?

Yes, one winery includes an extensive tour showing the wine-making process from vine to barrel room.

Are dietary requirements accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available; advise your requirements when booking.

What is the dress code for this wine tour?

The dress code is semi-casual; dress comfortably for walking through vineyards and cellars.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake, guided tastings at three different wineries with plenty of time to shop or explore, an inside look at winemaking from vine to barrel room with headsets if you need them, plus a three-course chef-prepared lunch—all wrapped up in an air-conditioned ride back at the end.