Niagara: Private Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Picnic at Vineyard

Summary

Picnic under Niagara vines with artisan cheese, charcuterie and four wines

You’ll settle into Niagara’s vineyard air for a private picnic with four local wine tastings, artisan cheeses, charcuterie from Smoke and Barrel Niagara, plus nuts and dried fruit—all set up by your friendly host. There’s no property tour here; it’s just you, great flavors and time to linger under the vines.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was already setting out the picnic board when we arrived at Between the Lines Winery in Niagara—cheeses sweating just a little in the late sun, slices of charcuterie curling at the edges. I could smell something smoky (maybe from those roasted nuts?) before I even sat down. Our host, whose name I’m embarrassed to admit I forgot after all that wine, grinned and poured our first tasting—crisp, cold, almost sharp on my tongue. She told us about Greg and Yannick, the brothers behind this place; apparently they’re always trying new things with their wine. I liked that it didn’t feel fussy or formal. Just… easy.

We settled in at one of the outdoor tables overlooking rows of vines that looked almost too green to be real. The cheese was local—one had this tangy bite that made me laugh out loud (I think I startled my partner). There were cracked wheat crackers that left crumbs everywhere, and dried fruit that tasted like summer if you closed your eyes. The charcuterie came from Smoke and Barrel Niagara—salty, peppery, perfect with the second glass (a red this time; softer than I expected). Our host checked in just enough but never hovered. She even tried to teach us how to pronounce one of the grape varietals—I absolutely butchered it, which got a good laugh out of her.

I kept noticing little things—the way bees hovered near the grapes, or how someone nearby toasted quietly with their own group. It wasn’t a tour (they said you need to book their Grape to Glass thing for that), but honestly I didn’t miss walking around. Sitting there with good wine and food felt like enough. No rush; just sunlight shifting on the tablecloth and voices drifting from somewhere inside the cellar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and charcuterie experience

• Arrive at Between the Lines Winery
• Enjoy 4 wine tastings per person
• Taste 3 artisan cheeses and charcuterie
• Sample roasted nuts, dried fruit, and crackers

Top questions

Is transportation included for this Between the Lines Winery picnic?

No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrive at the winery at your reservation time.

Does this cheese & charcuterie picnic include a tour of the vineyard?

No tour is included with this experience. For tours, you should book their Grape to Glass option instead.

How many wine tastings are included per person?

Each guest receives four different wine tastings as part of this picnic experience.

Is this picnic suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can join in prams or strollers.

Can I request a language other than English for my host?

If you need another language besides English, call ahead so they can arrange it for you.

What foods are served during this private picnic?

You’ll get three artisan cheeses, charcuterie by Smoke and Barrel Niagara, roasted nuts & dried fruit, plus cracked wheat crackers.

What’s included

Your day includes a private table set up at Between the Lines Winery in Niagara with four wine tastings per person, three types of artisan cheese, charcuterie from Smoke and Barrel Niagara, roasted nuts and dried fruit, cracked wheat crackers—and a friendly host serving everything right at your spot when you arrive.