Niagara: Wine Tour with Tastings & Transport from Falls

Summary

Niagara day trip tasting family-run wineries lakeside stops

You’ll swirl your own picks at family-run Caroline Cellars, sip flights inside castle-like Konzelmann Estates, share stories over lunch at Farmhouse Café, and wander lakeside vineyards—all with pickup included. Expect laughter between strangers who won’t feel like strangers for long.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re in for something different when the bus driver greets you like an old friend—even if you’ve just met. Our Niagara wine tour kicked off right in the middle of town, where we all piled into this big van (I was a little nervous about meeting strangers but it was actually kind of fun). The first stop was Caroline Cellars—family-run, wood everywhere, smells like fresh bread and grape skins. They let us pick our own wines to taste. I went for something called ‘late harvest’ because the guy next to me said it tasted like pears. He wasn’t wrong. I still think about that one.”

We had time to wander around after—there’s this little shop with jams and bottles lined up by hand, and outside it was cold but sunny so we tried to take photos without shivering too much. At Konzelmann Estates, the building looks almost like a castle—massive doors and stone everywhere. Our guide, Mark (who grew up nearby), told us stories about German winemaking traditions while we sipped inside this private room that smelled faintly of oak barrels. Someone spilled their glass and nobody cared; everyone just laughed and kept chatting. It felt easy.

The Reif Estate Winery sits right on the parkway—rows of vines stretching forever. We tasted more wine in these huge barrel rooms, and one of the staff explained why Niagara’s climate is so good for grapes (I didn’t catch all of it but something about lake breezes). Lunch was at Farmhouse Café back at Caroline—nothing fancy, just warm soup and poutine at a long wooden table with people I’d only met hours before. There’s something about sharing food after a few glasses that makes everyone loosen up.

Wayne Gretzky Estates was our last stop—no tastings there but plenty of time to poke around or grab a cocktail by the outdoor rink (yes, really). I tried to say thank you in French to the bartender but probably butchered it; she smiled anyway. By the time we got dropped off back in Niagara Falls, my cheeks hurt from laughing more than from the wine. If you’re looking for a Niagara wine tour that doesn’t feel rushed or stuffy—and includes pickup so you don’t have to worry about driving—I’d say go for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Niagara wine tastings and lunch

• Pick up from Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Visit Caroline Cellars winery
• Sample wines and explore grounds
• Lunch break at Farmhouse Cafe
• Visit Konzelmann Estates winery
• Enjoy wine flight and shop
• Visit Reif Estates winery
• Wine tasting and explore winery
• Stop at Wayne Gretzky and Trius wineries
• Shop and explore without tastings
• Return to pick-up locations

Top questions

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

The tour includes stops at three wineries for tastings: Caroline Cellars, Konzelmann Estates, and Reif Estate Winery.

Is transportation included in the Niagara wine tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from central Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake is included.

Are wine tastings included at every stop?

Tastings are included at Caroline Cellars, Konzelmann Estates, and Reif Estate Winery; Wayne Gretzky Estates is for shopping/exploring only.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

The tour stops for a casual lunch break at Farmhouse Café (on site at Caroline Cellars); lunch cost is extra.

What time does the Niagara wine tour start and end?

The tour starts with pickups around 10:00 AM and returns between 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Can I bring children on this Niagara wine tour?

Infants and small children can join if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller/pram; minimum age for wine tasting is 19 years.

Are there options for public transportation near pickup points?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup locations in both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Do I need to book ahead for this wine tour?

Yes, confirmation will be sent after booking as seats are limited on each tour date.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from central Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake with a friendly local guide onboard; multiple complimentary tastings at three different wineries; time to shop or explore each spot; plus a relaxed lunch break (food not included) before heading back in the late afternoon.