Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, along the Niagara escarpment, Niagara Benchlands offers a unique terroir that has drawn winemakers to the area for years. Winding along beautiful, lush back roads you’ll discover more than a few wineries to sip your way through. After all, you’re in wine country!
This fall or winter, discover four of the VQA-certified wines that you can enjoy in the area as you taste everything Wine Country Ontario has to offer.
4 Wines to Discover in Niagara Benchlands
Of course, there are so many other amazing wines so be sure to keep discovering even after this trip! Read on for four of our favs.
Vineland Estate Winery
Where: 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
How do we describe Vineland Estates Winery? In a word- exquisite. Whether you’re shopping in their wooden cathedral log barn or deep in their wine cellar on a tour, you’ll see the dedication and passion that goes into this beautiful property and the wine that comes out of it.
The winemaker Brian has close to 30 years of experience at this winery alone so it’s no wonder why his wines have captured the hearts of many Ontarians and far beyond. We love their Cabernet Franc which has earthy notes alongside a swath of dark fruits and hints of espresso too. We think it would pair up perfectly with a beef stew this winter or a warm wheel of brie with roasted Ontario cranberries on top.
While you’re there, be sure to book a tour and a reservation in their on-site, award-winning restaurant where Chef George Ward crafts dynamic and flavourful dishes using ingredients inspired by the local terroir.
Megalomaniac Wines
Where: 3930 Cherry Ave, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
Just four minutes away, Megalomaniac Wines sits atop the highest parcel of land in the Niagara Benchlands and offers breathtaking views of 110 acres of vines imported from both France and Germany.
Pop into their retail space to shop all of their wines plus a unique assortment of kitschy wine-themed giftware, glasses, gift packs and foodie items too before enjoying a glass of their wine and a delicious meal in their on-site restaurant that overlooks the vineyard.
We fell in love with their sparkling Reserve Blanc de Noir which uses the pinot noir grape to craft a white (yes, white) sparkling wine that is dry and effervescent! Perfect for celebrating in place of champagne, this truly is a taste of place in a glass.
Calamus Estate Winery
Where: 3100 Glen Rd, Jordan Station, ON. (View Map)
About 8 minutes from Megalomaniac, Calamus Estate Winery backs up onto the beautiful Balls Falls Conservation Area! This farm was actually a full-fledged dairy operation back in the 1800s and has kept some of that original heritage in its tasting room today which used to be the milk room.
Enjoy an affordable tasting up at the bar or when there aren’t events running, bring your tasting or glass of wine out to the patio which overlooks the vineyard and conservation area.
Love nature? Us too! Calamus also has an epic telescope which they use to host stargazing events as folks from all over enjoy their wine, some delicious eats and a beautiful night sky.
Ready to try something? Of course, you are! We recommend checking out their Balls Falls Red (or white if you prefer) which sends a cut of proceeds directly back to the conservation area. How cool is that?
The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.
Where: 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville, ON. (View Map)
This winery, cooking school and bistro doesn’t leave much to be desired! With a property that is entirely licensed, cozy up in the fully-windowed dining room for a fantastic meal driven by local ingredients or grab a glass of wine on a beautiful day and enjoy it as you do a lap of the beautiful vineyard property or kick back on the patio. During the warmer months, The Good Earth offers live music every day that they’re open too!
Up for a little learning? The Good Earth also offers up a cooking school on-site where guests can book privately or just grab a ticket to a pre-planned class. If you’re interested, hurry because they sell out quickly.
Alright, let’s talk wine. We loved their bone-dry sparkling rose which is bursting with stone fruit but also has some lemon rind on the finish.
Cheers to You!
There you have it- four wineries to discover the next time you head down to Niagara Benchlands.
