Niagara Benchlands: perfectly perched on Lake Ontario, its scenic landscape and proximity to the water mean big snowfalls and holiday wonder.
Luckily, there are also loads of cozy restaurants and fun ways to enjoy a little festive fun so you’ll be warmed from your heart to your toes (just pack some wool socks)!
We have five extra fun ways to get festive in Niagara Benchlands this season so keep reading.
5 Festive Fun Ideas in Niagara Benchlands
Check out our ways to feel merry and bright in Niagara Benchlands this holiday season!
1. Dine + Sip El Fresco…kind of
Where: Fielding Estates Winery, Taris on the Water or Bench Brewing
What’s merrier than dining in the great outdoors but being toasty warm at the same time? We can’t think of anything!
Get cozy in one of the area’s domed snow globes at Fielding Winery or Taris on the Water, as you dine in the sprinkling snow at dusk. Enjoy a plethora of amazing food options as you savour local wine and just enjoy time well spent with those you love. It’s a good reminder that that’s what the holidays are all about.
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Want something even more outdoorsy? Look at you, you maverick! Bench Brewing has a heated patio with fire pits that make enjoying a beer outside all the more magical.
Don some flannel, hit the road to this spot, and grab something tasty from the kitchen (we’re thinking a steaming bowl of Bibimbap or some BENCH beignets will hit the spot)as you overlook Twenty Valley.
2. Stuff Your Stockings
We can’t think of a better place to go a-stockin’-stuffin’ than Niagara Benchlands. Whether you’re searching for something to replace the orange at the toe of your stocking (may we introduce you to the mighty papple?) or something sweet like chocolate-covered cherries, you’ll find it here.
Here are some stops we think you’ll love for just that:
- Cherry Lane: those aforementioned cherries are a must
- Newark Brewing: who DOESN’T want beer in their stocking this year? You might as well stay for a pint and a meal too!
- Farm Gate Markets: that pear-apple hybrid is waiting for you
- Fusion Latina: Shop a mix of Cuban and Argentinian packaged snacks
- Jordan Station: Shop for jewellery, art and baked goods all at once in this quaint little village
3. Dinner with a View
Where: The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. or Megalomaniac Wines
Kick back and enjoy dinner with an epic view. These dining rooms have walls of windows that make watching the snow fall over wine country extra special and their menus are delightful to boot.
At the Good Earth Food & Wine Co. grab a spot in the window-walled dining room for views of the vineyard. This cozy restaurant and winery is the perfect place to sip and savour and you can even bring your wine on a little walk afterwards as the whole property is licensed! Finally enjoy a delicious and hearty meal that includes everything from sage risotto to crispy fish sandwiches.
At Megalomaniac, take a higher view in their dining room, which looks over their vineyards but from a higher vantage point. The kitchen, run by the lovely folks from Revalee Brunch Café, is reason enough to visit.
Linger over lunch or dinner as you enjoy their award-winning wine (we suggest their 2019 holiday gamay) and a delicious dish or two. Think black truffle garlic parmesan buttered popcorn and a lamb confit shakshuka. YUM.
4. Find the perfect gift for your holiday host
Where: at a VQA Winery + Upper Canada Cheese Company
When it comes to memorable couples, J-Lo and Ben Affleck don’t hold a candle to our favourite dynamic duo: wine and cheese. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to stock up on this power couple for whatever holiday event you’re attending this season.
We recommend starting at Upper Canada Cheese Company where you can grab some of their tasty cheeses made using milk from Guernsey cows. Nibble, bite and spread your way through their selection of nutty, earthy cheeses as well as their creamy brie. Gosh, we’re hungry!
Pair that cheese with some epic VQA wines from the Niagara region. The cool thing about this region is you can find everything from sparkling, dry rosés to deep, jammy gammays and everything in between. May we recommend one of these four wineries to start your shopping?
5. Take a Festive Class
Where: The Watering Can Flower Market
You’ve heard us tout the likes of the Watering Can before! This spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch (or brunch!) and will make you feel downright tropical any time of year.
During the holiday season, consider taking one of their holly jolly workshops to up your decoration game. They have everything from wreath and urn making to workshops for kids and table arrangements. That being said, these are selling out quickly so act fast! Don’t have time? Grab one of their DIY take home kits.
Fa la la la laughing all the way to Niagara Benchlands
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy this getaway to Niagara Benchlands! Need more ideas to plan your trip around? Be sure to check out our other recent blog post for a two-day getaway.
