Niagara Benchlands has long been known as Wine Country (and trust us, it is that) but there’s so much more to be discovered here! This two-day foodie road trip will bring you to spectacular restaurants, breweries, wineries (of course) and scenic vistas you won’t soon forget.
A Two-Day Getaway to Niagara Benchlands
Discover all that Niagara Benchlands has to offer in terms of food, drink and beautiful views on this two-day foodie itinerary. Dig in!
Where is Niagara Benchlands?
Niagara Benchlands is nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and includes the Town of Lincoln as well as Beamsville, Campden, Tintern, Rockway, Jordan and Vineland.
With an easy-going town centre (Lincoln) and beautiful vistas of rural Ontario, it’s a great mix of the amenities you’re looking for in a destination with the laid-back nature, beautiful scenery and Ontario-grown and produced ingredients that come from rural life.
Alright! Let’s dive into that itinerary, shall we?
Day 1
Day one will have you doing a little hands-on learning, tasting some fantastic craft beverages, and enjoying a blend of food that includes everything from a simple and delicious brunch to the comforting and bright flavours of Latin fusion cuisine.
Stop 1: Fresh Brunch and a Hands-On Workshop
Where: The Watering Can, 3711 King St. Vineland, ON. (View Map)
To kick off the day, head to the Watering Can. This flower market and greenhouse is outfitted with a fantastic café that will make you feel like it’s summer no matter the season.
Surrounded by fresh plants and a mish-mash of vintage tables, plate ware, and décor, grab a seat in the dining room and peruse their simple (yet delicious!) menu. We loved the avocado toast topped with edible flowers and a poached egg as well as their breakfast sandwich served on a fresh croissant… and we may have indulged in a s’mores cookie or two, but can you blame us?
After brunch, take part in one of the Watering Can’s workshops! From crafting beautiful urns for your porch to holiday arrangements and more, it’s the perfect way to bring a little piece of the Benchlands home with you and (frankly) put a wee bit of space between you and your next delicious meal.
Drive Time to Next Stop: 1 minute
Stop 2: Afternoon Beers at Bench Brewing Company
Where: Bench Brewing Company, 3991 King St. Beamsville, ON. (View Map)
Cheers to craft beers! Whether this is a romantic escape or a buddies’ hang, gather around a table or hightop at Bench for a flight or pint.
This large but cozy brewery is home to some wicked, inventive brews. With flagships inspired by the Belgian style, you’ll find everything from Belgian Pale Ales and Helles Lagers in addition to small batch and seasonal brews like their Oak Pilsner and Sun Daze Rosé Sour. They even do some pretty cool brewing experimentation in coolships.
Feelin’ hungry? They got you. The kitchen at Bench whips up some pretty great meals under the guidance of Chef Justin Lesso. Grab a few bar snacks (but be sure to save room for later) like their duck-fat fried potatoes or carnitas nachos.
Drive Time to Next Stop: 4 mins
Stop 3: Taste Award-Winning Wine
Where: Megalomaniac Wines, 3930 Cherry Ave, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
Next up: Megalomaniac Wines. This award-winning winery is a sight to behold! With a massive bar and gift shop, enjoy a glass overlooking a sweeping view of the Niagara Bench and if the weather is nice, be sure to check out the patio too.
Sign up for a wine tasting in advance (or a vineyard tour when in season spring-early fall) to really make the most of your time here. You’ll be taken upstairs to a private room where you’ll be led through a tasting by one of Megalomaniac’s experienced staff.
We don’t want to spoil the tasting but we will say, be prepared to be surprised (pleasantly)! We’re talking white pinot noirs, sparkling dry rosés and more.
Drive Time to Next Stop: 7 mins
Stop 4: Fusion Cuban and Argentinian Dinner
Where: Fusion Latina, 5041 King St Unit 3, Beamsville, ON. (View Map)
Be delighted by this spot in Beamsville filled wall to wall with flavour. A mix of Cuban- and Argentinian-inspired cuisine from the owners’ home countries, this is a can’t-miss spot on our list.
Located in a strip mall, this unassuming spot packs the punch when it comes to deliciousness. Enjoy their warm empanadas, salty, fried and crispy plantains and espresso with cinnamon that will please even the pickiest of coffee aficionados.
Grab a spot in the dining room or take it to go and enjoy it with a view at one of many nearby scenic spots. Dive head first into a Cubano sandwich or their grilled pork with traditional rice and beans then top it all off with warm churros. You definitely won’t leave hungry!
Want to bring a taste of this spot home with you? You can also shop a number of Cuban and Argentinian snacks in-house.
Wind Down the Day
All good things must come to an end but lucky for you, there’s a whole second day of this itinerary! Book yourself a place in one of the Benchlands cute stays like Inn on the Twenty and get some rest for tomorrow.
Day 2
Stop 1: Breakfast for All
Where: Revalee Brunch Café, 4100 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
Note: If you stayed at Inn on the Twenty, swap the order of Stop 1 & 3 and make it brunch!
Start your day with a menu of delicious breakfast options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike that is thoughtfully put together and oh-so-delicious.
With inventive food combos, we fell head over heels for their Chai French Toast with Bartlett pears grown just down the road, their Lobster Eggs Benedict, Rancheros Tostadas and their rostis as a side.
We also need to shout out to their coffee beverages as coffee lovers will adore their mean cappuccinos, cortados, and more.
Stop 2: A Scenic Walk or Hike
Where: Balls Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON. (View Map)
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Grab your camera (or not!) and head to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area on a scenic and beautiful hike. Take in the views of Twenty Mile Creek as it runs over a set of upper and lower falls. You can even view the falls from above or below! Each season provides a beautiful new view to behold.
With several trails available to meander through the conservation area, you can take your time enjoying the views and getting in a little exercise before your next meal! Check out the trail map online to decide your plan.
Stop 3: Baked Goods & Coffee
Where: RPM Bakehouse, 3839 Main St. Jordan, ON. (View Map)
For those who love great coffee and a croissant (who doesn’t for that matter?) or fresh loaves of sourdough bread, this is your spot.
When you step into RPM Bakehouse, you’re immediately filled with the scents of freshly-ground coffee and bread right from the oven in the midst of this bakery which has some real Scandinavian vibes.
Order up one of their inventive baked goods and a bevvy to enjoy out on the heated patio or cozy up at one of the tables indoors. Before you leave, be sure to grab a couple loaves to take home with you!
Stop 4: Cheese, please!
Where: Upper Canada Cheese Company, 4159 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON. (View Map)
After filling up on baked goods, head to Upper Canada Cheese Company to check out some tasty fromage. Upper Canada Cheese Company is one of the only cheesemakers in Ontario using Guernsy cows, giving their cheese a unique flavour profile.
From semi-soft washed rind cheeses to heritage cheddars and camembert, you could fill your next cheeseboard with cheeses exclusively from their shop. Stock up on a few cheeses and shop a number of preserves, crackers and other accoutrements in shop before heading out.
Stop 5: Fine Dining Lunch & Award-Winning Wine
Where: Vineland Estates Winery, 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON. (View Map)
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Alright- time for some wine! It is Wine Country after all. Vineland Estates Winery is a site to behold and the perfect place to take it all in.
With dining available for lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday, you’ll enjoy a beautifully prepared meal by Chef George Ward whose inventive and delightful menu will really hit the spot.
From smoked Lake Erie whitefish and Ontario trout to duck pastrami and chestnut fettucini, you’re sure to find a dish to fall in love with.
After your meal, go for a tour of the winery or enjoy a tasting in one of several on-site offers(book in advance). They even have a tasting for your dog so bring Fido if you wish!
Before you leave, be sure to grab a bottle or two from the shop or perhaps a gift for a loved one back home.
Stop 6: A Feel-good Dinner
Where: The Good Earth Food & Wine, 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville, ON. (View Map)
We can’t think of a better way to close off your time in Niagara Benchlands than by gathering with your friends, fam or sweetheart at The Good Earth Food & Wine for a heartwarming meal and wine.
Gather in the windowed dining room for views of the vineyard as you savour a rich and delicately balanced meal of stunning flavours. We loved the creamy squash risotto with crispy sage and goat cheese as well as the roasted pork belly.
Rotating their menu with the seasons, there’s always a reason to come back and gather. Grab a glass of wine and wander the vineyard afterwards together as the entire property is licensed or book ahead for a tasting together.
Want to plan something really special? Sign up for a cooking class on-site (they sell out fast) or if you have enough in your group, book a private one!
Cheers to a Wonderful Getaway
We hope you have the best time on your getaway. Fill your stomach and your heart!
