7 Best Niagara Wine Tours in 2024 (From a Local)
Are you looking for the best Niagara wine tours? You’ve come to the right place, as the top winery tours in Niagara are all listed here!
How do I know these are the best Niagara wine tours? I’m a wine lover, and I only live a short drive away from Niagara’s wine country! So I know a lot about the region and the different tours which are available. Plus, I’ve vetted all the tours in this article, including the reviews, so you can be sure they’re all highly rated.
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👍 BEST NIAGARA WINE TOUR
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Full Day Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake for the most comprehensive 5-star Niagara group winery experience!
Niagara is one of Canada and the USA’s most iconic regions. Of course, it’s best known as the home of North America’s largest waterfall – the mighty Niagara Falls. But that’s not all, as it’s also famous for being Canada’s top wine-producing region!
When I first moved to Canada, I didn’t realize how much of a wine-loving country it was. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that, not only do Canadians love drinking wine, they also produce some fantastic wine. And, the country’s biggest wine region is actually Niagara, which is right next door to where I live in Toronto!
As I live nearby, I’ve had lots of time to explore the region, get to know the local wineries and taste many of Niagara’s wines. So, by now, I know what to look for in a good Niagara wine tour. And, to help you choose the right tour, I’ve put together my top 7 Niagara wine tours to take when visiting the region.
In the list I’ve included a mix of group and private tours to suit different interests and budgets, as well as tours on both the Canadian and American side of Niagara (as excellent wine is produced on both sides).
So, read on for everything you need to know about Niagara’s best winery tours!
Quick Guide: Niagara Winery Tours
Top 7 Niagara Wine Tours
1. Full Day Group Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake
For the most comprehensive Niagara group wine tour experience, book this Full Day Group Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 5-6 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is the best tour to experience as much as possible of Niagara’s wine region in one day, with tastings at 4 local wineries, a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the option to include cheese and charcuterie pairings or lunch. Plus, it’s one of the most highly rated tours, with 5 out of 5 stars!
✅ Tour 4 prominent Niagara-on-the-lake wineries
✅ Includes tastings at each winery
✅ Visit historic vineyards and farms
✅ Optional cheese board & charcuterie or lunch
✅ Spend some time exploring the picturesque old town
✅ Sample award-winning reds, whites, ice wine & more
✅ Package includes transportation and knowledgeable guide
✅ Can include brewery and distillery stops
✅ Small group tour with maximum 10 guests
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Niagara Region
In addition to being one of the most highly-rated Niagara wine tours, what makes this the best overall tour is that it packs the most into one day, ensures a hassle free tasting and sightseeing experience, and suits every type of traveller.
Plus, this tour can be customized to suit your interests and budget, with the option to add various food pairings and the opportunity to spend some time exploring the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
This is also a fantastic tour to take for returning guests, as they have a long list of stops which they rotate between, based on availability, including Wayne Gretzky Estates, Reif Estate Winery, Between the Lines Winery, Konzelmann Estate Winery, Inniskillin Wines, Jackson-Triggs Winery and more!
So, if you do take this tour again (which many guests believe is worth doing!), chances are you will get to experience some different wineries and taste new wines.
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine-Tasting Tour
For a unique and active wine tour experience, try this Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine Tasting Tour.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 6 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is one of the most unique and fun ways to experience Niagara-on-the-Lake. Not only will you visit some of Niagara’s best wineries, but you’ll also get to explore the picturesque countryside between stops!
✅ Bike along quiet and safe country trails in Niagara-on-the-Lake
✅ Stop for tastings at several prominent local wineries
✅ Choose between a half-day or full-day tour
✅ Taste unique Canadian wine varieties, including ice wine
✅ Visit large-production, boutique, modern and classic wineries
✅ Full-day tour includes a delicious two-course lunch
✅ Half-day tour includes a small Cheese & Charcuterie Plate
✅ Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide
✅ Fuji cruiser bike and helmet included
If you’re looking to add a little bit of adventure into your Niagara wine experience, then this tour is for you!
This is actually my favourite tour on the list. The only reason it’s not ranked number 1 is because cycling may not appeal to all travellers. But, rest assured, the bike route isn’t difficult, taking you along easy, flat and safe (and scenic) trails and country roads.
You can choose from a half-day and full-day tour, which both take you from one winery to the next. At each stop you’ll get to experience a different type of vineyard, learn about Niagara’s wine production and history, and taste unique local wine varieties, such as Ontario’s famous ice wine.
If you’re unsure whether to book the half-day or full-day tour, I would highly recommend going with the full-day. This will give you more time to spend enjoying each winery, and it includes a delicious 2-course lunch, which tastes even better after all the cycling!
3. Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour
Get a taste of the best Niagara has to offer in half a day on this Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 3-4 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is the ideal way to experience the best of Niagara’s wine region in just half a day. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly tours on the list, and it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!
✅ Guided small-group half-day tour
✅ Visit 3 renowned wineries for a beautiful tasting flight
✅ Sample diverse local wines, including Ontario’s famous ice wine
✅ Enjoy the picturesque Niagara countryside
✅ Small-group setting with maximum 14 participants
✅ Includes transport, local guide and all tastings
✅ Morning and afternoon departures available
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off available for afternoon tours
If you’re short on time, but still want to experience the best of Niagara’s wine region, then this tour is for you. It’s one of the most popular and highly-rated Niagara wine tours for a reason!
In half a day you’ll get to visit 3 of the region’s top wineries for guided tastings in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the beautiful Niagara countryside. Plus, the local guides always make an effort to share their knowledge of the region and ensure a personal experience.
If you only have a couple of days to spend in Niagara, I would highly recommend this tour. You will easily be able to fit it in around other key activities like sightseeing at Niagara Falls, exploring the Niagara Parkway and visiting the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
4. Private Wine Tour in a Classic English Cab
For a memorable and more intimate winery tour and tasting experience, book this Private Wine Tour in a Classic English Cab with Lunch.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 4-5 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This wine tour is like no other on the list. Not only will you get to visit several prominent wineries with a private tour guide, but you’ll also get to indulge in a gourmet lunch and experience the Niagara region in style, in a classic English cab!
✅ Knowledgeable private tour guide & chauffeur
✅ In-depth introduction to the Niagara wine region
✅ Travel in style in a classic London black cab
✅ Enjoy an expert-led tutored tasting
✅ Includes a gourmet multi-course lunch or picnic
✅ Sample numerous wines at 5 different wineries
✅ Learn about the region and winemaking process
✅ Personalized and stress-free experience
✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Niagara region
This is the ideal tour to celebrate a special occasion or for those simply looking to have a truly unique experience!
Accompanied by a dedicated and knowledgeable local guide, you’ll get to experience the best of Niagara’s wine region in style, spending the day being chauffeured around the region, from winery to winery, in your own private London cab.
This is also a fantastic tour to take if you’re looking for a more intimate winery experience than you would get on a group tour. As a private experience, you’ll get to enjoy the undivided attention of your guide, and can personalize the tour to suit your interests.
5. Niagara All American All Inclusive Boutique Wine Tour
Visit some of the top wineries in Niagara County on the US side of the falls, on this All American All Inclusive Boutique Wine Tour!
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 4-5 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is the best wine tour you can take on the US side of Niagara Falls. Taking you to 4 boutique Niagara County wineries, you’ll get to taste some of the region’s best local wines in an intimate small-group setting.
✅ Experience the US side of the falls in Niagara County
✅ Visit more wineries in one day than you could alone
✅ Includes tastings at each of the 4 wineries
✅ Scenic drive through Niagara County’s countryside
✅ Learn about the winemaking process
✅ Semi-private tour allows for a personalized experience
✅ Various start times to suit your schedule
Although the Canadian side of Niagara is better known for its wine, Niagara County on the US side of the falls also has some fantastic boutique wineries which are worth visiting! And this is the ideal tour to experience as much of them as possible in one day.
This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 11 guests, meaning you can expect a more personal service and tailored experience than on larger tours. And, with everything included, the whole day is stress free so you can just focus on enjoying the wines and learning about the winemaking process with your travel companions.
6. Private Wine Tour with Cheese & Charcuterie
For a customizable day out book this Private 5 Hour Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake with cheese & charcuterie.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 5 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is the ideal tour if you’re looking for a personalized experience that includes everything, or you want to celebrate a special occasion with a group of friends!
✅ Private experience with dedicated local guide
✅ Visit 3 renowned wineries for tastings and tours
✅ Includes wine tastings and cheese & charcuterie
✅ Can be customized to include additional stops or activities
✅ Option to visit the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
✅ Sample wines from each winery, including ice wine
✅ Optional lunch or afternoon snacks stop
✅ Ideal for groups or to celebrate a special occasion
✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Niagara region
Just like the other private tour to make the list, this is a fantastic option for a more intimate Niagara winery experience, which can be personalized to suit your interests.
And, this tour can accommodate larger groups, with room for up to 11 guests! So, it’s a great option for birthdays, bachelorette parties and other group celebrations!
Although the tour includes a visit to 3 wineries, the itinerary can be customized to include additional winery visits, or other stops, such as the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just let your guide know what your group wants to see and do, and they will do what they can to accommodate you.
7. Full-Day Niagara-On-The-Lake Guided Wine and Charcuterie Tour
For a full-day discovering the Niagara wine region, try this Niagara-On-The-Lake Guided Wine and Charcuterie Tour.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕒 Tour Length: 5-6 Hours | 💰 Check Rates & Availability
Why choose this tour? This is one of the top full-day Niagara wine tours, which will ensure you see and taste as much as possible of the region with more than a dozen wine tastings and charcuterie pairings!
✅ Visit 4 different wineries for tours and tastings
✅ Sample 12 to 16 different wines, including Ontario’s famous ice wine
✅ Enjoy guided tastings and charcuterie pairing at each winery
✅ Learn about the wines, region and winemaking process
✅ Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District
✅ Option to have lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake
✅ Small-group tour with a maximum of 14 guests
✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the Niagara region
On this tour, you’ll get to experience as much as possible of the Niagara wine region, with visits to 4 prominent wineries, multiple tastings and food pairings. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, to really round out your Niagara experience.
This tour is actually very similar to the Full Day Group Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake which is at the top of my list. The only reason I’ve ranked this one lower down is because it’s not quite as well-reviewed. But it includes a very similar experience and if you choose to go with this one, I’m sure you’ll also have a fantastic time!
Niagara Winery FAQs
How many wineries are in Niagara?
There are more than 50 wineries in Canada’s Niagara wine region and about half of them are located in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are also more than 20 wineries in Niagara County on the US side of Niagara falls.
What time of year is best for Niagara wine tours?
The best time for Niagara wine tours is typically during the spring, summer, and early fall. The weather is most pleasant during these times, with long sunny days and warm temperatures. So this is the ideal time to explore the vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
However, later in the fall, from October to November, is also great time to visit Niagara, as the landscape lights up with some of the region’s most vibrant fall colours.
What type of wine is Niagara known for?
Niagara is best known for its production of Ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes harvested while frozen on the vine. The region also produces excellent cool-climate wine varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
How does a wine tasting tour work?
During a Niagara wine tasting tour you will typically visit multiple wineries, where you’ll be guided through tastings of various wines by local wine consultants. They’ll teach you about the winemaking process, grape varietals, and flavour profiles while you sample a selection of wines.
Sometimes food, such as charcuterie or cheese pairings, will be included. And, certain tours may give you the option to stop at a local restaurant for lunch.
On Niagara wine tours, a local guide and transportation between wineries is also usually provided. And there will be an opportunity to purchase bottles of wine to take home.
How much time do you spend at each winery?
On most wine tours which include multiple stops, you’ll have around 45 minutes at each winery. However, this can sometimes be longer, if the stop is for a more comprehensive tasting, tour of the facilities, or even for lunch. And private tours can be customized to allow for longer or shorter stops, depending on your preferences.
What is ice wine?
Ice wine is a type of sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been left to freeze naturally on the vine. This freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavours in the grapes, resulting in a rich, intensely sweet wine with a balanced acidity. It’s typically served chilled and is paired well with desserts.
Do you tip on wine tours?
Tipping on a wine tour is up to you, but is not usually expected. As most Niagara wine tours are booked and paid for in advance, you won’t actually have to pay anything on the day, unless you purchase bottles of wine or food during the tour.
For bottle purchases a tip is not expected. But for restaurant food eaten onsite, such as lunch, it’s customary to add a tip between 15% to 20% in Canada.
It can also be a nice gesture to provide a tip to your tour guide and driver. However, this is very much at your own discretion.
What do you wear to a wine tour in Niagara?
Most wineries in Niagara don’t have a specific dress code. I would recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will likely do a lot of standing throughout the day. And, if you’re going to be doing a bike wine tour, make sure you wear something you can easily cycle in.
What is the difference between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake?
Niagara Falls is the small city and bustling tourist destination which is home to Niagara’s famous waterfall. Whereas Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small lakeside heritage community, often deemed the prettiest town in Ontario, known for its historic architecture, wineries, and theatres.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is only around 25-kilometres from Niagara Falls, and can be reached along the scenic Niagara Parkway. If you’ll be spending some time in the Niagara region, it’s absolutely worth visiting both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
How old do you have to be to go on a Niagara wine tour?
You must be of legal drinking age to participate in a Niagara wine tour, which is 19 years old in Ontario.
Final Thoughts – Best Niagara Winery Tours
Taking a wine tour and tasting is the absolute best way to experience Niagara’s beautiful wine country. And luckily there are plenty of 5-star Niagara wine tours to choose from!
Hopefully this list has helped you narrow down the options so you can choose the one that suits you best and make the most of your time in the Niagara region.
Still unsure which tour is right for you? View all Niagara wine tours.
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