11 Best Wineries in Niagara on the Lake

Niagara on the Lake, while known for many things – is famous for being the heart of Canada’s wine region. There are about over 50 wineries surrounding Niagara on the Lake alone, which makes visiting at least one vineyard one of the best things to do in the area.

It’s very hard to choose or narrow down which winery to visit, because there aren’t any ‘bad’ choices. All of the wineries in the area are great in different ways; most are family-owned, have been operating for many years, and have their unique perks. Some of the wineries are fancy, grand and upscale, while others have more of a charming, farm-to-table setting.

And here’s what most people don’t know – some wineries in the area seem like small businesses, but are actually owned by giant corperations. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them, but I do recommend trying to support some of the small family-owned wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I’ve considered my personal experience (after visiting Niagara on the Lake twice a year for the past few years), and ratings, and come up with a guide below detailing some of the best wineries near Niagara on the Lake, what they offer, and what is unique about visiting them.

Important note: The drinking age in Ontario is 19. People of all ages (including kids) are welcome at the Niagara vineyards. I see families visiting often. To buy or taste alcohol, though, you should have ID on hand in case they ask

So, let’s jump in – the best Niagara on the Lake wineries, and the perks they offer!

11 Best Wineries in Niagara on the Lake

Scroll below for more details of each of the wineries mentioned here, plus MORE that deserve a mention. We are blessed to have so many amazing wineries in this area that are eager to welcome you for tastings, meals, tours and unique experiences

1.Konzelmann Estate Winery

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: the unique building’s resemblance to a European castle, being right on the lake
Restaurant: No, but they offer several food pairing options with their wines

Konzelmann is very unique as far as wineries go in the area, for one – because it’s the only Niagara on the Lake winery to be RIGHT on the lake. You can enjoy views of the vineyards with Lake Ontario in the background (on a clear day, you can also make out the skyline of Toronto on the other side.) We booked their dome experience which has the best views of the lake. It came with a tasting and charcuterie boards.

Konzelmann Winery was started in the 80s by Herbert Konzelmann who came to Canada specifically to start a winery here. The building looks like a chateau in Germany, with its pointy red tiled roof and light-bricked exterior. It’s won awards and been voted the friendliest and most informative of local wine tours.

The experience they offer of renting a private dome is definitely unique in the area. The dome sits on an elevated surface facing the vineyards and lake Ontario. Alex was a great animated storyteller sharing the family’s story, and explaining the wines. We loved it.

2. Two Sisters Vineyards

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 5-minute drive or 10-minute bike ride
Known for: Being one of the newer wineries, having only opened its doors in 2014!
Restaurant: Yes, it’s called Kitchen 76 and serves lunch and dinner (menus here)

Two Sisters is a gorgeous, classy and upscale Niagara on the Lake winery. For the longest time, I never visited any new wineries because I always kept coming back to Two Sisters. The interior of the winery and the labels on their labels have an elegant, frilly design. Their vineyards and their building have such an upscale atmosphere, and the view of the vineyards is gorgeous, with the mature trees, and the forest line behind them.

Two Sisters is quite large, and it has the feel of being one of the larger, corporate-run wineries. But it isn’t, its still family-owned and run business by two sisters of the Marrota family who started it. Because Two Sisters is lager, it doesn’t have that small, family rustic feel. But, if you’re looking for a place where you can pop in, try some wine and leave unnoticed, then Two Sisters is a nice place to visit.

You can find their wines (especially their most popular, 11th Post in LCBO stores) but their brand is less common, and I think that’s part of why I often pop in here when I’m visiting Niagara on the Lake – it feels like you’re buying something that isn’t easily found elsewhere.

I’ve never eaten at Two Sisters, but their dining area is classy and elegant, like the rest of the building. I’ve done their wine tastings (which you can either book in advance or drop in), and bought many bottles of their wine. I love the labels on their bottles,

3. Pillitteri Estate Winery

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: Family-owned since the 60s, wood-fired pizzas
Restaurant: Yes, called Barrels

Pilliterri Estate Winery is has been owned by the Pillitteri family since the 1960s. We had the most memorable experience visiting here. The staff is warm and friendly, and we got an impromptu tour as it was a slow day. Pillitteri is smaller, so you have more of a chance to connect with the staff – we even got to shake the owner’s hand!

They have an on-site restaurant called Barrels, which serves wood-oven baked pizzas. It has wooden picnic tables overlooking the vineyards where you can enjoy their pizza with a glass of wine.

The other really unique thing about Pillitteri is that they’re one of the few ‘smaller’ wineries in the area that make ice wine. If you visit Niagara on the Lake in winter (which I recommend, its a good Ontario winter destination) be sure to sample their newly bottled ice wine. You can sample it any time of year of course too. Here’s what we didn’t know – they also make a sparkling ice wine, which is very rare. Their sparking ice wine is award winning.

You won’t be disappointed with Pillitteri, regardless of the time of year you come, they’re definitely one of the best in the area.

4. Between the Lines Winery

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 4 min drive/10 minutes by bike
Known for:
Restaurant: No

I haven’t been to Between the Lines Winery yet, but it’s next on my list. I asked a wine consultant at Pillitteri about his favourite wineries in the area, and he said Between the Lines as one of the best. I also notice that it has a higher than usual Google rating (4.8.) From the photos alone, you can tell its one of the more scenic, and rustic looking wineries in the area. You’ll see the big red barn as soon as you pull in, and their tasting room has wooden barrels of ageing wine in them, which isn’t something you always see..

They offer a special Grape to Glass experience ($30 for 45 minutes) that is very popular! It’s family-owned, run by two brothers, Greg and Yannick Wertsch. Their family immigrated to Canada in the 90s, which is when they planted this winery.

5. Stratus Vineyards

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 4 min drive/10 minutes by bike
Known for: Being one of the most green, sustainable wineries in the area
Restaurant: No

Similar to Two Sisters, Stratus is one of the prettiest, artistic and fancy wineries in the area. They’re also the first winery in the world to become LEED-certified winery (standing for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) 

Stratus is a medium-sized, boutique winery that provides a more ‘upscale’ winery experience. Although its larger than other vineyards, its still family owned, and all the grapes are hand-picked and they don’t use chemicals. They offer tours and tastings, and occasionally, unique events.

6. Jackson Trigg’s Niagara Estate

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 4 min drive/8 minutes by bike
Known for: Being one of the largest wineries in Canada
Restaurant: Yes, seasonally semi-outdoors – menu here

Jackson Triggs is one of Canada’s most FAMOUS wines. It’s almost impossible to open a restaurant wine menu and not see at least one of their wines. Visiting their vineyard in Niagara on the Lake where their famous wines are made is a fun, laid back but still a classy experience.

Jackson Triggs serves an excellent lunch at their winery, where you can choose between different grazing boards. Their charcuterie boards are so fresh, and they have many options for different dietary needs (I’m a vegetarian.) It’s an upscale experience, but still elaxed, where you feel at peace with a view of the vineyards.

Jackson Triggs is likely the largest winery in the area, and in the country, so it doesn’t have as much of that ‘small,’ unique charm experience – so if you’re set on that, I’d look elsewhere. But I have been here, and still enjoyed it. It’s a place to kick back, relax and explore for a couple hours. It also has one of the best gift shops that I’ve seen at wineries in the area, with lots of winery, Niagara and Canadian souvenirs.

7. Pellar Estates Winery And Restaurant

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 5 min drive/10 minutes by bike
Known for: Niagara’s only igloo-like lounge, called “10Below Icewine Lounge“
Restaurant: Yes, its called “The Winery”

Pellar Estates is one of the most popular, famous wineries in the area. It’s large, fancy and bustling winery, with lots going on. Their patio views of the vineyards are gorgeous, and their wine is excellent.

Similar to Jackson Triggs, the Peller estate is quite large and their production is done on a larger scale. That’s part of why its easy to find their wine on menus, and stores all over Canada. (The company that ownes Peller, also owns a few other wineries in the area.) Still, I wouldn’t discourage you from visiting Peller – they’re definitely one of my favourites, and were originally my #1 favourite before I discovered Two Sisters.

Peller and Two Sisters are right beside eachother, so its pretty easy to experience both of them if that interests you!

One thing not everyone knows about Peller Estates their ice lounge in the cellar, which they use to make sparkling wine. Its called the 10Below Icewine Lounge, you need to book one of their wine tours in order to see it. (Advance booking would be highly recommended, especially in the summer and fall.)

8. Inniskillin Wines

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: Being the oldest winery in the area, having opened in 1975
Restaurant: Yes, they have one of the more affordable winery restaurants – menu here

Inniskillen Wines is a more low-key, rustic winery in the area. They’re the oldest and the very first to be granted a winery licence. They’re right on the Niagara River, so you’d have views of the vineyards with the river and the US land in the background.

I find visiting Innisfillen to be a bit more of a chill vibe than other wineries, because their building is smaller, more homey and simple! Their ice wine is amazing, and something you’ll be able to taste if you do their wine tour.

Inniskillen was named after the Irish family that bought the land, but now the wine is owned by Arterra Wines Canada which is one of Canada’s biggest wine companies. So, its not still one of the ‘family owned’ places, but it still has that feel to it. You can also have a laid-back lunch, with options like wraps, salads, and sandwiches or a cheese board. This can be a nice option if you’re looking for something less ‘fancy’ than other winery meals.

9. Trius Winery & Restaurant

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: Canada’s largest underground sparkling wine cellar
Restaurant: Yes, (and MICHELIN-star!) Serves lunch and dinner –menu here

Trius, like Pellar and Jackson Triggs, is also a very popular Ontario wine that frequents many local restaurant menus, and shelves at LCBO. Trius wine is owned by the same company as Peller (Andrew Peller Limited) so their bottles are pretty easy to find outside of the winery too.

Still, the Trius winery in Niagara on the Lake is worth visiting – if not for the wine itself, then the environment and the food. It’s home to the only Michelin-star restaurant in Niagara on the Lake!. The food is very upscale, and they have some interesting and creative dishes. A meal here can finish off a day celebrating a special occasion in Niagara.

10. Bella Terra Vineyards

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: Being one of the oldest, family-owned wineries in the area
Restaurant: No

Bella Terra Vineyards is one of the lesser-known vineyards in the Niagara area, but oddly, it’s one of the oldest ones in the area too! Its family owned since 1974, and their wine bottle labels have a fancy, feminine label, which makes them a nice gift to bring home for someone. Its a small boutique winery that is nice to visit with girlfriends, or with mom. They have a patio where you can sit with a view of the vineyards and order wine by the glass.

11. Caroline Cellars Family Estate

Distance from downtown Niagara on the Lake: 9 min drive/23 minutes by bike
Known for: Being a more ‘down to earth’ winery
Restaurant: Yes, their Farmhouse Café serves mouthwatering pub food!

Caroline Cellars is a very popular winery that is perfect for a more casual winery experience. Their interior is all wooden, and they serve pub food in their cozy, rustic restaurant. That’s what they’re going for here, a more laid-back winery experience as opposed to fancy and upscale.

They’re family-owned and named after the owner’s mom who first helped them buy the land to start this vineyard in the 70s. By visiting here, you’re welcomed by a generation-old family business. They have a very cute gift shop too. I have yet to visit Caroline Cellars but have heard nothing but good things about them, and along with Between the Lines; it’s next on my list.

Wine Tours that Take You to Multiple Wineries

• Wine Tour in Niagara on the Lake – while this one is a big amibuous of which wineries it takes you too, from the photos it looks like Pillitteri, Between the Lines and Konzelmann which are ALL excellent, so this should be an excellent trip (plus highly rated)
• Afternoon Wine, Beer and Charcuterie Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake (4-5 hours) includes Pillitteri, Konzelmann, and Niagara Oast House Brewers
• Grape Escape Small Group Wine Tasting Tour (4 hours) It does not say which wineries this one takes you too, but its very highly rated on Viator

Where to Stay in Niagara on the Lake

Niagara on the Lake is a popular day trip, from Niagara Falls or Toronto, and other places around Ontario. I almost always stay overnight when I visit.

• Prince of Wales Hotel. See my personal review of staying at Prince of Wales here
• Riverbend Inn, is owned by Trius but located adjacent to Pellar Estates Vineyards. Its a property that dates back to the 1800s

There are too many amazing bed and breakfasts in Niagara on the Lake to name right here, so for more suggestions, please see my complete list of best places to stay in Niagara on the Lake

Other Wineries in the Area Worth Considering

It should be known that Niagara on the Lake isn’t the only place with wineries on the Niagara Peninsula – they are scattered all over the Niagara region, the ‘wine country’ of Canada. I’ll be mentioning a few that are a bit ‘out of the way’ but worth a visit too.

• Lakeview Wine Co. (11 min drive)
• Pallatine Hills Estate Winery (12 min drive), very small winery, small batched wines and family run
• The Hare Wine Co. (12 min drive)
• Ravine Vineyard (15 min drive), they’re big on farm to table
• Château des Charmes (18-minute drive), a gorgeous, elegant French-inspired winery
• Redstone Winery (1 hour drive), this is a bit further out but is located near Jordan Station which is one of Ontario’s cutest small towns.

Final Thoughts

I hope that this article has helped you make a decision on which winery or wineries to visit. When I visit Niagara on the Lake, I often visit at least 1-2 wineries while I’m there. Sometimes it will be lunch at one, and a tour at another.

If it’s your first time in Niagara on the Lake, I recommend getting the full experience by booking a wine tour in advance (they often need to be booked beforehand, especially in the summer or fall, as spaces fill up.) Booking a wine tour allows you to really see the winery; the barrels full of ageing wine, hear about their story and processes. Visiting just the wine store and tasting area is just scratching the surface in all there is to see around a winery.

In addition, a winery visit doesn’t always have to be to buy or taste alcohol – many of them serve excellent dinners and lunches, and are a nice place to just spend time outdoors and learn about their process of farming the grapes and turning them into wine. Some of the best restauants in Niagara on the Lake in the area are run by wineries, or located right on the estate.