Whenever people think of the Niagara Region in Canada, the first thing that comes to mind is Niagara Falls, and with good reason. BUT….whenever I think of the Niagara Region, the first thing that comes to my mind is wine! That’s right……wine.

I am a lover of all things wine and the Niagara Region has a plethora of world-class vineyards, making it known as Ontario’s Wine Country.  It is definitely a wine lover’s dream come true.

History of Harvesting in the Niagara Region 

The Niagara Region is situated between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, which offers the perfect climate for grape growing. The winds blowing off of Lake Ontario are trapped by the Niagara Escarpment. This allows the Region to maintain a consistent airflow and prevents the cold air from settling during the frost season.

The very first vineyards in the Niagara Region were planted in the early 1900’s. This wine region has continued to grow and now boasts being the largest grape growing region in Canada. Ontario’s Wine Country produces 80% of the grapes in Ontario and now has over 100 vineyards scattered throughout the Niagara Region.

Harvest Seasons

Because of the unique weather conditions in the Niagara Region, there are various harvest seasons, which all depend on the type of grapes being harvested:

Icewine Facts

Many wine lovers are familiar with the making of wine, but  fewer are familiar with icewine, a sweet wine typically served with dessert. Icewine  can only be produced in certain climates, and Niagara’s Wine Country offers the perfect climate needed in order to produce some outstanding icewine.

The cold winter temperatures in Canada provides the ideal location to produce icewine.  This makes Canada one of the largest icewine producers in the world, with the Niagara Region being the key contributor. The first batch of icewine was produced  quite recently in the Niagara Region as recent as 1984.

Canada is the producer of 75% of the worlds icewine, with the majority of that wine being produced in Ontario.

Harvesting Grapes for Icewine

Harvesting the grapes to make icewine is an entirely different and risky process. The grapes are left to harvest and ripen throughout the summer months. They are then left to freeze during a portion of winter at temperatures of -8 degrees Celsius or lower.  They are eventually harvested in mid-December to January, depending on what the weather conditions have been like throughout the early winter months.

While the grapes must be harvested when they are frozen, it is imperative that they have not been damaged by frost. Because of this, a mass number of grape pickers are needed  to harvest the grapes at a very specific time, failing which there is a risk of the grapes being lost.

Just One Tip:  The Niagara Region is host to several icewine festivals in January of every year.

Tours and Tastings for the Wine Lover

No visit to the Niagara Region is complete for a wine lover without a tasting or two.

The Niagara Region boasts over 100 vineyards, most of which offer tastings and/or tours.  Some also have a full restaurant on site.  There certainly isn’t a shortage of wineries  to choose from and you won’t have to search far to find one.  Get a list of all the wineries here.

Jackson Triggs

Jackson Triggs has always been one of my favourite wineries to visit.  It is a mid-sized winery, it is clean and it is modern….and the wine is pretty awesome as well, which is an added bonus!

This 11.5 acre vineyard was established in 1993 by Allan Jackson and Don Triggs, which makes this vineyard fairly new.

It features three primary varieties of wine, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. The growers of Jackson Triggs work with other growers to augment a supply of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and has become Canada’s most award winning vineyard.   The wines from Jackson Triggs can be purchased in liquor stores throughout Ontario at a reasonable price.

Tours, Tastings, Events and Hours of Operation

Jackson Triggs operates tours year-round, rain or shine, which highlights how the wines are crafted from the vineyard to the barrel.

In addition to the tours, wine tastings are offered, together with pairings of fine cheeses.  I have spent many hours with a glass of wine (or two) and cheese and crackers, taking in the sounds, sights and smells of the vineyard, with on the rare occasion, the sound of live music in the background.  This is the perfect way to spend a summer or fall afternoon.

The vineyard will often host various events, specifically, the Niagara Summer Concert Series and the Niagara Savour the Sights.

Hours of Operation:

• Summer/Fall:  May – September open daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Winter/Spring:  October – April open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Closed Chrismas Day

If a tour is on the agenda, which I highly recommend, set aside at least an hour as you learn about the art of wine-making from the vineyard to the wine cellar, while tasting four wines throughout the tour (white, red, sparkling and icewine).  Obtain more information on Jackson Triggs, its events and wine tours here.

Tours:

• June – August every half hour daily from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• September – May:  Sunday to Friday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Every Saturday hourly from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Whether you explore the vast vineyards at Jackson Triggs, or a different winery while visiting the Niagara Region, you won’t be disappointed…..the Niagara Region truly is a wine lover’s dream!

Niagara-in-the-Lake is not only one of my favourite towns to visit in Ontario for the wine, it is also known for its boutique style shops, world class cuisine, and many small hotels (the Vintage Inns are my fav!), as well as a plethora of bed and breakfasts.

JUST ONE TIP: If you are planning a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, visit during the week to snag the accommodation of your choice and to avoid the tourist crowds

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

When planning a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, I recommend allowing two full days to explore the Town. Obviously you need one full day to explore as many wineries as you can, but that’s not all there is to do!

• browse the many boutique style shops
• why stop with wine tasting, check out one of the brew pubs for some beer tasting
• rent a bicycle and cycle along the Niagara Parkway
• take a tour of Fort George
• see a live performance at the Shaw Festival Theatre
• bring a picnic and laze in one of the many parks
• play a round of golf
• spend some time being pampered (100 Fountain Spa is my all-time fav!)
• take your pick of many world-class cafes and restaurants
• explore the Town and learn its history while travelling by horse and carriage

Whatever your interests are, Niagara-on-the-Lake has activities to keep you busy for at least two days (maybe 3). Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism to plan your itinerary. Don’t just limit your visit to the Niagara Region to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since you are in the area, you have to take a short drive down the road for a visit to Canada’s honeymoon capital, Niagara Falls. 

….and if you are a true lover of wine like I am, there’s more.  Just a 2 hour drive down the highway, you can visit the up and coming wine region in Norfolk County.

CHEERS 🙂

Kelly xoxo

PIN TO VISIT ONE OF NIAGARA’S WINERIES