A Niagara Wine Route Tour

by Bob Burwell, Friend of the SLA Toronto Chapter

Visiting Toronto? Many visitors to our city include a trip to Niagara Falls as part of their itinerary. And why not? It is an easy hour and a half drive through beautiful countryside and the Falls from the Canadian side is magnificent. However, once you have seen the Falls you might like to enjoy something other than the glitz of souvenir shops and wax museums. We suggest that you explore the Niagara Wine Route, an area that some say rivals Napa.

The Wine

Make no mistake - we are talking about an area that produces wines that compete favourably in competitions throughout the world. Because the area is small most of the wines are purchased domestically, but our ice wine can be seen in shops throughout the world.

In Ontario we have what is known as cool climate viticulture, which means that we are in the more northern sections of grape growing. But consider that Bordeaux and the northern regions of the California industry are also between 40 and 45º north of the equator. That puts us in pretty good company!

Here are some wines that you should try when you visit the Niagara Wine Route.

Whites. Niagara excels with Germanic varieties - Riesling and Gewurztraminer. These two wines are vinified both as dry and as slightly sweet off-dry wines. Try them both. They can be as refreshing as a bowl of fresh fruit. For something a little racier, try a Sauvignon Blanc. This variety achieves its peak of tart, energizing flavours in our climate and soil. Of course, be sure to try our ice wines. The winery will likely ask for a small payment for this but considering that a half bottle sells for between $30 and $60, it will be worth it!

Reds. There are three red wines that you must try from this region. The first is Baco Noir. This is a hybrid varietal that cannot be found in many other regions. It is rich, powerful and packed with dark fruit flavours. Cabernet Franc is a variety that is used in many meritage and Bordeaux blends. In Niagara, as in the Loire region of France, it is often bottled by itself. It can be very complex with earthy flavours of blackberries and cedar. And finally, Pinot Noir. This is the noble grape of Burgundy and Niagara can be a match for many of France's best - expensive - but only a fraction of the cost of a Burgundy.

The Tour

There are more than 80 wineries in the Niagara Wine region. Almost all of them are eager to welcome you and show off their products. Some of the wineries have well known chefs to run their restaurants .You can expect exceptional dining at Hillebrand Estates, Pellar Estates, Vineland Estates and Inn On The Twenty at Cave Springs Cellars. Most of the wineries have gift shops with a wide array of wine related paraphernalia.

Here are two sets of directions depending on whether you travelled to Niagara Falls first and are starting your winery tours as you return to Toronto or you decided to start your visits on the way to Niagara.

Starting your Wine Tour from Toronto

To get to Niagara from Toronto you will leave the city on the Gardiner Expressway, which becomes The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) on the western edge of the city. Just stay on the QEW as it goes through Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and over Hamilton Bay. About 20 minutes after you go over the Skyway Bridge you will start to see Wine Route signs. You can exit the highway and start your tour at any time just by following the signs and asking at the first winery you visit what they would suggest that you see.

Starting the Wine Tour in Niagara Falls

From Niagara Falls follow the Niagara Parkway along the river toward Niagara-on-the-Lake, the quaint town that is the home of the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre. Shortly after driving down a steep hill, you will come to Inniskillin Winery on your left. Next you will see Reif Winery and signs to Marynissen Winery. Any or all of these are worth a visit. At your first stop pick up the brochure for the Niagara Wine Route and ask for suggestions from the winery - they will be anxious to help.

Whether you start at the Niagara end or begin your tour as you head toward Niagara, you will soon realize that the area is worth much more than a day!