Another amazing wine region in Canada can be found in the province of Ontario, in the famous Niagara area. While wine making in Ontario can be traced to 1811, the modern era didn’t begin until 1974, when the first new winery licence since 1916 was granted. Since then, wine making in Ontario has flourished, thanks to the unique combination of latitude, lakes and limestone, as well as the cool climate.
Today, an estimated 17,000 acres of vines in eastern, southern and southwestern Ontario grow the grapes, while more than 180 wineries produce about 71 per cent of the total Canadian wine volume.
In the Niagara region, you can sample red, white and rosé wines, as well sparkling wine and Icewine. Chardonnay and Riesling are Ontario’s two signature varieties in the white category, while Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon stand out among the reds.
Explore the Niagara wine region on our Canadian History and Culture by Rail journey. With all these winery choices, it helps to have professionals narrow it down to a manageable vacation itinerary. Consider a guided private tour — options include a lunch tour, a cheese and charcuterie tour, and a dinner tour. All three options feature three wineries and a minimum of 10 wines to sample, as well as a knowledgeable guide and transportation. Wineries on the tours change but may include the likes of Jackson Triggs Winery, which has been noted for its 2022 Grand Reserve White Meritage and sparkling wines, or Caroline Cellars Estate Winery, with its wonderful Farmer’s White, Farmer’s Foch, and Meritage.
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