Many restaurants and winery yards are now open for takeout and dining. Most hotels and B&B have resumed services with very strict protocols to comply with Health Canada recommendations for social distancing and environmental cleanliness standards. We strongly recommend that you bring a mask or face covering to use when social distancing is a challenge. Visit individual websites for the most up to date information.
There is something to please everyone's palate along the Niagara Wine Route, USA. From beginners to discerning wine connoisseurs. I don't like wines, so I may not put visiting wineries on my to-do list yet, but I may like the sweetest wine. After a full weekend of tasting iced wines that range from traditional to innovative, here are the Niagara wineries to include in your itinerary for your next trip.
The Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario have created a unique microclimate suitable for the production of exquisite wines. A variety of wineries and attractions rich in history await visitors to New York's beautiful Niagara Wine Route countryside. Gift cards can be used for future Niagara Wine Route ticket purchases and other items, such as tasting passes. Most wineries are open year-round and offer tasting experiences, so you don't need to visit during the Ice Wine Festival.
The Pass includes eight tickets that can be used to enjoy award-winning wine and food pairings at any of the participating wineries during the three weekends of the Niagara Ice Wine Festival. Geographically located between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, the wine region has a unique microclimate. However, wineries are experimenting with other types of grapes, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillion, to also make iced wine. My brother lives just outside Toronto and has told me all about the Niagara region being famous for its iced wines and wineries.
Now that you're familiar with ice wine, let's talk about which wineries you should visit when you're in the Niagara region. You can easily make a visit to Niagara Falls as a day trip, but they're also a good excursion if you're touring the wine country. Wineries, distilleries and craft breweries mostly offer outdoor tastings for your convenience and safety.