GTA and Toronto couples and friend groups planning a day trip to Niagara wine country
A Perfect Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Country
If you are weighing up the best things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, here is the good news: you can pack a vineyard tasting, a long lunch on a patio, a wander through one of Canada's prettiest historic towns, and a sweet Icewine finish all into a single day. NOTL sits about 90 minutes down the QEW from Toronto, which makes it the easy weekend escape for couples and friend groups across the GTA. Below is a relaxed local itinerary you can follow start to finish, or borrow from as you please.
First, A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
A couple of small choices make the whole day smoother.
Pick a designated driver or arrange a ride. Most NOTL wineries, ours included, do not offer transportation, bus tours, or bike tours, so sort out who is driving before you leave home.
Book your tastings ahead. The best tables fill up on weekends and through the warm months, so reservations are recommended almost everywhere. And leave room to slow down: two or three good stops beats six rushed ones.
Late Morning: Start in the Vineyards
Begin your day where the wine actually grows. Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of Ontario's most celebrated VQA appellations, and within it sits Four Mile Creek, the fertile plain that runs through the centre of town. Warm sunny days and cool nights here help grapes develop deep colour and flavour, which is why the area is known for full bodied reds.
Our family winery sits at 769 Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our roots run in two directions, Scottish and Bulgarian, and I am usually on the floor to tell you how the name travelled from O'Hara to O'Hare to Hare. The building tells its own story, in reclaimed brick and barn-board harvest tables.
Settle in for a guided tasting and let someone walk you through the small batch VQA range: reds, whites, sparkling, and Icewine. Cabernet Franc is our signature grape, so it is a lovely place to learn what Niagara reds are all about. If you are travelling with a bigger crew, we host large group tastings for eight or more, so book ahead and we will look after you. One note for planning: the last guided tasting starts 30 minutes before close, so aim to arrive with time to spare. You can always reserve a tasting online before you set off.
Midday: Lunch on the Patio
By now you have earned a proper sit-down. Order a glass by the glass on the patio and build a lazy lunch around it. We do a charcuterie board, a warm focaccia, and four wood-fired pizzas, the kind of food that is happy to share while the afternoon rolls by. Bring the dog, too: well-behaved pups are welcome on our patio. For more on the food, the wines, and what to expect, our visit us page has the details.
Afternoon: Explore Historic Old Town
When you are ready to stretch your legs, point the car toward Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. Queen Street is the heart of it, a tree-lined stretch of specialty shops, galleries, bakeries, and ice cream parlours, with the Memorial Clock Tower standing right in the middle. Keep an eye out for the Niagara Apothecary, a restored 1869 pharmacy that now runs as a small museum and is a charming five-minute stop.
If you planned ahead and theatre is your thing, Old Town is also home to the Shaw Festival, one of the largest repertory theatre companies in North America. A matinee can be a wonderful way to round out the day, though it is worth booking well in advance.
Early Evening: Finish With Something Sweet
No Niagara wine day is really complete without Icewine. This is the region's signature, made from grapes left on the vine deep into winter and pressed while still frozen, which concentrates them into something rich and honeyed. Vidal and Riesling, the very grapes growing on our estate, are classic choices for it. A small pour is the perfect sweet note to end on, and it makes a thoughtful gift to carry home. You can read more on our Icewine page.
Make the Day Last Longer Than a Day
If the visit leaves you wanting more, our Founders Wine Club sends VQA wines to your door, quarterly and customizable to your taste. There is a 4 Bottle membership from $99, a 6 Bottle from $149, and the invite-only Red Brick from $199. Please note we ship within Canada only. It is an easy way to keep a little of Niagara on your table all year.
FAQ
How far is Niagara-on-the-Lake from Toronto? It is roughly 130 km, about a 90-minute drive down the QEW in normal conditions. Give yourself extra time on summer weekends, when traffic can be heavier.
Do I need a reservation to visit a winery? Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and in peak season. For larger groups of eight or more, booking ahead is essential. You can reserve a tasting with us before you arrive.
Is Niagara-on-the-Lake good for a day trip with friends or a couple? Absolutely. A day is plenty of time for a tasting or two, a relaxed patio lunch, a stroll through Old Town, and an Icewine to finish. Just line up a designated driver, since there is no winery transportation.
Come Spend the Day With Us
We would love to be your stop in the vineyards. Settle in for a guided tasting, linger over wood-fired pizza on the patio, and let our family share a little of the story behind the glass. Reserve a tasting today, or call us at (905) 684-4994. For current details and hours, check theharewineco.com before you visit.