Visitors and food lovers planning a winery tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake who want simple, confident pairing guidance

Wine and Food Pairing at the Winery: Pizza, Charcuterie, and Icewine

Good wine and food pairing is less about rules and more about balance, and it is one of the nicest ways to spend an afternoon at our family winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You do not need a sommelier certificate to get it right. With a few simple ideas and a glass in hand, you can build a pairing that makes both the food and the wine taste better. Here is how we think about it at The Hare, plus the dishes you can actually order while you sip.

A Few Simple Pairing Ideas to Start

Three friendly principles will carry you a long way. First, match weight with weight. A light, delicate dish wants a lighter wine, and a rich, hearty plate can stand up to something with more body. Second, use acidity to cut richness. A crisp, bright wine refreshes your palate after a fatty or cheesy bite. Third, lean on bubbles for salty and fried foods, because the lift of sparkling wine makes salt and crunch taste even better.

Everything we pour is VQA and made in small batches, so there is always something to suit the plate in front of you. Come try a few side by side on a guided tasting or by the glass. Reservations are recommended, so book your visit before you arrive.

Pizza and Wine Pairing

Our four wood-fired pizzas are a guest favourite, and pizza and wine pairing is easier than it looks. The trick is to follow the toppings.

For a classic tomato-forward pizza, reach for our signature Cabernet Franc. Its bright acidity matches the tang of tomato, while its peppery, herbal side echoes the savoury notes you love on a good slice. If your pizza leans toward salty cured meats or a crisp, blistered crust, a sparkling wine is a delight. The bubbles cut the salt and richness and keep every bite feeling fresh.

Prefer white? Our estate Riesling brings juicy acidity that works beautifully with a bit of heat or with creamier toppings, and the estate Vidal is a friendly, easygoing pour for a table that wants to share. Order a couple of pizzas, line up a few glasses, and let the table compare notes.

Charcuterie and Wine

Our charcuterie board is built around local Niagara meats and cheeses, and charcuterie and wine might be the most forgiving pairing of all. Cured meats love a wine with acidity and gentle structure, which is exactly where Cabernet Franc shines. Its savoury, peppery character sits right alongside salami, prosciutto, and aged cheese.

Because a board offers so many flavours at once, it is a perfect chance to taste across our lineup. Try a sparkling wine with the saltier meats, a Riesling with anything tangy or fruit-forward on the board, and Cabernet Franc with the heartier cuts. Add our warm focaccia, settle onto the patio, and you have an easy afternoon. Bring the dog too, because dogs are welcome on the patio.

Icewine Pairings

No visit to Niagara is complete without Icewine, and ours is a true point of pride. The classic move is to save it for dessert, but Icewine pairings are more versatile than many people expect. The wine is sweet, yet it carries enough acidity to stand up to rich and salty foods.

The famous pairing is blue cheese. The salty, pungent bite of a Roquefort or Gorgonzola meets the honeyed sweetness of the wine, and the two lift each other beautifully. Icewine is also lovely with rich foie gras and with fruit-based desserts like a peach cobbler or an apple tart. Honestly, it is wonderful all on its own as a slow, sippable finish. Want to learn more before you taste? Read about our Icewine and how it is made.

Sparkling: The Easy Yes

If you are ever unsure what to pour, sparkling wine is the safe and joyful answer. Its crisp acidity and lively bubbles make it a natural with salty and fried foods, which is why it is so happy next to a charcuterie board or a wood-fired pizza. Sparkling also makes any visit feel a little more special, whether you are toasting an occasion or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon on the patio. Start your tasting here and you really cannot go wrong.

Plan Your Visit

The best way to find your favourite pairing is to taste a few together. Browse our food and wine on the visit us page, then come see us at 769 Niagara Stone Road. If you fall for a wine, our Founders Wine Club is a lovely way to keep it on hand, with options from the 4 Bottle membership at $99 to the 6 Bottle at $149.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wine goes best with pizza? It depends on the toppings. Cabernet Franc suits tomato-based pizzas, sparkling wine handles salty and fried bites, and Riesling is great with heat or creamy toppings.

What is the best wine for a charcuterie board? Cabernet Franc is a reliable favourite for cured meats and aged cheese. Because a board has so many flavours, it is a great time to taste a few wines side by side.

What food pairs with Icewine? Blue cheese, foie gras, and fruit-based desserts all shine with Icewine. It is also a treat on its own as a sweet finish.

Do I need a reservation? Reservations are recommended for guided tastings. Book ahead so we can have a table ready for you.

Ready to taste the pairings for yourself? Reserve a Tasting and we will see you on the patio.