Niagara Wine Country

Did you know that some of the bests wines in the world come from southern Ontario? No? Well, let me introduce you to the Niagara-on-the-Lake, the birth place of Ontario's modern wine industry and one of the most beautiful places in southern Ontario.

Back in 2009-2010, I was lucky enough to call this place home, as I completed grad school at the local college. I instantly fell in love with the area, and not just for the wine.  It is a region that is proud of their local products, including their wine, meats, cheeses and a variety of produce like cherries and peaches, and the residents work very hard to balance conservation and preservation of local habitats with the surrounding development.  Not to mention, it is situated on the spectacular Niagara Escarpment, one of the world's unique natural wonders. 

While our AK friends were still in town after the wedding, we decided to show them around the area we had been boasting about for the past 3 years.   So, we did it properly and took a guided tour of three of the area's wineries.  

Niagara College's Teaching Winery

The Teaching Winery is Canada’s only commercial teaching winery and was officially opened by Prince Charles in November 2009, when I was there for school. The best part about going to a school that had a winery? The students would hand out free samples in the hall.  There was definitely no complaining from this girl.  

FYI: Did you know that roses are often planted at the end of a row of grape vines to acts as an early warning sign for infestation by disease and insects?

Small Talk Vineyards

Konzelmann Estate Winery

This winery was situated on a former peach orchard on the shore of Lake Ontario. They made a fantastic peach wine!

Before we all went on separate ways (sigh), we decided to explore the cute, and historic, town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  I didn't think I could love this place any more.

Breakfast at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

Caught red-handed with some goodies from a local bakery.

Just one of the many celebrities that has their own winery in Niagara.

And obviously on the way back to Toronto, we couldn't pass by the mansion that is Peller Estates Winery and not stop and check it out. 

Safe to say, I'm a bit of a wino.  To me, Niagara-on-the-Lake and all of the local delights it has to offer will never get old. It's quite the palate pleaser, outdoor haven and a must-visit for anyone passing through the area.

Have you ever been to Niagara? What's your favorite wine?

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday.