10 Stops For Every Thirsty Traveller In Niagara, Canada
Playing tourist can make a person thirsty, but there are few places better to get parched than Ontario’s Niagara Region. The area, known for its eponymous falls, is the birthplace of the Canadian wine industry. For the past 30 years, Niagara has developed a reputation for world-class vino, but it has also become known for its burgeoning craft beer and spirits scene. Here are 10 stops where every thirsty traveller can wet their whistle.
1. Ravine Vineyard
Ravine Vineyard
This charming winery is set in the bucolic hamlet of St. Davids. Since opening in 2008, Ravine has won awards for its vintages at an impressive rate. Jaws drop over the Sauvignon blanc and Gewurztraminer as much as the views of a pristine vineyard. In 2011, it was named one of the 20 best wineries to eat and drink in the world by Wine Access magazine. Its appeal is broad, given the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, fine dining menu and cheese shop, and a wine list that gives nods to some of Ravine’s vinous neighbours. Don’t forget to brush up on your ping pong skills before stopping by, there’s table tennis in the vineyard.
Ravine Vineyard, 1366 York Rd., St. Davids, ON, Canada, +1 905 262 8463
2. The Merchant Ale House
Bar, Pub, Pub Grub
3. Dillon's Small Batch Distillers
Distillery
4. The Good Earth
The Good Earth
Owner Nicolette Novak doesn’t have time for pretenses, which is what makes this winery so appealing and approachable to Niagara wine newbies or seasoned oenophiles. Nestled among grapevines and fruit orchards, The Good Earth started as a country cooking school but has grown into a comfortable culinary destination, where visitors can enjoy a glass of Betty’s Blend or Big Fork Red on a patio that epitomizes conviviality. Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, and seasonal menus while taking in the view of the Niagara Escarpment and losing track of time.
The Good Earth, 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville, ON, Canada, +1 905 563 6333
5. Brimstone Brewing Co.
Brimstone Brewing Co.
This microbrewery in the basement of a repurposed church in south Niagara mixes goth with the light-hearted. The taproom is a favourite gathering place for locals who sip on whimsically named brews, such as Enlightenment Ale, Midnight Mass Chicory Oatmeal Stout and Sinister Minister IPA. Small plates of seasonal, regional fare are prepared by caterer Crave Local Fresh, which considers Brimstone offerings in its menus in order to create the perfect pairing. A pint with spent grain pretzel bites is a staple. Hit this brewery in the spring for the annual Albino Rhino Beer Fest, which features upwards of 30 craft breweries.
Brimstone Brewing Co., 209 Ridge Rd N, Ridgeway, ON, Canada, +1 289 821 2738
6. Silversmith Brewing Co.
Brewery
Treadwell Wine Bar
Visiting every Niagara winery is no mean feat, given more than 80 line the region’s wine route. Treadwell Wine Bar makes it easy to sample vintages from dozens of winemakers all in one stop. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s picturesque Old Town, Treadwell’s staff sommeliers pour the finest in this intimate and stylish addendum to the Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine restaurant. Wine flights are available, along with vintages by the glass, should visitors find a favourite. Food options from the restaurant are available to enjoy while quaffing.
Treadwell Wine Bar, 114 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada, +1 905 934 9797
Niagara Oast House Brewers
Friday Night Pints has become the event to mark the beginning of the weekend in Niagara. New beer releases, live music, and creative, globally inspired cuisine by chef and cookbook author Adam Hynam-Smith of El Gastronomo Vagabundo are on the bill in Oast House’s big red barn. If you can’t make it on a Friday, no worries. The beer-shed kitchen is often open on weekends in the winter. The tasting bar also serves up samples of Oast House’s popular Barnraiser, Biere de Garde and Saison brews.
7. Redstone Winery
Restaurant, Canadian, Contemporary
8. Niagara Brewing Co.
Brewery
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