ANYTIME. ANY SEASON. ANY REASON.
Wineries are open year round and each season brings its own special rewards.

• Summer

  — This is a very lively time in wine country. There are plenty of festivals and events to keep you busy. And there's nothing quite like the pleasure of ending a full day sipping a lovely wine on a patio overlooking lush vineyards.

• Fall

  — Autumn is a magical time in Ontario. Come and see the brilliant colours and bountiful harvest that inspires acclaimed wines and regional cuisine.

• Winter

  — You might assume the winter months would be a slow time for wineries, but nothing could be further from the truth. Come and watch as the frozen grapes are harvested to make the world's most renowned Icewines. You can also visit dozens of winery restaurants for gorgeous holiday menus.

• Spring

  — The start of new life. This season brings greenery of every shade, blossoming orchards and new vintages. It also brings the start of a very busy season of outdoor events and festivals.

• Book accommodations ahead

  — It's a good idea to reserve a place to stay in advance of your trip, especially in the summer. If you're travelling to the Niagara Peninsula, which has over 40 wineries, consider breaking up your visit with an overnight stay.

  

• Look for special events

  — There are plenty of events around which you might plan your trip. There are music festivals, live theatre and much more. This site has a complete listing of all regional events in the calendar section. Also keep an eye out for special winery events which can include food and wine tastings, cooking classes, and educational seminars. Often, space is limited and must be booked ahead of time.

• Try a Tour Package

  — There's so much going on in wine country, you might want to try a pre-packaged tour to be sure you're hitting all the hotspots. For example, The Shaw Festival offers some spectacular wine country getaways. For more information on the dozens of available packages contact the individual wineries, hotels, inns, B&Bs, cooking schools and tour companies listed.

• Bring a cooler

  — You'll need a good place to store any wines you might buy. Many small wineries do not distribute their wines at the LCBO (due to limited production) so it's a good idea to buy a few bottles at the winery boutique. A cooler helps keep wines cool on a hot day.

• Pace yourself

  — You can realistically expect to visit 4 or 5 wineries in a day.

• Designate a driver

  — You'll be sampling some excellent wines throughout the day, so be sure to pick a designated driver. You may prefer to contact a tour company and spend the day with an expert guide who will take you to several wineries. In Niagara-on-the-Lake a step-on-step-off service is available and several wineries provide shuttle buses.

• Mix it up

  — Try to visit both large and small wineries. Cottage wineries offer an intimate experience and insight into the workings of a family estate. You'll also get to taste premium VQA wines that are only available at the winery.

• Hours of operation

  — With some exceptions, wineries usually open at 10 or 11 am and close from 5 pm through early evening. Hours can change seasonally so it's best to call ahead or visit the winery website.

• Guided tours

  — Tours are led by well informed winery staff, who will lead you through the winemaking process from the vineyard to the bottling stage. Guided tours are complimentary at some wineries, others charge a small fee. Most tours conclude with tastings at the winery boutique.

• Tour hours

  — Hours vary from winery to winery. Larger wineries usually offer guided public tours hourly or several times a day. Smaller wineries may offer one daily tour or by appointment only. Self-guided tours are available at a few wineries during operating hours. Again, check with each winery.

• Don't wear perfumes or chew gum

  — You need to be able to smell and taste the wine without interference. Most wineries even provide bread and water to help cleanse your palate between tastings.

• Spit it out, we don't mind

  — If you're visiting several wineries feel free to pace yourself and spit or dump out the wine you're tasting into the buckets provided. Ontario Law limits you to four 1-oz. samples of wine per tasting.

• Try to stop for a quick bite between each winery visit at a winery restaurant or café along the way.

• ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS

  — This is the most important piece of advice you'll get. The winery staff is extremely knowledgeable about their products and wines in general. Ask about ageability and food and wine pairings.

• 1.

     Designate a driver who will not consume alcohol or hire a driver for the day.

• 2.

     Don't rush. Plan to visit no more than four to five wineries In a day.

• 3.

     Don't feel you have to drink every ounce that's poured. It's appropriate to spit out or dump a wine (there are buckets for just this purpose). Ontario law restricts you to four ounces per winery.

• 4.

     Don't taste wine on an empty stomach. Food helps to metabolize alcohol.

• 5.

     Avoid wearing anything with a strong scent. Smell, the wine's bouquet, is fundamental to enjoying the taste of wine. And don't chew gum. It will affect the taste of the wine.

• 6.

     While touring you'll get to taste wines that are available only at the winery. When you find one you like, buy several bottles. Bring a cooler or, better yet, have the wine shipped to your home.

• 7.

     Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't know the difference between Pinot Noir and Merlot, just ask! Winemakers are only too happy to explain.

• 8.

     Bring a pocket notebook to record wines you enjoyed.

• 9.

     Stop the car! Take the time to enjoy other places of interest that catch your eye.

• 10.

     Have fun!