A guide to the wineries I’ve tried in the Niagara Benchlands Region in Ontario, and my thoughts as an amateur wine connoisseur.
Living close to the Niagara Bench, we’re very lucky to get to visit wineries often! I’ve taken a few wine classes, and also put together several tastings for friends at home. Ontario is usually known for Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but I think there is a lot to love about the wines of Niagara.
My favourite parts about the Niagara Benchlands are the casual, family run and passionate winemaker vibes, and the high quality wine. These are some of my favourite wineries that I have visited.
Ontario Benchlands Wineries
Commisso Estate Winery
So good that we became members.
Description: Italian style wines, including appassimento, that are great across the board. We prefer the reds as they could compete on a world stage.
Best for: Red wine lovers, summer day tastings.
What to taste: Reds! Rosso Grosso is my personal favourite.
Their new building just opened, so Commisso will be open year round, with a full restaurant. Very excited to try it.
Rosewood Estates
Description: Have you ever tried mead? It’s surprisingly delicious, and Rosewood can take you on a journey from entry-level and up. Rosewood has great wines across the board, all their reds are fantastic too.
Best for: Anytime – great wines for any season, good indoor and outdoor space.
What to taste: PTG is their best, and it’s amazing chilled. Their Pinot Noir tastes like Burgundy, and the Looking Glass (cab franc, cab sauv, petit Verdot) is delicious, similar to a right bank Bordeaux.
Fielding Estate Winery
Description: Go for the outdoor vibes and stay for the wine. Great wine and light snacks. Try the whipped feta!
Best for: Big groups, affordable tastings.
What to taste: the Riesling and red blends.
Kacaba Vineyards & Winery
Description: Really nice reds in a modern tasting room.
Best for: Those looking for Ontario reds!
What to taste: the meritage red blends
13th Street Winery
Description: Amazing patio for summer and fall. Try the butter tarts!!!
Best for: Tastings in the summer and fall.
What to taste: The full flight
Cave Spring Vineyard Tasting Room
Description: A classic winery with excellent wines that hold up across the board. Cave Spring has it all.
Best for: Groups, charcuterie vibes.
What to taste: Clean and crisp Riesling and Gamay, and nice bold medium-bodied reds.
Flat Rock Cellars
Description: Flat Rock has a beautiful vineyard view and a great selection of wine – everything we tasted was excellent. Very romantic tasting room.
Best for: wine lovers, couples.
What to taste: Their Chardonnays, and award winning wines across the board.
The Good Earth Food & Wine Co.
Description: A perfect dinner spot with a large menu and good wine.
Best for: Lunch or dinner!
What to taste: Food with a glass of your choice! We liked the whites.
Mason Vineyard
Description: If you want a niche wine experience, Mason vineyard is one for true wine lovers. Kim Mason has been the winemaker at several big name wineries in the area, and this is her project for fun.
Best for: Wine lovers looking for an intimate experience.
What to taste: The Place and Time, and any other Bordeaux style blends
Creekside Estate Winery
Description: Great flights in a modest tasting room.
Best for: A quick visit
What to taste: I love their Iconoclast white – it reminds me of a white Bordeaux.
Megalomaniac Wines
Description: Funky winery with a fun menu and gorgeous views. We went here on a bike ride, and had a great lunch.
Best for: Adding on to a wine day (near Flat Rock and Commisso).
What to taste: I hear the brunch is great, and enjoyed the glass of white I had.
Want more wine regions to try? Check out these posts.
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