Embrace the Canadian winter chill in Niagara Wine Country! For all of your holiday shopping needs, winter wine country escapes, and corporate gifting, Peller Estates, Trius Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates, Thirty Bench Wine Makers, and Riverbend Inn & Vineyard have everything you need!
Niagara Icewine Festival
This month-long celebration in January offers a variety of different experiences for wine and food lovers. Purchase a discovery pass online at niagarawinefestival.com and enjoy several wine and food pairings along the wine route in both Niagara-on-the-Lake and Twenty Valley. You can also stroll through downtown Jordan Village and old town Niagara-on-the-Lake on the weekends to enjoy entertainment, wine, and food, attend the annual Icewine Gala at the Fallsview Casino, or an Icewine dinner at Peller Estates and Trius Winery.
Lace up your Skates at Wayne Gretzky Estates
Whether you’re a pro (like Wayne Gretzky) or lacing up for the first time in many years, visit the backyard rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates from December to March. You can sip on a craft cocktail, chilled beer, glass of wine or spiked hot chocolate, and savour the winter food menu at The Whisky Bar Patio. The patio is heated to keep you comfortable during your meal. You won’t want to miss Chef Desharnais’ hearty winter menu.
Dine in a Snow Globe at Trius Winery Restaurant
Dine under the stars in your own personal heated snow globe at Trius Winery Restaurant. Up to four guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu complete with perfect wine pairings from the Trius Winery portfolio. Niagara is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most prolific regions for fantastic farm-to-table ingredients and Chef Frank Dodd evolves the menu regularly to serve the freshest ingredients. At the end of the evening, you’ll take home a cup of Chef Dodd’s famous hot chocolate.
Snowshoeing at Thirty Bench
If there’s snow on the ground on Saturday and Sunday, head to Thirty Bench in Beamsville for a snowshoe trek through the vineyard. You’ll be outfitted with equipment and coached on snowshoeing tips and tricks by an expert guide as you make your way through the snow-covered vineyard. Along the route, you’ll learn about the history of the estate, the sustainably farmed vineyards, and the winemaking techniques and sample the wines in the very vineyards they came from. To end your experience, you’ll enjoy a warm snack beside a crackling fire. If Mother Nature doesn’t bring enough snow, you can still enjoy a refreshing winter hike in the vineyard.
Winter Luxe Lounge at Peller Estates
Groups of up to 10 guests (a minimum of 4 guests) can rent an elegant dining table for 1.5 hours and dine on a heated covered patio at Peller Estates. The seating area will be complete with comfortable chairs and cozy blankets, and you’ll be able to choose from two dining options: Premium Pickings or The Luxe Lunch. Après dining, move to your private firepit and Muskoka chairs to roast Icewine marshmallows, handcrafted by Chef Jason Parsons. Guests are also able to drop in to enjoy wine by the glass or a cocktail. Walk ins will be accepted subject to availability.
Romantic Retreat at Riverbend Inn
Enjoy an intimate and tranquil Winter escape at Riverbend Inn & Vineyard. Cozy up in one of our 21 uniquely designed and very spacious guestrooms. The Inn offers surroundings of grandeur, magnificent amenities, and excellent hospitality. Warm yourself in front of the fireplace and enjoy the scenic beauty from your window. Enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant, Oaklands, led by Chef Ross Midgley and his culinary team. The restaurant takes its culinary cues from Niagara’s ingredient driven cuisine, rooted in the breadth and depth of global French culinary influence.
The Inn also offers guests a complimentary tasting at neighbouring winery, Peller Estates, winter walks through the vineyards, and cozy outdoor firepits with wonderful vineyard views.
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is also the perfect location for an intimate corporate retreat, offering small groups customizable experiences. After hosting meetings in the board room or coach house, you can participate in Apple Pie School with Chef Ross; a hands-on experience where guests will learn how to make the Oaklands apple pie. Contact the sales team to reserve your corporate group experience at groups@mywinecountry.com.
Winter experiences are subject to change. Reservations are highly recommended. Visit myWineCountry.com or call our Wine Country Concierge at 1-888-510-5537 for more information.
