By Monica Kosior
Springtime is always an indicator of new growth, whether in the vineyards or in our lives. It means buds break from sleepy vines, releases of anticipated wines and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors again, minus a winter coat.
There are lots of exciting new and tried and true events in Niagara happening this spring. My advice is to buckle up, because it’s going to be a great season!
Check out my top events happening this Spring in Niagara below. Cheers!
Niagara Events
Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival
Discovery Pass Program
Between 14,800 acres of beautiful Niagara vineyards, Niagara Wine Festivals welcomes you to select your top eight favourite participating wineries. At each winery enjoy a tasting of VQA wine and fresh farm flavoured inspired foods to kick off the warmer weather. Food and wine pairings availble here
More information available here
Dates: June 16-17 and 23-24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Participating wineries available here
Cost: $45 per pass, $35 per Designated Driver pass (+HST and fees), purchase passes online here
TD Wealth Tailgate Party
Let’s toast to the sunnier and warmer season ahead. Join over 30 wineries at the new party location at 13th Street Winery. One night, live entertainment, amazing VQA wine and farm-to-table foods equals the hottest all inclusive Niagara event.
More information available here
Date: June 23 at 6 to 10 p.m.
Location: 13th Street Winery
Cost: $85 per person (+HST and fees) $90 per person after May 22, purchase passes online here
Twenty Valley Events
Friday the 13th
Congratulations are in order while we celebrate 13th Street Winery’s 20th anniversary on Friday April 13. Wine and food for $13 with live music by Mel Monaco. Cheer’s to another 20 more!
More information available here
Date: April 13 at 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: 13th Street Winery
Cost: $13, RSVP online here
Get Fresh in Twenty Valley
Spring in a glass and on a plate, Twenty Valley invites you to taste through new vintages and aromatic wines to enjoy this spring season. Tastings at all participating wineries (12 max/day) during the last two weekends in April will also include mocktails for designated drivers. Are you ready to Get Fresh?
More information available here
Dates: April 21-22 and 28-29
Location: Participating wineries available here
Cost: Tickets starting at $30 (+HST and fees), Designated Driver passes available, purchase online here
Sips and Chips
Cave Spring is taking your favourite chips and pairing them with some unexpected wines. BBQ and Gamay? Sparking and salt and vinegar? Think of it as R&D for your palate. All weekends in April pop into the tasting bar and purchase your tasting pass on site.
More information available here
Date: Weekends in April 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Cave Spring Vineyard
Cost: $10.00 per person, no reservations required
The ‘F’ing’ Winery Tour
No I wouldn’t swear at you, but Flat Rock Cellars, Fielding Estate and Featherstone Estate Winery invite you for an f’ing good time. Taste through two wines and a flatbread pairing at each property, and if you’re a falcon fan, Amadeus the resident Harris Hawk at Featherstone will perform a show and tell on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon.
More information available here
Dates: May 4-6 and 11-13 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Flat Rock Cellars, Fielding Estate and Featherstone Estate Winery
Cost: $15 per person (+HST), available at any participating winery
The Handmade Market
What better mantra to have than Shop, Sip, Savour. Support local while you stroll through the outdoor market at 13th Street Winery. Food trucks galore and wine by the glass offered. Cash only event.
More information available here
Date: May 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 13th Street Winery
Cost: $6 per adult, Free admission for under 16, Free field parking on site
Graze The Bench
Sip, Savour and Groove. Seven participating Beamsville wineries invite you along this June weekend to enjoy the best of the Bench. Live bands at each winery, views of rolling vineyards, boutique VQA wine and top Niagara chef dishes. Ticket includes commemorative glass, first glass of wine and light fare of the day. Additional wine and food available for purchase at each venue.
More information available here
Dates: June 2-3 from noon to 5 p.m.
Location: Participating wineries available here
Cost: $35 per person (+HST and fees) purchase tickets online here
Redstone Concert Series – The Sadies
One of my favourite views in Beamsville includes the patio at Redstone, now add in live music from talented Canadian artists and it’s a perfect pairing. Wines by the glass and bottle are available to purchase along side your delicious three course dinner prepared by Chef Dave Sider. More concerts available throughout the summer.
More information available here
Date: June 8
Location: Redstone Winery
Cost: $79 per person (+HST), purchase tickets online here
Rosé Fest
If you don’t believe in Rosé All Day, then we can’t be friends. Westcott brings to life the epitome of drink pink, wear pink and celebrate all things Rosé. Regular, VIP and VIP table tickets will be available as of April 1 to purchase. The only rule for this party is you must wear PINK! Outdoor event, rain or shine.
More information available here
Date: June 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Location: Westcott Vineyards
Cost: Varying prices, purchase tickets through email or phone 905-562-7517
Niagara-on-the-Lake Events
Wine and Dine Flight Tour
From T.O. to NOTL, Two Sisters Winery invites you to hop on a short flight to enjoy a luxury or romantic day tour exclusively with FlyGTA. After touring through the sky and vineyards, a 3-course menu with wine pairing perfectly ends off the evening. Experience Niagara on cloud nine.
More information available here
Date: Dates available based on bookings
Location: Billy Bishop Airport and Two Sisters Vineyard
Cost: $399-$499, purchase and book your tickets here
2018 Dig Our Roots
“One weekend, decades of history”, every April Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake will be creating one-of-a-kind unique experience to showcase Niagara winemakers and Niagara terroir. These exclusive experiences will take you through the vineyards of NOTL’s pioneer wineries. Whether you want to join Paul A. Bosc for a walk through the vines of Chateau des Charmes, or sit down with Greg and Yannick Wetsch from Between the Lines in their cellar, you will experience exclusive looks into Niagara’s best!
More information available here
Dates: April 6-8
Location: Participating wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake here
Cost: Tickets start at $25 (pricing varying on each property), Purchase tickets online here
Canvas Uncorked
It’s your opportunity to create your next Picasso masterpiece! Check out the new tasting room at The Lakeview Wine Company while you sample some new releases before picking up your paint brush. I promise the paintings will look better after a glass or two of wine. Included in your ticket: wine samples, light snacks and refreshments while wines by the glass will be available for purchase.
More information available here
Date: April 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Lakeview Wine Company
Cost: $45 per person, purchase your ticket online here
Sip & Sizzle
Let NOTL wineries be the host while you enjoy their hard work. NOTL Wineries have selected their spring wines to pair along with spring fresh dishes. Your tasting pass will be valid for every participating winery, whether you want to hit all in one weekend or take your time throughout May, you won’t want to miss any of these grilled goodies.
More information available here
Dates: May 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Location: Participating wineries available here
Cost: $45 (+HST and fees), $25 (+HST and fees) Designated Driver pass, purchase tickets online here
Mother’s Day Yoga + Brunch
Honour your momma with a rejuvenating morning practicing yoga and then with a beautiful brunch spread provided by the Between The Lines team. Make your own mimosas, enjoy some well deserved sweet treats and a special Between The Lines gift bag for our number one mamas.
More information available here
Date: May 13 at 9:30 check in (Yoga 10 a.m. and brunch 11 a.m.)
Location: Between The Lines Winery
Cost: $45 per person, purchase tickets online here
Party In The Vineyard
A backyard party like no other, Peller Estates invites you to the annual sell out event this upcoming May 2-4. Saturday and Sunday evening (6-10 p.m.) will be for 19+, and Monday will host all ages (12-4 p.m.). Food trucks, VQA Peller wine and live music, dance the night away under the stars. Rain or shine the party will continue.
More information available here
Dates: May 19-21
Location: Peller Estates
Cost: $20 per person (+HST and fees), purchase tickets here https://kiosk.eztix.co/kiosk-optimised/689282
Annual Seafood Picnic
Fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail and 1¼-lb. lobster — paired with the perfect Reif wine, ‘The Stars’ Sparkling Riesling’. Sparkling and seafood, starlit sky, dessert and live entertainment, what else could you possibly need? Food prepared by Niagara’s own Tide & Vine Oyster House.
More information available here
Date: June 1 from 6:30-9 p.m.
Location: Reif Winery
Cost: $135 per person (+HST and gratuity), purchase your tickets throuhg wine@reifwinery.com or at 905-468-WINE
Rock At The Winery
Are you ready to rock?! The latest Trius lineup includes Niagara’s Best Classic Rock Tribute Party. Enjoy a glass of wine, amazing Trius food and the sunset as you rock out to your favourite AC/DC and Kiss favourites. The event will be 19+ and rain or shine, general admission and assigned seating available.
More info available here
Date: July 14, 6-10:30 p.m.
Location: Trius Winery
Cost: Tickets start at $49 (+HST and fees) Purchase tickets online here
Blues At The Winery
JUNO award winning artists Blackburn, Sue Folley and Harrison Kennedy will sing their best blues for all 19+ guests at Trius this summer. Music will play throughout the evening while guests enjoy their wine (in their souvenir event glass), food and beautiful views.
More info available here
Date: August 11, Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Trius Winery
Cost: $49 per person lawn seats, $79 per person Trius Lounge seats, Backstage Pass (includes 4 course dinner) $189 per person (+HST and fees), Purchase tickets online here http://www.triusredpresents.com/triusbluesfestival.html
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