By Monica Kosior
Out with the hot and in with the cool, as quickly as summer goes by, fall is never too far behind in Niagara.
It is my favourite season of the year because it means it’s time for harvest — the most crucial part of the winemaking process.
Yes, we have to take care of the vines and prep them in the off season, yes we have to ensure nothing harms the leaves, trunks and roots, yes we pray for long, hot, dry days and cool nights. But most importantly, when it comes time to pluck the bountiful bunches off of the vines, we must be so careful that our previous efforts have not gone to waste. And as the Niagara winemakers and cellar hands are hard at work, we get to enjoy the fruits of their labour!
It is time for a big glass of Ontario VQA wine, friends and family … and a big cheers to those who make it the best wine in the world!
Check out these key events in Niagara wine country this fall.
Niagara Events
Cabernet All The Way
Do you love Cabernet? Because Ontario Cabernet loves you! This event is a dedicated weekend celebrating the best reds from Trius, Peller, Thirty Bench and Gretzky. As you visit each property, your ticket includes a 5 oz glass of Cabernet, a Govino souvenir glass, live music and estate chef, hand crafted food pairings. No better way enjoy a beautiful fall weekend, Cabernet style.
More information available here
Dates: October 13-14
Location: Various Peller wineries in Niagara
Cost: $49 per person, available online here
Niagara-on-the-Lake Events
Taste The Season
With over 20 wineries participating in the fall passport program, enjoy a whole new set of wines and pairings each weekend. From the Niagara River to St. David’s Bench, make your way around NOTL snacking and swirling. Designated driver passes are also available.
More information available here
Dates: Weekends in November, 11 am-5 pm
Location: Participating wineries available here
Cost: Varying prices per passport, available online here
Hockey Night at Gretzky’s
Watch the Leafs take on the Senators with a glass of Wayne Gretzky wine or whiskey in hand. The Whisky Bar patio is the place to be as Hockey Night in Canada starts! Bring your own lawn chair and cosy blankets as you watch the game live on the big screen. Additional food and beverages available for purchase.
More information available here
Date: October 6 at 6:30 pm
Location: Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery & Distillery
Cost: $30 per person + HST, available online here or by telephone 1-844-643-7799
Halloween Wine & Junk Food
The kids aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the trick or treating this Halloween. Try Hare Wine Co.’s wine pairings with different chocolate, chips and candy. You’ll find your new favourite in time for October 31.
More information available here
Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sundays in October
Location: Hare Wine Co.
Cost: $10 per person, call to reserve your spot 905-684-4994 ext. 1.
Radio Noir Series
Ravine is taking it back, radio style. Enjoy a glass of wine and snack while watching local actors and Shaw Festival alumni act out the reading series. Enjoy books of mystery, romance and suspense. The perfect alternative night while unplugging.
More information available here
Dates: October 26, November 15, November 29, December 14 at 7:30pm
Location: Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Cost: $40 per person + HST
Annual Nouveau Release Party
On the third Thursday of every November, Gamay Noir Nouveau is ready to pour and enjoy. Celebrate the past harvest with Reif’s wine making team and sip on the latest releases of these Beaujolais-style babes. Entry free for wine club members.
More information available here
Date: November 15 at 6-8 pm
Location: Reif Winery
Cost: $35 per person, call 905-468-WINE or email wine@reifwinery.com to reserve
Twenty Valley Events
Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival
Initially the festival started as a one-day farmer’s market to raise funds for the conservation area and environmental initiatives at Ball’s Falls, 44 years later the festival has grown to three days and over 170 vendors, breweries, wineries and crafters. Join the family tradition this upcoming weekend!
More information available here
Dates: October 5-8, 10 am – 5 pm
Location: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
Cost: $6 Admission for adults, children 13 and under free
Wrapped Up In The Valley
It’s that time of year again to take the trip down to Twenty Valley and enjoy a weekend full of fall inspired dishes paired with the best local wines. Each participating winery invites you to join them during the passport program, please note groups of 8 or more guests are required to call ahead.
More information available here
Dates: Weekends in November
Location: Twenty Valley Wineries
Cost: Varying pricing, available online here
Icewine Smores Weekends
Pass s’more wine please! Purchase your favourite Calamus wine by the glass from the boutique and head on to the campfire. Stick and s’more packages included in your purchase, roast your marshmallows away to golden perfection and enjoy the sticky dessert treat.
More information available here
Dates: October 6, 7, 13 and 14
Location: Calamus Estate Winery
Cost: Glass of wine
Vertical Dinner
Calling all Cabernet Franc lovers. Foreign Affair Winery is opening its cellar and library doors for guests to enjoy a vertical tasting of Cabernet Franc from 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016 paired with five courses prepared by Chef Chris Brown. Italian inspired menu goes hand in hand with these Niagara gems. 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages will be available for guests to purchase to build their own cellars, too.
More information available here
Date: October 13 at 6 pm
Location: Foreign Affair Winery
Cost: $250 per person, available online here
Pumpkin Spice … And Everything Nice
What better way to get you in the mood for fall than pumpkin inspired dishes and wine pairings to match! Join 13th Street Winery and Nicole Jay for the wine and food seminar, pick up a couple new tips for all your fall entertaining.
More information available here
Dates: October 12, 13, 17, 24 varying times
Location: 13th Street Winery
Cost: $25 per person, available online here
Cellar Series — Big Bold Reds
Sample through all the big bold reds hand-crafted by Richie and the team at Fielding during this exclusive taste and buy event. Try the new and unreleased wines along with charcuterie and cheese and the opportunity to get your hands on the first 2016 releases of Syrah from Fielding.
More information available here
Date: October 26 7-9 pm
Location: Fielding Estate Winery
Cost: $30 per person, available online here
Friday Night Dinner Series
Break bread and drink great wine family style as the team at Redstone transports you to a new culinary destination each Friday. From southern BBQ to Korean themed nights, enjoy a break from your kitchen and let Redstone do the dishes too.
More information available here
Dates: November 2, December 7, February 1, March 1
Location: The Restaurant at Redstone Winery
Cost: $55 per person + HST + gratuities, wine available for purchase, call 905.563.9463 to book your seats
Fireside Fridays
Cosy up with your friends at Westcott as they present their weekly Fireside Fridays. Including a three course meal prepared by some of Ontario’s best chefs (including Chef Andrew McLeod, Ricky + Olivia, Chef Tim Cherry), pair their mouth-watering menus with Westcott’s best Chardonnays and Pinots.
More information available here
Date: Every Friday (starting after Thanksgiving and ending in March)
Location: Westcott VIneyards
Cost: $50 + HST + gratuities (wine available for purchase)
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