Spend a day where Niagara’s limestone soils meet maple sugaring tradition: vineyard walks, an underground barrel cellar, a –10ºC icewine lounge, and a hands-on sugar bush visit with tastings and a cheese board. Expect five hours of walking, tasting, and behind-the-scenes demos.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive through a lane of gnarly vines, the air carrying bright acidity from the nearby vineyards and the faint, wood-smoke sweetness of maple sap. The day opens with a glass of sparkling on a sunlit terrace, then leads you into an estate vineyard where rows slope toward the escarpment and the land’s limestone bones steer the grape varieties.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Expect moderate fitness—short walks on uneven ground and several flights of cellar stairs; suitable for most active adults.
Wildlife
History
Niagara’s winemaking traces to 19th-century settlers; Indigenous peoples practiced maple sugaring long before commercial production and influenced local techniques.
Conservation
Many wineries here use cover crops and reduced tillage to protect limestone soils; responsible tasting means minimizing waste—bring a bottle if you buy wine and reuse packaging.
Reserve your spot on the Niagara Wine & Maple Syrup Tasting Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring government ID
Alcohol tastings are included but you must present valid ID to sample wines and icewine.
Dress in layers
Cellars and the 10Below Icewine Lounge are cold—pack an insulated midlayer you can shed outside.
Wear sturdy shoes
Vineyard paths are gravel and the cellar has stone stairs; closed-toe shoes improve safety and comfort.
Pace your tastings
Sip slowly and drink water between pours; a cheese-and-charcuterie lunch is provided to help absorb alcohol.
Insulated midlayer or jacket
Keeps you warm in the –10ºC icewine lounge and cooler cellars.
fall
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Provides traction on gravel vineyard paths and cellar steps.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings—water is provided but having your own is convenient.
summer
Compact camera or phone with extra battery
Capture barrel rooms, vineyard rows and the sugar bush without draining power.