It’s safe to say that Niagara-on-the-Lake is romantic year-round, but when there’s snow on the ground and the air is crisp, the town takes on a whole new ambiance. Often referred to as Ontario’s Loveliest Town, Niagara on the Lake is recognized by many as the birthplace of Ontario’s modern wine industry. No surprise then that a winter getaway should have wine on the itinerary. Between tours and tastings, festivals and events, you could find something to do every weekend in Niagara’s wine region this winter. Whether it’s an indulgent spa experience or a pairing of award winning VQA wine with a local delicacy, Niagara will not disappoint. We’ve highlighted just a few options for a wintry weekend getaway with Niagara on the Lake as a home base.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
2018 Fabulicious!
Enjoy a marvelous culinary experience at some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s finest restaurants. 3 course meals at amazing prices. Local, seasonal and artisanal cuisine created with high-quality local ingredients, award winning VQA wines and impeccable service combine for a gastronomic experience like nowhere else in Canada. February 22nd – March 1st
The Konzelmann Icewine Experience
Bundle up for a brisk stroll through the vineyards where you’ll learn about the production of Icewine. Then warm up by the fire and sample Icewines from their shelves and from their library. You’ll enjoy pairings with a selection of sweet, salty, and spiced accompaniments, followed with an Icewine cocktail. Monday to Friday starting at Noon until February 16th
The First Annual Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival
Niagara wine country will be filled with the sounds of jazz when the inaugural Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival takes place. With performances from multiple Grammy and Juno Award winning performers, the event will celebrate Oscar Peterson’s legacy of excellence and showcase the music he loved.
The Festival concludes on Sunday at Stratus Vineyards with its grand finale featuring the premiere presentation of the newly created Canadian Jazz Master Awards. February 16th to February 18th
Still have a couple of slots in your itinerary to fill? Niagara-on-the-Lake is as pretty as a picture during the winter. Hop on a horse and buggy ride and explore the many boutiques and historic streets of this quaint town. Add Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery to your list of must-visits. It’s the perfect place to sip and skate. The backyard rink is open from 12 – 6pm daily, and the heated outdoor Whisky Bar is where you can warm up with a tipple.
WHERE TO STAY
You’ll find a tempting variety of accommodations, many of which are a very short walk to the centre of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. Brockamour Manor’s spectacular Georgian mansion (circa 1809) exudes history and romance, and each sumptuous room in this B&B offers a fireplace. The luxury, service and attention to detail at the landmark Charles Hotel will exceed the expectations of the most any seasoned traveler. The Charles is also home to the refined elegance of the 4 diamond HobNob Restaurant & Wine Bar. If a spa is a must-have, then the Pillar and Post could be the perfect choice for your stay. Blending luxury hotel, award-winning spa, and award winning steakhouse, this vintage property will leave you wanting for nothing.
This winter, make the most of what the Niagara Region has to offer, whether it’s a festival, an organized tasting tour, or your own itinerary wining and dining on a getaway weekend.
by Becky Dumais
Local Links
Konzelmann Estate Winery
konzelmann.ca
2018 Fabulicious
signaturekitchensofniagaraonthelake.com
Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival
opjazzfest.org
Wayne Gretzky Estates
waynegretzkyestates.com
Brockamour Manor
brockamour.com
The Charles Hotel
niagarasfinest.com/charles
Pillar and Post
vintage-hotels.com/pillarandpost
Brewery & Distillery Tours Niagara
brewerydistillerytoursniagara.com
Niagara Wine Tour Guides
niagarawinetourguides.com
