Niagara Wineries for the Non-Drinkers
 

We will be in Niagara at the end of the week and want to spend a day at Niagara on the Lakes. We really aren't wine drinkers but thought it might be a pretty day trip. In light of last weeks events, we aren't sure we could even bring any wine back on the flight anyways.

I know this sounds silly, but can anyone give some suggestions for some wineries that have beautiful views of the vinyards.

Are there a ton on one stretch of road, where you can stop roadside and take pictures?

If we are to take one tour..where should it be?

Thanks!

Onmce you get close to Niagara onthe Lake,you'll find literature, wine tour maps, etc.

The wineries start near Beamsville, and continue to the Niagara River.

Strewn has a good restaurant, and nice tours, but so do lots of other wineries, too.

We just got back from a weekend in Niagara on the Lake area and you will have no trouble finding lovely views of vineyards.

As already mentioned, if you are coming from Toronto watch for the signs along the QEW starting just outside Beamsville, and take the #81 highway along Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan for a chance to see some beautiful views. Angels Gate has a lovely patio overlooking vineyards, and serves grape juice, coffee, sparkling water as well as wines. Peninsula Ridge also has a gorgeous setting in a Victorian home with a patio cafe. We also really like Vineland Estates winery which has a beautiful view from their patio and restaurant.

http://www.angelsgatewinery.com
http://www.vineland.com/

In Niagara on the Lake itself, we love the restaurant at Strewn but it doesn't overlook vineyards though there are tours. Peller, Hillebrand and many others have restaurants that overlook vineyards, as well as some accomodations like the Riverbend Inn (next to Peller) that serve lunch on the patio. It would give you a lovely view of both properties.

Because of the concern with drinking and driving, all the wineries provide alternatives to wine with the meals so you shouldn't feel self-conscious about not drinking wine and enjoy whichever winery ambience you want.

Have a wonderful time!