Video: Experiencing the Best of Canada's Niagara Region
Still energetic but to a lesser degree than Toronto, Canada’s Niagara Region is home to one of the most sought after spots—Niagara Falls. While you are there, carve out an extra 30 minutes for Journey Behind the Falls, a behind the scenes tour that offers a dramatically different perspective of the roaring falls through icicle framed open windows.
A cool climate, lakes and limestone geography all help to make the Niagara Peninsula a prime grape growing region. Here, you will find more than 140 wineries producing the most wine in the Ontario region. Frozen Vidal grapes are picked in winter before being fermented into Icewine. The region is getting big time accolades for other wines too- including Sparkling, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cab Francs.
Wine can even be experienced through spa treatments at the Shaw Spa. Treatment options include the White Muscat Grape Body Wrap (55 minutes, $110.00) Divine Wine Massage (25 minutes, $75.00, 55 minutes, $110.00 and 85 minutes, $145.00) Vinotherapy Facial (55 minutes, $105.00) and the Grape & Wine Pedicure (85 minutes, $80.00).
Wineries To Visit:
The Speck Family started this winery in 1988 on land gifted to the families Great Grandfather for serving in the American Revolution. His younger brother built an Inn, Tavern and carriage house (which is where the tasting room is) and planted some of Niagara’s first vineyards. The family later bought back some of the land to start a winery, which is now run by brothers Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck. Two wines to mark on your tasting list: The 2013 Riesling Icewine & The 2013 Cabernet Icewine.
Address:
Creekside Winery describes themselves as the black sheep of wineries because they grow grapes rarely planted in the cool climate. The Creekside estate focuses on producing small batches of wine grown with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, giving wines a notable complex and elegant structure. Wines to try: The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc and The Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine.
Address:
2170 4th Avenue
Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
888-673-5537
Peller Estates brings an experience that stretches beyond one of the longest running and massive wine operations in the region. While here, you may as well pair the wine at the on-site restaurant that offers some of the best flavors in the region. Some of the highlights: Roasted Sweet Potato Soup, Pan Seared Cod with Russet Potato and desserts like the White Chocolate & Fennel Pollen Powder and Beetroot Ice Cream. But the true hero of sweets are the Icewine infused marshmallows roasted over an outdoor flame.
Address:
209 John Street East
Niagara –on-the-Lake, ON
905-468-6519
Where to Stay: At Niagara-on-the-Lake, historic homes turned into charming bed and breakfasts spots are easy to come by. Take the Harbor House Inn, just a few blocks from Main Street, where a nautical theme sets the tone for the inn’s location that is just steps from the yacht harbor. A homemade breakfast greets you in the morning and fresh baked cookies and hot tea in the afternoon.
Carri’s Catch:
Festivals of Niagara: Visit in January for The Icewine Gala (Niagrawinefestival. com) at Falllsview Casino Resort. This is where you will find Canada’s largest tasting of Icewine and table wines. Of course, this is the perfect time to spot Niagara in its winter glory.
