Discover the best wines you never realised Canada had to offer on these top winery tours from Toronto.
(Photo: Viator.com)
For non-locals in Toronto, you’re unlikely to consider using ‘Canada’ and ‘great wine’ in the same sentence. But the area’s continental climate is perfect for what are often known as cool-climate wines. Not unlike the wine regions of southwest Germany, the vineyards around Niagara Falls are suitable for growing Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which in turn form the wines you’ll be able to sample for yourself on any one of these three tours from Toronto.
Toronto Small-Group Niagara Wine Region Tour
A full-day tour of the Niagara wine region from Toronto leaves enough time to comfortably visit four separate wineries. Indicative of the quality of the wine tours in this part of the world, the fee includes tastings at each place on the itinerary, while keeping group sizes down to a minimum. You’ll learn about how viticulture in the region is designed to make the most from the land and climate. Then take a look behind the scenes at working wineries. A stop is made for lunch, although food is not included in the fee. Tours run on most days of the year. From C$170 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Toronto Aerial Tour with Niagara Winery Tasting
For a wine tour with a luxurious twist, there’s a half-day option that blends a range of experiences like a finely-crafted wine. Start out at Buttonville Airport, north of Toronto, where you’ll board a small plane for an aerial tour of the city on your way south towards Niagara. From here you’ll jump into a limo for a transfer to a winery, where you’ll get a wine tasting, before returning to Toronto. Please note, there’s an additional fuel surcharge of C$30 per person. Daily departures are available. From C$285 per person.
Canada Full-Day Private Niagara Falls Winery Tour
For wine enthusiasts with a predilection for certain grape varietals and wineries, the best tour option is to go private. This six-hour itinerary allows time for up to five winery stops. You have complete freedom to choose the places that appeal to you the most, from a selection of around 130 vineyards in the area. It’s a great chance to visit producers of the less common ice wine, which can be found in this region. Please note that this tour does not cover wine tasting fees or food if you choose to stop and eat along the way. From C$350 per person.