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4 Best Ice Wine Tours In Niagara Falls
Looking for the best Ice Wine Tour in Niagara Falls?
I’ve got you covered! For a lot of travelers, visiting Niagara Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You will want to maximize your time in Niagara to enjoy everything the area offers, and going ice wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Niagara!
As a Toronto local, I’ve visited Niagara Falls a lot and loved ice wine! Back when I drank, I did my fair share of ice wine tastings, so I know what it takes to make a great experience.
Here I’ve rounded up the best ice wine tours on offer so you can have the best experience at Niagara Falls.
Let’s dive in!
My Top 3 Picks: Best Ice Wine Tours In Niagara Falls
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
What Is Ice Wine?
You may have never heard of ice wine if you are not from Canada.
Ice wine is a type of wine produced from grapes that are grown in cold, icy climates and have been frozen while still on the vine. The process results in concentrated sugar and high acidity levels, giving ice wines a unique sweetness and complexity.
They are typically enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or served with dessert or fruit, as ice wine is very sweet wine and similar to dessert wines.
The area around Niagara Falls produces some of the best ice wine in Canada!
Best Ice Wine Tours in Niagara Region
1. Private Niagara Ice Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 – 6 hours| ✅ Book it!
This is the best ice wine tour in Niagara Falls.
On this ice wine tour, you will travel along the Niagara wine trail and visit up to eight wineries and vineyards specializing in Ontario ice wines.
“They catered to all of our needs and I would highly recommend using their service” – Anthony (Read more reviews)
This is a private tour, so it will be just you and your personal tour guides. I love private tours as they allow you to go at your own pace, and you can often customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. This makes for a truly unforgettable winery experience!
The guides are extremely knowledgeable on this ice wine tour and will cater to your needs. You will visit some of the best ice wine vineyards near Niagara Falls.
There is time to stop for lunch (at an extra cost) and opportunities to enjoy some food specifically paired with the wines at the wineries.
You will also spend some time in the pretty town of Niagara on the lake.
Before booking this tour, it is important to know that the legal drinking age in Canada is 19.
2. Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 mins | ✅ Book it!
This Niagara ice wine and chocolate tasting experience is perfect for those short on time. If you don’t have time to travel around several different wineries and vineyards but still want to experience the taste of ice wine & chocolate, then this is the best tour for you.
At Between the Lines Winery, you will have a luxury ice wine tasting experience, where you can taste both the sparkling and ice wine produced at the winery. The wine will be paired with cheeses, butter toffee, white chocolate with almonds, and delicious dried mango.
“We really enjoyed this wine tasting experience” – Ashleigh_S (Read more reviews)
The staff at the winery are very warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. They will go out of their way to explain the processes and the differences between the various types of grapes and wines.
This tasting experience is one of the best ice wine tours Niagara-On-The-Lake and will leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
3. Niagara on the Lake Wine Tour & Icewine Lounge Experience
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!
On this private tour, you will sample regional wines from three different wineries and enjoy an ice wine tasting experience at the famous 10below icewine lounge at the Peller Estates Winery.
The tour will take you to Peller Estates Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates, and the Jackson-Triggs Winery, Canada’s most-awarded winery!
You will also spend some free time in Niagara on the lake. There are many great things to do in Niagara-on-the-lake, such as enjoying the historic town center, exploring the town by horse-drawn carriage, or taking a bike wine tour.
“All of the wine tours were super amazing. I’d book again” – Dawnlem (Read more reviews)
Along with all the delicious ice wines you get to taste on this tour, you will also have the chance to stop by Hershey’s chocolate world to indulge in some sweet treats.
Your private tour guide will be knowledgeable about the wines and the local area, and they will be happy to answer all your questions.
The guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, making this tour one of the most convenient options for ice wine tasting in Niagara.
4. Niagara Ice House Winery Ice Wine Experience
⭐️ RATING: 3.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Flexible | ✅ Book it!
This ice wine tour will take you to the Ice House Winery, the only winery in Niagara on the lake that exclusively makes ice wine. At this ice wine factory in Niagara Falls, you can learn about all things related to ice wine, taste various ice wines, and become an ice wine connoisseur!
The winery is located in a former peach packing barn, dating back to 1890. On this tour, you will get to explore the beautiful property and learn about its history.
During the tasting, you will sample two premium ice wine slushies (N’Ice Cabernet and Vidal), five Northern Ice wine Premiums (Vidal, Gewürztraminer and Riesling White Ice Wine, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon Red Ice Wine) and two blended, ice wine cocktails.
“Very welcoming, not busy and so took time to talk and most importantly let you taste as much as you want” – Sparky D (Read more reviews)
Your drinks will be served with the perfect pairings, and your host will even teach you how to pair ice wine with appetizers and use ice wine in recipes.
If you are visiting in the winter months, check out the active fermentation tanks in the tasting room for a peek at how ice wine is made.
Since this is a small winery, it is usually not too busy, so you will have plenty of time to ask your hosts questions and relax as you enjoy this unique ice wine experience.
The Niagara Ice Wine Festival
The annual Niagara ice wine Festival takes place in January and offers three weekends of incredible ice wine and culinary events. The ice wine festival is an excellent option if you’re looking for something to do in Niagara Falls in winter.
At the ice wine festival, you can sample many delicious ice wines from the local wineries and attend events such as the ice wine gala and ice wine cocktail competition.
Tickets are available on the ice wine festival website.
Where To Buy Ice Wine In Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring home from your trip to Niagara Falls, then ice wine is a perfect choice. Or maybe you just can’t get enough and want to stock up!
There are plenty of liquor stores all over Ontario that carry ice wine. Still, for the best quality ice wine, I recommend purchasing directly from any wineries you visit while ice wine tasting in Niagara Falls.
The Best Ice Winery Near Niagara Falls
Peller Estates Winery
Peller Estates is one of the best places to go ice wine tasting in Niagara on the lake. It is famous for its 10 below icewine lounge, a fun frozen bar that is the perfect spot to sample delicious ice wine.
Reif Estate Winery
Reif Estate Winery has won many awards and is well known for producing some of the best ice wine near Niagara Falls. The staff members at Reif Winery are knowledgeable and easy to talk to, and Reif provides some of the best food and wine pairings of all the Niagara wineries.
Inniskillin Wines Estate
Inniskillin is Canada’s most widely known icewine producer. The winery was founded in 1974 and was the first ice wine vineyard in Niagara Falls. Inniskillin is a popular destination for ice wine tastings near Toronto. The winery offers a range of interactive experiences, including guided tastings and educational classes.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Konzelmann is a lakefront vineyard. The Konzelmann estate originally came from Germany (where ice wine originated from) but now has some of the best Canadian ice wine you can find.
Relaxing lakeside with a glass of ice wine is a heavenly way to spend an afternoon.
Ice House Winery
The Ice House Winery is the only winery in Niagara on the Lake specializing in ice wine. The winery is based on a beautiful historic property that was used as a peach packing facility and dates back to the 19th century. The Ice House Winery produces a delicious selection of ice wines and even provides alcohol-free slushies for kids!
FAQs About Ice Wine Tour Niagara Falls
Who Has The Best Icewine In Niagara?
Peller Estates Winery, Reif Estate Winery, and Inniskillin Wines Estate are all known for having some of the best ice wine in Niagara. The best way to experience Niagara ice wine is to tour multiple ice wine vineyards near Niagara Falls.
What Do You Wear To A Niagara Wine Tour?
When visiting a Niagara wine tour, it’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately for the climate. You might want to wear closed-toe shoes and a light jacket, depending on the time of year.
Why Is Icewine More Expensive?
Icewine is more expensive because the production process is labor-intensive and unpredictable. The frozen grapes need to be manually harvested in cold temperatures, typically between -8°C (17.6°F) and -11°C (12.2°F). This often needs to be done at night when the temperature drops to its lowest point.
Do You Drink Ice Wine Cold?
No, ice wine should not be served cold. The ideal serving temperature for icewine is 8°C (46.4°F). Serving it too cold will mute the flavor and aroma of the wine. It is best to allow the bottle to sit at room temperature before serving.
Is Ice Wine Stronger Than Regular Wine?
No, ice wine is not stronger than regular wine. The alcohol content of ice wines usually ranges from 8% to 13%, the same as most dessert wines. What makes ice wine unique is its sweetness and higher acidity levels.
Where Can I Go For Ice Wine Tasting Toronto?
Toronto has several nearby wineries offering ice wine tastings. Inniskillin Wines, Reif Estates Winery, and Peller Estates Winery are popular destinations for ice wine tasting near Toronto. The Ontario Icewine Festival is also held annually in January, when you can sample a variety of icewine.
Final Thoughts: Ice Wine Tour Niagara Falls
Niagara has some of the best ice wine in Canada. Tasting ice wine is a unique experience to add to your Niagara Falls itinerary.
There are many great ice wine wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake and within the Niagara Falls area. Peller Estates Winery, Inniskillin Wines Estate, Konzelmann Estate Winery, and the Ice House Winery are just a few of the amazing wineries you can visit.
The most convenient way to experience an ice wine tasting is on a tour. Tours allow you to visit multiple wineries and provide transport between them, so you don’t have to worry about driving.
If you want to try other regional wines made in the area, check out these winery tours in Niagara-on-the-lake. If you need help getting to Niagara, then read my detailed guide on how to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
Read More About Niagara:
- Visiting Niagara Falls Canada in Winter: 31 Best Things to Do
- 3 Best Niagara on the Lake Bike Wine Tours
- 22 Best Niagara on the-Lake Wine Tours
- 15 Best Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto (2023)
More About Canadian Food and Drinks:
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
