What's the Buzz: Niagara - More than just a collection of Vineyards
Updated: Aug 23
In recent years the whole Niagara-on-the-Lake region has exploded as a tourist destination, pulling in close to 15 million local and international visitors a year to explore the now more than 60 wineries, all within about a 10 km square patch of land.
But the region is truly much more than just a collection of wineries. If you are planning on touring the area, especially on a bike, then get ready for gorgeous countryside, fun events and music, distilleries, historic sites, incredible culinary destinations, farms boasting everything from local honey, lavender, peaches, apples and orchards of all kinds, and various other hidden gems in this piece of utopia, just an hour from the GTA.
We now call this place HOME! A day doesn't go by where my kids and I don't discover something amazing or meet another friendly business owner or neighbour.
Let's start at the south end of the municipality in the small charming town of St. Davids.
We've come to love visiting the gorgeous Brock Monument which is perched on the escarpment with incredible views of the Niagara River. In fact when I was a small boy they still allowed us to climb it to the top!
From there you can take multi-use paths along the river to the North to charming Old Town. The whole way is like a botanical garden with vines to your left and the river and escarpment to your right.
But before heading North we have to mention our favourite little espresso spot in St. Davids. The Junction Coffee Bar. Don't miss the Butterfly Conservatory and the Floral Clock just to the south as well. Our boys just love these spots.
And of course we must mention the spectacular wineries here in St. Davids too!
Within 2 kms of St. Davids there is a marvellous collection of wineries including:
(Known for it's fantastic food made from local ingredients)
(A French country manor estate)
(Chic and hip - reminiscent of an exclusive outdoor club in Monaco)
(Sit outside and immerse yourself in an Italian villa)
(Offering private, reservation-only, sparkling wine tastings)
And one of our favourites Queenston Mile.
(It's the whole package: Great views, great wine and kitchen, great people and Vibe!)
If you're heading to Old Town make sure to stop buy and sample the delicious Authentic Hungarian Chimney Cakes at the Budapest Bake Shop and on your way there, you can see the beautiful lavender fields at Neob Lavender Farm.
Before you head home, visit Honey Fields to sample and buy some delicious blueberry honey and see the bees in action! If you are like us, you'll be coming back for more.
As we bike our groups and riders around the region to the north, and the cluster of wineries in Old Town and Virgil; stay tuned for special spots we'll be profiling there.
We are excited to show you some of our favourite places north of St. Davids. For now, here's a few we've had an opportunity to visit, and that we really dig!
Reif Estate Winery, Ferox, Dandor, Bella Terra, and our friends Greg and Sophia who lovingly own Between the Lines Winery.
Cheers,
Ayden and Kathryn Byle
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