A Destination with a Surprisingly Serious Food & Wine Scene

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is famous for its 19th century Victorian architecture, charming boutiques, cast-iron planters bursting with flowers, and the world-class theater of the annual Shaw Festival, which is about to close its 63rd season.

Whatmight surprise you is that beyond the town, there are over 100 vineyards where you can savor an award-winning wine then enjoy an unforgettable meal at one of the region’s renowned restaurants.  

Here, on the shores of Lake Ontario, there are many festivals and special events throughout the year that celebrate the bounty of every season. Read on and get a taste for all the region has to offer.

👨‍🍳Gateway to Gastronomy

In the Niagara region, ancient glacial deposits provide fertile soil for agriculture.

The chefs of NOTL have direct relationships with local farmers, so the food on your plate is the freshest possible, bypassing stores and markets. They showcase the best flavors of the region at these most popular restaurants.

Treadwell Cuisine and Trius Winery Restaurant are the standout farm-to-table dining experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake, known for their exceptional local sourcing and culinary artistry.

Here’s a closer look at the best options:

🥕 Treadwell Cuisine

• Style: Upscale farm-to-table with vegetarian and vegan options
• Highlights: Multi-course prix fixe menus, beautifully presented dishes, and a wine list featuring small-batch Niagara producers
• Accolades: Named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in Canada for 20242
• Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, and perfect for special occasions

🍷 Trius Winery Restaurant

• Style: Winery cuisine with a strong farm-to-table ethos
• Highlights: Michelin Guide recommended, led by award-winning Chef Frank Dodd
• Signature: Dishes crafted from Niagara Wine Country’s seasonal bounty
• Experience: Combines fine dining with vineyard views and impeccable service

🍇The Perfect Environment for Grape Growing

Lake Ontario moderates temperatures year-round. It warms the area in winter and cools it in summer, protecting vines from extreme cold and heat. Warm summers and extended fall seasons allow grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors while retaining acidity—crucial for balanced wines. Snow cover in winter insulates vines, helping them go dormant properly and survive harsh conditions.

🏞️ Ideal Geography

• Same latitude as Burgundy, France (43°N)—a world-renowned wine region—giving Niagara-on-the-Lake similar sunlight and growing conditions.

🍷 Must-Visit Wineries

• Konzelmann Estate Winery Known for its lakefront views and guided tastings that blend storytelling with wine education.
• Château des Charmes Winery A family-run estate with deep roots in Ontario’s wine history. Their Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are especially praised.
• Peller Estates Winery Offers a luxurious tasting experience, including their famous 10Below Icewine Lounge—a chilled room for sampling Icewine at -10°C.
• Reif Estate Winery One of the oldest wineries in the region, celebrated for its mature vines and exceptional Icewines.
• Two Sisters Vineyards A boutique winery with elegant tasting rooms and an on-site Italian restaurant, Kitchen 76, perfect for pairing wine with gourmet food.
• Wayne Gretzky Estates Combines wine, whiskey, and beer in one location. Great for groups and fans of the hockey legend.
• Stratus Vineyards A leader in sustainable winemaking, offering modern architecture and complex blends.
• Pillitteri Estates Winery Renowned for its Icewines and family legacy, with a wide selection of varietals.
• Marynissen Estates A historic vineyard with a cozy atmosphere and a focus on small-batch wines.

🎉Festivals and Special Events Any Time of Year

Niagara-on-the-Lake will host several standout food and wine events in late 2025-2026, including the renowned Icewine Festival in January and themed winery experiences throughout the year.

Check out this list of vineyard tours and signature tasting events.

• Taste the Season (Weekends in November). Holiday‑inspired food + wine pairings. A self‑guided winery tour with curated pairings at participating wineries
• Wineries on Tour/Holiday House Tour (First Weekend in December). Complimentary wine samples, special wine tastings, and a “Winter Dining Series” event with a 4‑course tasting menu + wine pairing (Dec 5 only).
• Icewine Festival 2026 (January 9-25, 2026). Icewine tastings from top local producers. Gourmet food pairings designed to complement the sweet, rich flavors of icewine. Guided vineyard tours and educational seminars. Live entertainment and themed events throughout the town
• Summer Concert Series at Jackson Triggs (Summer 2026). The Jackson-Triggs Concert Series is an intimate, award-winning music experience held at the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre. Nestled in the heart of wine country, this unique open-air venue offers an unforgettable blend of top Canadian musical talent, stunning vineyard views, and premium local wine. With its relaxed atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, the series is a summer highlight for music and wine lovers alike. The full 2025 lineup of bands and artists can be found here.
• NOTL Peach Festival (August 2026). There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the Niagara Peach Festival. Queen Street closes to cars, the sidewalks fill with local vendors, and the scent of ripe Niagara peaches hangs in the air. You’ll find pies, preserves, smoothies, and—of course—bushels of fresh fruit for sale. Live bands play throughout the day. Kids line up for peach sundaes. Local artisans set up shop under cheerful white tents.
• Niagara Grape & Wine Festival (Last Weekend in September). Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival, drawing wine lovers from across the country to celebrate the best of Niagara’s wine and culinary scene. This festival features over 100 VQA wines, gourmet food pairings, live music and local eats,