While most people think of sunny summer and fall afternoons as the winetasting sweet spot, there’s a lot to be said for enjoying a pre-holiday hang at a Niagara winery. Niagara’s wineries show off their holiday spirit in November and December with a wide array of themed events and tastings and some really spectacular holiday shopping. This year, rather than fight the crowds at the shopping mall, spend an afternoon touring around to a selection of these Niagara wineries for some sipping, shopping, and festive fun.
13th Street Winery
In addition to boasting one of the region’s most beautiful collections of kitchen accessories, holiday décor, and creative stocking stuffers, 13th Street’s renowned bakery is the perfect place to stock up on delicious holiday treats. For those needing some extra gifting inspiration, the 13th Street Holiday Gift Guide offers an incredible array of ready-to-order wine and culinary-themed ENJOY boxes. Consider timing your trip to coincide with 13th Street’s Christmas Open House in the Wine Bar on December 2nd or one of the winery’s other holiday events, which include a cookie decorating workshop, cooking classes, cheese fondue experiences, fireside flights, and more.
Henry of Pelham Family Estate
From thoughtfully curated gift packs to holiday photo sessions in the vineyard, the friendly folks at Henry of Pelham have a special knack for taking the hassle out of holiday tasks. Visit the winery on November 19th, and for a small fee that goes to support mental health services in Niagara, you can have a professional photographer take your photo in the vineyard. November 26th is another great day to visit the winery for a head start on holiday shopping courtesy of Bella Buddha Beads, which will celebrate a special anniversary with an on-site sale showcasing an incredible selection of handcrafted jewelry, hair accessories, apparel, and slippers.
King’s Court Estate Winery
If you’ve been looking for a time-tested mulled wine recipe, the Zimmerman’s family glühwein recipe is a winner! Stop by the winery, and the friendly King’s Court staff will be happy to recommend just the right red.
Rockway Vineyards
From hands-on holiday ornament workshops to the cutest single-serve cans of wine that will fit perfectly in the toe of a stocking, Rockway Vineyards is well worth a stop on your pre-holiday winery wander.
Hernder Estate Wines
Swing into Hernder on 4th, where, in addition to wine, you’ll find an incredible selection of homemade Icewine jellies, grapeseed oils, hot sauces, and bread dippers that will take holiday charcuterie boards to the next level. The shop also has a great selection of fun wine accessories and creates beautiful custom gift baskets.
Kacaba Vineyards and Winery
Kacaba is raising a glass to a successful harvest with a four-day holiday open house on November 25th, 26th, December 2nd and 3rd. Featuring delectable wine and food pairings, barrel samples, and more, tickets for this fun holiday event are sure to sell out fast, so reserve your preferred time slot well in advance.
Creekside Estate Winery
Creekside gets in the holiday spirit nice and early, stocking a variety of holiday wine bundles, like the Cheers To The Holiday pack, which includes six bottles for just $95! Creekside’s second annual Creek Country Christmas on November 25th is another excellent reason to visit. The event will feature tastings of new releases and some of the year’s best deals on wine and accessories.
The Foreign Affair Winery
Foreign Affair pulls out all the stops for its biggest shopping weekend of the year. Tickets to the Holiday Sip and Shop on November 25th and 26th include a four-wine holiday flight, a cheese and charcuterie pairing box, and access to a personal shopper to help you select from the winery’s wide array of gift packages, wine accessories and more.
Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Wow the wine lover on your holiday gift list with a selection of wines made by the 2023 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada Winery of the Year. In addition to their exciting Winery of the Year win, the extra effort that Hidden Bench puts into its certified sustainable, organic, and terroir-driven approach was rewarded this year with two platinum, five gold and five silver medals! Borrow this Platinum Tasting Tour itinerary for a direct route to the four other Niagara Benchlands wineries that also took home platinum awards this year.
Flat Rock Cellars
’Tis the season for holiday hosting, and Flat Rock will get you ready! The winery’s “How To Wow Your Guests” event on November 26th will equip you with a fresh roster of wine-inspired cocktails that will make you the ultimate holiday host!
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery
Join Sue-Ann for her annual holiday tour and tasting on December 9th and 10th, when the stately family home will be decked out in all its festive glory!
The Good Earth Food & Wine Co.
The Good Earth’s holiday cooking classes, which this year include Feast of the Seven Fishes and Deck The Halls, are a perfect option for holiday hosts looking for some fresh ideas served alongside delicious food, wine, and a whole lot of fun.
Time Your Trip With Even More Festive Fun
From the lakeside Let It Glow spectacular in Port Dalhousie to Jordan’s Christmas In The Village events, holiday concerts at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, and Black Owned 905’s BIPOC Holiday Market, there are so many seasonal events to enjoy this November and December in Niagara. Be sure to browse the St. Catharines and Niagara Benchlands events calendars as you plan your visit.
