Image may be subject to copyright

Niagara Wine Trail

During your upcoming trip to Lake Ontario, you'll have the opportunity to try the classic wines lying on the coast of the lake. Because of the consistent year-round temperature of Lake Ontario, winery grapes are able to stay warm throughout the entire year, making our corner of New York one of the best places to experience this romantic drink.

Because of the number of wineries that have been grown here, this place is lovingly referred to as the Niagara Wine Trail.

The Niagara Wine Trail runs along the shore of Lake Ontario on the Canadian and American side. Because Lake Ontario Motel and Inn is in Lockport, NY, we are focusing primarily on the wineries surrounding Lockport, Newfane, and Burt on the American side of Niagara Falls.

How do I explore the trail?

There are a few ways you can explore the assortment of wine trails on the banks of Lake Ontario.

Driving

Obviously, the easiest way you can travel to the wineries is by driving yourself to the various ones strewn around Lockport using a rental car (or your personal one you brought here).

However, if you are planning to visit a bunch of wineries for multiple tastings in a row, you need a designated driver. At the very least you'll need to avoid drinking at some of the wineries to avoid intoxication. Nothing will sour your vacation more than a DUI, and you'll put others at serious risk.

Biking

Perhaps the most romantic and summer-y way to experience the wine trail is by biking to each one. While this may sound like a workout, it's actually fairly relaxing on this trail. Plan your route to make sure you are going to wineries that are close together so you don't bike an unnecessarily long path.

Bike rentals are affordable and also fun to ride!

Make sure you don't drink TOO much if you are going this route. If you are just tasting the drinks casually you should be fine, but you don't want to put yourself and others in a dangerous position.

Guided Tour

If you want to go to several wineries, but don't want to worry about getting to them yourself (or finding a DD), then you may want to consider one of the several guided tours nearby. There's a cap of about 4 wineries, so if that's about the number you want to explore, go for it!

FIND A GUIDED TOUR

Image may be subject to copyright

The Best Wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail

Because of the consistent year-round temperature of Lake Ontario, winery grapes are able to stay warm throughout the entire year, making our corner of New York one of the best places to experience this romantic drink.

Wineries near Lockport (West)

This route is truly for the wine enthusiast who wants to visit as many wineries as possible.

The wineries have an average score of 4.3 with hundreds of reviews on each one, which is excellent.

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards
Freedom Run Winery
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Honeymoon Trail Winery
Long Cliff Vineyard
A Gust of Sun Winery

Image may be subject to copyright

Wineries near Lockport (East)

If you want a quality tour that has less wineries, then you may want to explore the eastern roads of Lockport.

The average score of the wineries here is an impressive 4.6 with hundreds of reviews each. There are just fewer tasting opportunities.

Spring Lake Winery
Leonard Oakes Estate Winery
Liten Buffel
Vizcarra Vineyards

Wineries near Olcott, Newfane, and Wilson (North)

Want to spend a day exploring some of the other towns on the banks of Lake Ontario? Maybe try some wine while you're at it!

The average review score here is 4.7, making it the highest-reviewed section on the American side. Just keep in mind that these wineries aren't super close to each other, so it's not one you can bike around on easily.

Chateau Niagara Winery
Black Willow Winery
The Winery at Marjim Manor
Savage Winery
Victorianbourg Wine Estate
Schulze Winery

Image may be subject to copyright

We hope you are excited for your Lake Ontario vacation! If you want a centralized location for your wine tasting adventure, our adorable motel should be your stop! Book with us today!