Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake by Anthony von Mandl

Tucked along the shores of Lake Ontario and nestled near the mighty Niagara River lies Niagara-on-the-Lake, a region defined by rolling vineyards, historic charm, and some of Canada’s most celebrated wines. As the Founder & CEO of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, I, Anthony von Mandl, invite you to explore this world-class wine destination where terroir, tradition, and taste converge in a glass.

Though I’m also the founder of Stage and Style, where we transform spaces with beauty and functionality, my passion for design extends far beyond interiors it pours into the architecture of wine, flavor, and place. That’s the essence behind the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

🍷 What Makes Niagara-on-the-Lake Unique?

Understanding “Appellation”

In wine terms, an appellation is simply the defined geographical origin of a wine. Within Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, the Niagara-on-the-Lake appellation is one of the most renowned, recognized by the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA).

But here’s where it gets interesting: Niagara-on-the-Lake is not just one uniform zone it includes four sub-appellations that each bring their own distinct flavor profiles:

Niagara River
Niagara Lakeshore
Four Mile Creek
St. David’s Bench

Learn more about our wineries and terroir.

🌍 The Terroir: A Symphony of Soil, Climate & Water

Our region’s rich diversity in soil composition, elevation, and precipitation allows for incredible variation in grape expression. This means our wines span a wide range of styles from light and crisp whites to robust, tannic reds.

But perhaps the most defining factor? Our proximity to water. Bordered by Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, the moderating effects of water contribute to:

Longer growing seasons
Earlier springs
Consistently warm days and cool nights

Bartender pouring white wine from bottle into glass indoors, closeup. Space for text

This climate creates balanced, full-bodied wines with excellent acidity—perfect for pairing with food or sipping solo under a vineyard sunset.

🍇 The Birthplace of Modern Canadian Winemaking

Niagara-on-the-Lake is not just a wine region it’s a legacy. Our pioneering winemakers have been producing VQA wines from vinifera varietals for more than four decades. The commitment of these trailblazers helped put Canadian wine on the global stage.

Glasses of white orange or rose wine in hands of celebrating friends over table with various gourmet snacks cheese grape bread. Gathering, celebrating, wine tasting and party concept

When you visit our region, you’re stepping into a vital part of Canada’s agricultural and cultural heritage.

🏡 Meet Our Member Wineries

We’re a tight-knit neighborhood of 23 VQA-certified wineries located in the heart of Niagara wine country. Our wines are 100% estate-grown, meaning they’re produced right heremany available exclusively at our cellar doors.

Explore our full list of member wineries here:
👉 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake – Meet the Wineries

Some featured standouts include:

Friends making big party outdoors. Group of people toasting wine during a dinner party.

Inniskillin Wines – World-renowned for their Icewine.
Peller Estates – Offering estate tours, tasting rooms, and fine dining.
Konzelmann Estate Winery Niagara’s only lakefront winery with stunning panoramic views.
Reif Estate Winery Celebrating family tradition and award-winning vintages since 1982.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery A charming, rustic winery known for organic farming and elegant wines.

Each winery offers something special tasting flights, culinary experiences, estate tours, vineyard picnics, and more.

Wine tasting. Red wine pouring into glass on background with selection of red, white and rose wines in glasses. Hard sunlight and shadows from foliage

🍷 Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass The Ultimate Sip Ticket

Want to sip your way through Niagara-on-the-Lake in style?

Get the Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass your golden ticket to a self-guided tasting adventure.

For only $59.62 (tax included), enjoy a curated wine tasting at all 23 of our member wineries. That’s right, 23 unique pours, each telling the story of the land, the grape, and the hands that crafted it.

It’s perfect for:

First-time visitors wanting a broad tasting experience
Wine lovers seeking discovery
A luxurious day trip or romantic getaway

🎟 Buy your pass today and start planning your journey through Canada’s premier wine route.
👉 Buy Tasting Pass

Close-up on bottles of wine displayed on the rack at a winery – wine culture concepts

Need help planning? Contact Us and let us guide your experience.

🧭 Tour the Four Sub-Appellations

1. Niagara River

Warm, sun-soaked slopes with good air flow and drainage, producing ripe, aromatic wines.

2. Niagara Lakeshore

Proximity to Lake Ontario means cool-climate whites and Pinot Noir shine here.

3. Four Mile Creek

Flatland vineyards with deep soils lead to full-bodied red wines and expressive whites.

4. St. David’s Bench

Elevated and protected by the escarpment, producing bold, structured wines with finesse.

This diversity makes tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake an educational and sensory delight.

Party and celebration concepts. Bartender pours red wine in glasses at bar. Male sommelier pouring red wine into long-stemmed wineglasses.

TikTok

🧡 Why Wine Lovers Choose Niagara-on-the-Lake

🍽 Farm-to-table pairings with estate-grown ingredients
🍂 Scenic vineyard tours during all seasons
🎼 Live music, culinary festivals, and grape harvest celebrations
🚲 Bike tours, wine trails, and lakefront views
💑 Ideal for romantic getaways, bachelorette weekends, and solo retreats

📞 Let’s Stay Connected

Whether you’re planning your visit, curious about wine shipping, or want insider tips we’re here to help. Reach out via our official contact page:

Glass of red wine on the hills of Tuscany in Italy.

📬 Contact Us
📍 Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a short scenic drive from Niagara Falls.

📲 Join Our Community Online

For behind-the-scenes content, special promotions, winery features, and stunning visuals of our vineyards, follow us online:

Facebook: Wineries of NOTL
Instagram: @wineriesofnotl
TikTok: @wineriesofnotl

Tag us when you visit we love featuring real moments from our guests. #WineriesOfNOTL

🥂 A Final Word from Anthony von Mandl

At the core of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is connection to the land, to the wine, and to each other. My journey as founder of Stage and Style taught me how intentional design transforms spaces. Through this collective of wineries, I’ve channeled that same philosophy into curating exceptional wine experiences that elevate the everyday.

So whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just beginning your wine journey, Niagara-on-the-Lake welcomes you with open arms and open bottles.