Uncork the charm of the New York Niagara Wine Trail

Enjoy lakeside wine tastings at Spring Lake Winery — Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Niagara Falls is known for the incredible series of waterfalls that divide upstate New York from Canada. However, the region is also a boon for agriculture, especially for wine grapes grown on both sides of the border. Chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, and cabernet franc grapes love the cool climate, and wines made here are top-notch.

The official Niagara Escarpment AVA, a designated wine region in New York state, was established in 2005, a few years after the New York Niagara Wine Trail, a membership organization for many but not all of the local wineries. The wineries range from casual tasting rooms on family farms to award-winning brands, all just minutes from Niagara Falls and a short trip from Buffalo and Rochester.

Some tasting rooms require reservations for groups larger than six, but it’s best to call ahead to confirm. Most don’t have full restaurants, so plan your meals accordingly. It’s also essential to plan how you’ll get around, whether assigning a designated driver or booking a tour, as the drive between Niagara Falls and the wineries can range between 30 to 45 minutes.

Here are some of our favorite tasting rooms and sights along New York’s Niagara Wine Trail.

Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery, Lewiston

Bella Rose Winery is one of the most popular tasting experiences on the Niagara Wine Trail — Photo courtesy of Caroline Eubanks

The Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery produces wines from eight grape varietals grown on its 57-acre estate. Enjoy the semi-sweet to dry wines on the laid-back patio overlooking the vineyard. If you’re not into wine, Bella Rose also offers locally brewed beer. The winery does serve charcuterie boards if you’re feeling peckish.

Chateau Niagara Winery, Newfane

The French-style Chateau Niagara Winery is certified sustainable in the region. It’s a great spot for wine education and casual wine tastings. Here, you can sample chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and cabernet franc, most of which are on the dry side. The 31-acre property offers incredible views to accompany your tasting.

Arrowhead Springs Vineyards, Lockport

Arrowhead Springs Vineyards is one of the best among the Niagara Escarpment AVA’s wineries — Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

Arrowhead Springs Vineyards uses sustainable, organic farming and traditional winemaking methods to produce some of the region’s best pinot noir, syrah, red blends, and ice wine. The underground barrel room ages the bottles to perfection. Enjoy wine tastings on the expansive patio or in the climate-controlled tasting room. Arrowhead offers a food menu too, including pizza and sandwiches.

Spring Lake Winery, Lockport

Named for the beautiful lake it overlooks, Spring Lake Winery is a winery, restaurant, and events venue wrapped into one. Started by the Varallo family, whose ancestors brought their winemaking traditions from Italy, Spring Lake Winery offers syrah, zinfandel, and riesling, best enjoyed with Italian fare and live music.

Who was voted the best?: Best Wine Region (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)

Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery, Sanborn

Open since 2011, Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery is only 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, making it an easy day trip. The small vineyard has ideal conditions for growing riesling, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir. In addition to standard tastings, the winery also hosts weekly events like book clubs and wine and cheese pairings.

The Winery at Marjim Manor, Appleton

Fruit wines are a specialty at Marjim Manor — Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls USA

For fruit wine that showcases the abundance of the Niagara Falls area, head to The Winery at Marjim Manor. The menu includes wines made with apple, pear, and plum, plus traditional red and white varietals.

Fun fact: The manor has a spooky past and hosts murder mystery dinners and ghost tours.

Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Wilson

The European-inspired Victorianbourg Wine Estate offers everything from dry whites to rosés and sweet wines, including a chocolate-infused version. Initially a nursery farm, the estate grows eight European grape varieties plus two French-American hybrids. When you’ve had your fill, wander through the fragrant rose garden.

Other stops to make along the Niagara Wine Trail

The glorious Niagara Falls are just a sip away from the Niagara Wine Trail — Photo courtesy of Orchidpoet / E+

Things to do on the Niagara Wine Trail

While in Niagara Falls, don’t miss out on other experiences. The famous falls are best viewed by boat, like the famous Maid of the Mist, or by exploring Niagara Falls State Park.

Learn to pair local wine with food with a Niagara Falls Culinary Institute class. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is another must-see alongside the Amtrak station.

Who was voted the best?: Best Wine Club (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)

Where to eat along the Niagara Wine Trail

Each community has excellent restaurants. In Niagara Falls, check out Wine on Third, Red Coach Inn, a historic inn and restaurant that has been open since 1923, and Power City Eatery, named for the city’s role in hydroelectric power. Don’t miss the excellent bagels.

If you’re starting your day early, grab a coffee from Wilson Brew Co. in the town of Wilson. Grab a burger at Stooges Stuffed Burger Bar in Lockport or head to Griffon Brewery and Gastropub in Lewiston. Gather is another favorite in Lewiston.

Where to stay along the Niagara Wine Trail

Niagara Falls has plenty of hotels, but if you want to be as close to the wine as possible, the Cabins at Becker Farms are cozy and chic, just across a field from another family-owned winery.