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Steve Fennell
Goh Iromoto
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Steve Fennell
Goh Iromoto
By Steve Fennell
Bordering the U.S to the south and nearby to major commercial centres such as Hamilton and Toronto, the Niagara Region in Southern Ontario is an RVer’s delight with many attractions, unbeatable scenery, acclaimed wineries, and series of events that provide a vibrant culture throughout the year.
While rural with many attractions compared to those found in the big city, what makes the Niagara Region so unique is its geographical location. It’s located below the expansive Niagara Peninsula and is surrounded by the Welland and Niagara rivers and Lake Ontario, making the area the largest and most diverse viticulture area in Canada. In fact, Niagara is a rich producer of fruits and vegetables and generates more than 90 percent of Ontario’s tender fruit crop, 95 percent of Ontario’s peach crop and accounts for 81 percent of Canada’s peach harvest.
The region is also a globally-acclaimed wine producer. According to the Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA), Niagara consists of the largest planted area of all viticulture regions in Canada and its diverse appellation consists of rich, fertile soils, and ideal weather patterns that provide prime conditions to produce wine grapes with more complexity and intense flavour than many other warm climates.
So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or you’re just along for the ride in the passenger seat, chances are high that you’ll love the Niagara Region and everything it has to offer.
Steve Fennell
A sign indicating one of the Wine Routes.
The Niagara Wine Trails
Wine routes and RVing go hand in hand. It provides the opportunity to try and taste the diverse wines of local regions, the chance to explore new destinations, and provide a great break from the road whether you’re coming, going or staying. There are countless of wineries throughout the region, and the wine routes offer a great chance to experience them all. They are expansive and diverse, and while many are found throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake, your wine journey can begin as far west in the community of Beamsville (located along Ontario Highway 81, just off the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)) or as far east as the Niagara Parkway, which winds north-south along the Canadian/U.S. border and the Niagara River.
Although more rural than Niagara on-the-Lake, the wine route is not to be missed in the surrounding areas of Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan, which is known as the Twenty Valley Region. This succession of communities host more than a dozen wineries, most offering a wide range of tasting flights, food pairing, as well as bistros and fine dining set among lush gardens or in inviting dining rooms. Want to try an intensely-flavoured crisp, cool Chardonnay or try something new and eloquent? Wineries such as Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Fielding Estate Winery, and the Peninsula Ridge Estate winery are just some of the places to visit and where you can please your palate.
Heading further east along Highway 81 (King Street) into Vineland and Jordan, the number of wineries increase and while the signage is clear, many are tucked away off side roads, leading to rolling hills of vineyards, scenic grounds and panoramic views of the region. All along this area, you can taste, dine and enjoy the many fruits of the region by visiting The Restaurant at Redstone Winery, Back 10 Cellars, Greenland Estate Winery and the popular Tawse Winery. Each offer modern facilities and tasting rooms with helpful sales associates. They also occasionally host exciting seasonal events – from live entertainment to guest speakers.
Steve Fennell
A display of Pinot Noir produced at the Tawse Winery in Vineland, ON.
While the two-lane road can accommodate most RVs, it may be a little narrow if you run a larger diesel pusher or 35-plus-foot fifth wheel. Traffic in peak season, too, can be especially be busy through the communities of Vineland and Jordan. It’s also worth noting that some of the side roads leading to the wineries are especially narrow or steep. So, it’s best to take your towed car or tow vehicle rather than your whole rig. What’s more, a few campgrounds are available in the immediate area and it’s certainly worth staying a day or two but be sure to book in advance.
From here, continue east along Highway 81 or rejoin the QEW into St. Catharines, which provides easy RV access into the Niagara-on-the Lake region and more wine routes. This area is a little busier than Twenty Valley with many commercial services and as its common to see class B’s, C’s, and travel trailers touring the area, its best to set up camp at one of the many campgrounds in Niagara Falls, and plan day trips.
It’s also best to plan accordingly as there are many wine routes to discover with much to see and do. For instance, St. Davids – located between Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines – affords a scenic, rural drive and is home to a series of acclaimed, historical wineries, including Ravine Vineyard and Château des Charms (located just west of St. Davids). These two popular estate wineries offer a vast selection of expertly-crafted varieties where you can plan or enjoy an event, savour a taste flight, or simply admire the expansive grounds – you won’t be disappointed.
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The vineyard of Trius Winery and Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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A selection of Pinot Grigio at Trius Winery and Restaurant.
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Some of the more popular wines at Trius Winery and Restaurant – Ghost Creek (reisling) and Red Shale (Cabernet Franc)
You will also want to visit the wine route along Ontario Highway 55, known as Niagara Stone Road. This two-lane stretch encompasses many wineries and with too many to mention, be sure to visit Trius Winery and Restaurant, Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery (which offers both a distillery and winery), Pilliterri Estates Winery, Stratus Vineyards, and Jackson Triggs Estate Wineries. Each offer unique experiences and be ready to taste some excellent wine.
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Steve Fennell
Peller Estates offers unbeatable drink and food experiences.
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Steve Fennell
Peller Estates offers unbeatable drink and food experiences.
More vineyards – including three estate wineries such as Palatine Hills, Konzelmann, and Hinterbrook – are located along Lakeshore Rd. (Ontario Highway 87). If you’re up for more, it’s certainly worth your while to make your way to the 56 km (35 mi) Niagara Parkway. This scenic route is very popular and will take you to some great estates including Two Sisters Estate Wineries, Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant, and Reif Estate Winery – with many more to discover along the way. The Niagara Parkway also offers easy, direct access to Niagara on-the-Lake from Niagara Falls, making it especially convent if you’re staying at anyone of the city’s campgrounds.
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The 125-acre Reif Estate Winery.
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The interior of Reif Estate Winery.
Niagara-on-the Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake was officially established in 1880, yet its history dates back to the early 1800s and was a central site of the War of 1812. Today, however, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a Victorian-style, tree-lined community consisting of unique shops, colonial hotels, not to mention excellent dining. Located along Queen St., the town site is easily accessible from any of the wine routes and once you’re here, simply browse the array of shops or visit the Fort George National Historic Site, the military post that defended Upper Canada against American attacks during the War of 1812.
Another significant aspect of Niagara-on-the-Lake is the renowned Shaw Festival, a major not for profit charitable theatre festival (and known as the second largest repertory theatre company in North America) that celebrates acclaimed live theatre every year from April to October. Events and shows are held throughout select venues and for all the details visit www.shawfest.com.
While Niagara-on-the-Lake has plenty to offer visiting RVers, most of the campgrounds are found in Niagara Falls and its best to book early as it gets very busy during peak season. The entire region, however, attracts millions of visitors each year who come to admire the unique scenery and most of all, the natural culture that you can savour and enjoy with every visit.
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Niagara-on-the-Lake’s charming downtown.
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The historic Prince of Wales Hotel.
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The luxurious River Bend Inn and Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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A statue of George Bernard Shaw - who inspired the renowned Shaw Festival – in front of the Shaw Cafe and Wine Bar in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Quick Niagara Region Wine Facts
- The Niagara Peninsula accounts for over 93 percent of Ontario's grape-growing volume.
- Niagara attracts approximately 20 million visitors annually and more than 1.9 million people alone visit the province's wineries each year.
- Ontario is the country’s leading grape producer, accounting for about 60 – 70 percent of all Canadian production.
- Niagara lies on the same latitudinal band as Provence and Langeudoc-Roussillon in France, the Chianti Classico region in Italy and the Rioja region in Spain.
Where to Stay: Wine, Dine, and Explore Niagara
Campgrounds abound in and around the Niagara region to effectively enhance your touring experiences. Here are a few to get you started. For the full list and all the details visit www.campinginontario.ca
Jordan Valley Campground
Jordan, Ontario
905-562-7816/866-526-2267
Oaklands Campground (formally King Waldorf's Tent and Trailer Park)
Niagara Falls, Ontario
905-295-8191/877-700-0477
http://www.oaklandscampground.com/
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park/Camp-Resort
Niagara Falls, Ontario
905-354-1432/800-263-2570
Campark Resorts
Niagara Falls, Ontario
905-358-3873/877-CAMPARK
Riverside Park Motel & Campground
Niagara Falls, Ontario
905-382-2204
Knight's Hideaway Par
Ridgeway, Ontario
905-894-1911
Bissell's Hideaway Water Park & RV Resort
Ridgeville, Ontario905-892-5706 /888-236-0619
Windmill Point Park & Campground
Ridgeway, Ontario
GPS Information: 42.88552, -79.00766
905-894-2809/888-977-8888