Sip, savour and slow down in Ontario’s wine country
Tucked into the quieter, more rural side of Niagara’s world-renowned wine country, the Niagara Benchlands is a destination where time slows down, flavours shine and hospitality runs deep. Known for its award-winning vineyards, scenic farm roads and hidden culinary gems, this is the perfect place to recharge your senses.
Whether you’re sipping on estate-grown wines, sampling non-alcoholic options to keep the adventure light or simply soaking up vineyard views with your favourite people (furry friends included), the Benchlands offers a blissful balance of wellness, wine and great eats. This two-day summer itinerary brings you the best of the region—from patio lunches and local farm stands to sparkling wine floats and plant-based pastries.
Let’s wander, sip, and savour.
Day 1: Vineyard Views, Farm Fresh Finds & Lakeside Dining
Vineland Estates Winery
Where: 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland, ON (View Map)
Kick off your getaway to the Benchlands with a visit to Vineland Estates Winery, one the oldest vineyards in Niagara where vineyard views and thoughtful hospitality set the tone for a perfect day. After a stroll through the scenic property, make your way to their Feast On® certified restaurant where Chef George Ward showcases the best of Niagara’s bounty. His unwavering commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients ensures that every dish captures the region’s vibrant flavours.
If you’re interested in keeping your visit on the lighter side, the winery offers a delicious selection of alcohol-free wines. We opted to try the Rosé, which we sipped under the restaurant’s covered patio overlooking the beautiful vineyard.
Pairing your alfresco sips, enjoy some delicious lighter bites likes the house-made sourdough bread or the beautifully plated cheese board made with an assortment of Canadian cheeses. For a heartier bite consider sharing the salt cod croquettes, served with pickled hakurei, tabbouleh and finished with tender herbs and a za’atar aioli for a delicious start to the day!
Insider Tip: The winery is pet-friendly, so if traveling with your pup is non-negotiable, consider booking their K-Wine Dog Tour, a tail-wagging experience that includes a wine tasting for you and a special snack for your furry companion. Prefer something more spontaneous? Stop by the wine shop for a complimentary dog treat and enjoy an impromptu tasting on the dog-friendly outdoor patio where you and your four-legged friend can both soak in the sunshine and vineyard views.
Moyers Farm
Where: 4150 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON (View Map)
For a sweet afternoon treat, and a little local exploring, make your way to Moyers Farm in Jordan. Here, you’ll find caramel and chocolate-covered apples jazzed up with colourful swirls, sprinkles and crunchy nuts, a festive favourite that lets you indulge in the taste of fall all year long. After all, who says caramel apples are just for October?
Tucked along Jordan Road, you’ll also find some epic local farm stops like The Red Barn Farm Market. It’s a must-visit for fresh, locally-grown produce, baked goods and if your sweet tooth hasn’t been fully satisfied, their frozen yogurt made with real farm-fresh fruit like peaches and strawberries. It’s the ultimate cool-down treat, and car snack stop!
Just next door, pop into Upper Canada Cheese Company, where you can sample and shop locally made award-winning cheeses crafted with rich Guernsey milk. You’ll also find a curated selection of artisanal products, including hot honey from Rosewood Estate Winery in Beamsville and so many other regional goodies perfect for elevating your next picnic or your pantry.
The Shore
Where: 2793 Beacon Blvd, Lincoln, ON (View Map)
As the day winds down, make your way to The Shore for a dose of lakeside relaxation. Whether you settle into the breezy patio or the chic, newly renovated dining room, it’s the perfect pre-dinner stop. The refreshed space now features a creative cocktail menu, crafted by mixologist John, offering both signature sips and non-alcoholic options—perfect for those looking to keep their adventures spirit-free.
Try the lemon sour, topped with a printed stamp for a fun and photo-worthy twist or cool off with a refreshing strawberry mojito. If you’re feeling peckish, their new summer menu offers a tempting selection of small plates, like the Colombian empanadas made from Chef Nicolas Campuzano’s cherished family recipe, along with inventive bites like shrimp dumplings and crab cakes. It’s a flavourful and relaxed way to transition into your evening plans.
Penninsula Ridge Estate Winery
Where: 5600 King Street West, Beamsville, ON (View Map)
Wrap up day one of wandering the Benchlands with dinner at Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, a Feast On® certified gem nestled in the heart of Niagara’s wine country. Known for its estate-grown Bordeaux varietals and signature Merlot, the winery offers a dining experience that’s as refined as its wines.
Choose to dine inside the historic Queen Anne Revival mansion, where you’ll be treated to panoramic vineyard views, or take a seat on the patio to soak in the ultimate summer sunset. The menu, much like the setting, is a celebration of local flavour. It’s seasonal, beautifully plated and perfectly paired with their award-winning wines.
We opted for the Marinated Half Rack of Lamb, grilled to perfection and infused with a rosemary and sun-dried tomato marinade, served alongside saffron rice pilaf, a rich veal reduction and pickled chili for a bold bite. For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Dark Chocolate Ganache layered with strawberry gelée, topped with strawberry rosé ice cream and a chocolate candy crumble for a decadent finish to a day of wine country wandering.
Day 2: Even More Award-Winning Wines, Epic Patios and Finding the Spirit of Local Flavour
Penny’s Kitchen
Where: 3347 King St, Vineland, ON (View Map)
Start your second day of wandering with a taste of local charm at Penny’s Kitchen in Vineland. A beloved diner gem where the atmosphere is as warm and the coffee is fresh, this cozy, no-frills spot is a true community hub, where neighbours greet each other over steaming mugs and hearty breakfast plates.It’s the perfect place to ease into the day.
Go all-in with the Lumberjack Breakfast if you’re craving something hearty or satisfy your sweet tooth with their Peaches and Cream Waffles (a seasonal favourite that tastes like summer on a plate)!
Romagnoli Farm Stand
Where: 4605 Thirty Rd, Beamsville, ON (View Map), or 4403 King St, Beamsville, ON (View Map)
No trip to the Niagara Benchlands is complete without a stop (or two) at a local farm stand. After breakfast, keep the flavour-filled adventure going by exploring the region’s roadside gems, starting with Romagnoli Farms.
Lincoln sits in the heart of the Niagara Tender Fruit Belt, making it the perfect place to stock up on sun-ripened produce straight from the source. Swing by Romagnoli to grab juicy car snacks like peaches, cherries, plums and more to keep your road trip fuelled with delicious bites.
Redstone Winery
Where: 4245 King St, Beamsville, ON (View Map)
A visit to Redstone Winery is a must when exploring the Niagara Benchlands especially if you’re craving great wine, bold flavours and an unforgettable patio lunch. Known for their award-winning wines, you are welcome to enjoy standouts like their 2021 Skin Fermented White, by the glass on their gorgeous patio, surrounded by vineyard views and sunshine. If you prefer to keep your experience light, opt for a refreshing mocktail, a perfect alternative for those keeping their adventure spirit-free.
For lunch, we couldn’t resist their iconic Margherita pizza, made with a sourdough starter nurtured in their kitchen for over three years, then roasted to perfection in an Italian brick oven.
In keeping with our alfresco feast, we also shared a selection of standout summer plates: the Braised Octopus Carpaccio with romesco, toasted almond and basil, served with crisp sourdough; the Dressed Ontario Burrata, layered with sweet peas, cherry vinaigrette, hazelnut and radish; and the Pan-Seared Lingcod, served with sweet corn, roasted red pepper, Pastaneck clams and a punchy chorizo vinaigrette.
Before heading out, we made sure to stop by the Redstone wine shop to take home a bottle from our visit to save the memory of sunny patio moments just a little bit longer.
Westcott Vineyards
Where: 3180 Seventeenth St, Jordan Station, ON (View Map)
This small but mighty corner of Niagara’s wine country certainly doesn’t fall short when it comes to award-winning wines. Continuing our adventure through the Benchlands’ rich local flavours, we made our way back up the escarpment to Westcott Vineyards in Jordan for a tasting with head winemaker Casey and assistant winemaker Marilyn.
At Westcott, it’s not just about the wine—it’s a full sensory experience. Sip their celebrated Pinot under a shaded canopy while taking in the peaceful views of endlessly green vineyard rows. This gem also offers seasonal, locally inspired meals, making it a standout stop that truly captures the heart of the Niagara Benchlands.
We sampled some of their award-winning selections, including their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the refreshingly crisp Brilliant Rosé. During the summer months, the outdoor winery kitchen is open and serving up freshly fired pizzas, flatbreads and heartier plates like juicy burgers, all made to pair beautifully with their wines.
The vineyard itself is the perfect place to slow down and savour the moment. Settle in under the shaded canopy, take in the endless rows of green and enjoy a glass in hand or a delicious nibble. This is wine country at its most relaxed and rewarding
Plant No. 1 Bakery
Where: 3772 Nineteenth St, Jordan Station, ON (View Map)
Moving down the escarpment and winding down your day, head into Jordan Village to Plant No. 1 Bakery. This fully plant-based bakery is the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, serving up artisan coffee and a variety of baked goods along with frozen meals and more! Their donuts like the coconut almond caramel are a must-try (and happily we broke our “just one” rule). Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, this little bakery has just the thing to fuel your final adventures.
Just a few minutes away, take a stroll and add a touch of history to your wine country wanderings with a visit to the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre. Take a heritage schoolhouse tour or crawl through the museum’s charming spaces and explore rotating exhibits like “All Abuzz”, or permanent installations such as “Fraktur”, which share stories from the Town of Lincoln’s rich history. It’s the perfect way to connect with the roots of the region before the journey comes to a close.
Back 10 Cellars
Where: 4101 King St, Beamsville, ON (View Map)
End your adventure on a sparkling note at Back 10 Cellars, a small winery with big flavours. Known for their award-winning sparkling wines, this charming hidden gem in Beamsville offers a relaxed, intimate tasting experience that feels like a true discovery.
While you’re there, don’t miss their signature summer treat: a sparkling wine float from the Smitten Siphouse, the wineries outdoor patio. Made with gelato infused with their Pink and Smitten sparkling wines, these fizzy delights are the base for seasonal pairings like peach-lemon and strawberry, a playful, refreshing finale that perfectly captures the essence of summer in the Benchlands!
Sip, Savour and Slow Down the Benchlands Way
After two days of unforgettable meals, award-winning wines and moments of peaceful pause, it’s easy to see how wellness in the Benchlands is all about good food, great drinks and quality time spent wandering and exploring. Whether you come for the vineyards, the views or the vibrant local flavour, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to return.
