wine tour transportation niagara

Daily Tours

• BRIX AND BITES – A half day wine & light bites adventure
• CORKS AND CUISINE – A full day wine tour & lunch experience
• THE BENCH WINE TRAIL – Full day wine tour and Lunch
• VINEYARD VIBES & DINNER DELIGHTS – A late afternoon wine and dinner tour

Specialty Tours

• PRIVATE AND GROUP TOURS

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• CORKS AND CUISINE – A full day wine tour & lunch experience
• VINEYARD VIBES & DINNER DELIGHTS – A late afternoon wine and dinner tour
• Private Tours
• Our Difference
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30 Years Experience

Our Tour Experience

Our mission.

to provide exceptional experiences that inspire, delight and refresh our guests by sharing our passion and knowledge for wine and Niagara wine country.

Our Expertise

In addition to our passion, experience, and dedication to quality, our Niagara Vintage Guides set us apart. Our Guides have decades of professional wine experience and a deep, abiding love for wine and the area’s wineries. Many of them worked firsthand in wineries and vineyards, and love to share their knowledge. All have studied wine, wine and food pairings, and the history of the Niagara area.

Our guests consistently rave about our guides. Just read our reviews to find out why people choose Niagara Vintage Wine Tours.

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Professional All-Inclusive Wine Tours - Open 7 Days a Week

Wine Tour Niagara

12 – 16 Tastings

• Visit four award winning wineries in Niagara Wine Country
• Round trip transportation from your accommodation
• 3-4 Tasting per winery
• Cheese & Charcuterie pairing
• Grand Tour at one of the wineries
• 75-90 minutes leisure time in downtown Niagara on the Lake

Niagara Wine Tour With 3 Course a la carte Lunch

• 3 Course a la carte lunch

Afternoon Niagara Beer & Wine Tour

12-16 Tastings

• Visit three award winning wineries in Niagara Wine Country
• Visit Niagara’s #1 brewery
• Tasting flight of 3-4 beers

Evening Beer & Wine Country Dinner Tour

• 3 course a la carte dinner at your own private table

Vineland, Jordan & Beamsville Bench Wine Tour

9-12 Tastings

• Visit three award winning wineries in Twenty Valley & the Beamsville Bench
• 3-4 Tastings per winery
• Sampling at Upper Canada Cheese Factory
• Time to Explore Jordan Village

Vineland, Jordan & Beamsville Bench Wine Tour with Lunch

• (3) course lunch at “On the Twenty” restaurant

We Are Your Winery Country Specialists

Winery Tours of Niagara is the largest luxury Niagara Wine Country tour service provider operating in Niagara Falls, Canada offering professional, fun, educational and interactive food and wine tour experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Twenty Valley and the Beamsville Bench Wine regions.

Our # 1 ranking on Trip Advisor and NFBH is a testament to our ongoing commitment of Excellence and Passion for wine.

We believe that our customer’s experience should be much more than just providing transportation from one winery to another. For this reason, we have created an authentic wine-tasting expedition in a small group setting that is unique, fun and engaging led by Niagara’s best and most knowledgeable industry professional wine tour guides.

During your unique journey through wine country you will learn how grapes grow, the proper techniques of tasting wine, what to look for in a quality wine, the history of the Niagara wine region, its wineries and the various wines they produce one sip at a time. An Authentic Wine Country Tour Experience that will exceed your expectations! We Guarantee It!

Most Trusted Wine Tour Company in Niagara

MERCEDES EXECUTIVE CLASS SPRINTERS

The new 14 passenger vehicles provide a high degree of comfort and style.

DELUXE TOURING COACHES

Our 53 passenger motorcoaches are equipped with Ride-On-Air Suspension system, elevated and tinted windows for panoramic viewing, with large luggage bays to satisfy the largest groups.

CADILLAC ESCALADE

This fully loaded 8 passenger luxury SUV is perfect for smaller private groups looking for the ultimate in comfort.

Our 14, 18, & 35 passenger limo busses offer the ultimate in comfort and style.

MERCEDES S500

This fully loaded 5 passenger luxury SUV is perfect for private tours and couples looking for the ultimate in comfort.

Our 24 passenger touring buses are perfect for group transfers & sightseeing expeditions.

These fully loaded 11 passenger vehicles are ideal for private and smaller groups that offer easy access to any destination.

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Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Best niagara-on-the-lake wine tasting with transportation.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Air-conditioned vehicle

Best Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Experience with Transportation

This Best Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Experience with Transportation will give you a taste of the region.

This small-group tour takes you to three distinct properties to sample the region's wines (with a beer, whisky or wine tasting at the Wayne Gretzky Estate).

On this interactive half-day tour, you'll learn about the properties' histories and production methods.

• Tastings and learning opportunities were provided at three distinct properties.
• Pickup and drop-off are both customizable.
• A maximum of 10 guests allows for a more intimate encounter (private tours are available).

Tour Itinerary

Wayne gretzky estates.

Although wine and whisky production are worlds apart, there are some startling parallels between Wayne Gretzky's style of play and coaching and Niagara's first destination vineyard and distillery. There is the same dedication to brilliance. The realisation that it takes a group of highly passionate players to produce world-class results. And the notion that a loonie buried in the ice will always bring good fortune.

Peller Estates Winery

For nearly 50 years, Peller Estates has been producing high-quality wines for Canadians. There is no better honour than when our wines are shared with family and friends, whether poured over the dinner table at home or experienced during an immersive wine and culinary experience at our award-winning Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. Since Andrew Peller first arrived in Canada four generations ago, his enthusiasm for the sense of connection between wine, family, and friends has deepened.

Trius Winery

Trius Winery is a pioneer in Canadian winemaking, producing exceptional VQA wines from premium grapes for over 40 years. We harvest grapes from four Niagara-on-the-Lake appellations to create diverse varietals that reflect our region's distinct sense of place.

Pickup Information

Departure Point:

Pick up and return is from your accommodations in only the cities of Niagara Falls or Niagara on the Lake. Hotels, BnB, Airbnb. Pick ups start in Niagara Falls at 12:45pm. You will receive a pick up email the day before with pick up time from your accommodations.

Departure time:

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• For any Cancellations made 24 hours prior to the tour, at the latest, will get a full refund.
• In case you cancel the tour upto 24 hours before the trip you will be entitled to a full Refund..
• In case of cancellations made within the last 24 hours of the Tour, your amount won't be refunded.
• No trip change requests made less than 24 hours before the Tour's start time, will be made
• The Trip's cut-offs will follow local time

Other Information

• You can expect a confirmation once the booking is completed
• No accessibility for Wheelchairs.
• Near public transport
• Stroller accessible
• Most Visitors can participate
• Every trip can have a maximum of 14 participants

• Book This Tour

• [email protected]
• : +1 800-653-2242

• 5 Brisdale Dr, Suite 208 Brampton, ON L7A 0S9, Canada

Member of the Niagara Falls Tourism Association

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IMPORTANT UPDATE

As of Aug 24, 2024, proof of COVID-19 vaccination with photo ID is required for restaurants and bars, casinos, concerts, theatres, cinemas, recreation and sporting facilities, festivals and more. Capacity limits for indoor and outdoor activities are based on maintaining a physical distance of 2m/6ft from others. Please follow all public health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Keeping workplaces, staff and guests safe is our destination's primary focus. Key public health measures are in place and we all share a responsibility to stay informed, be prepared, be flexible and follow health and safety guidelines.

(289) 296-1966

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Custom, Private Wine Country Adventures.

We Love Niagara.

We’re a team of locals doing what we love in a region we love. We’ll use our knowledge of Niagara to help you find the best spots to eat, drink, and be merry! Book now and let Wheelz Niagara design a custom Wine Country Adventure that’s all about you!

Our Tour Packages Include

• Niagara Escarpment – Scenic, Private, Custom Boutique Winery Tasting Tour
• Private, Custom Craft Beer & Brewery Tasting Tour
• Wine Tasting & Chocolate – Private, Custom Tour – Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Custom, Private Winery Tour and Tasting
• Private, Custom Day Tour of Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake with Niagara Region Hotel Pick Up
• Private, Custom Photography Tour of Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Private, Custom Historical Tour (War of 1812) Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada

Meet our fleet.

Just another reason to feel good about booking with Wheelz Niagara. Our drivers and vehicles are licensed and inspected by the Niagara Regional Police. We are fully insured! We use only the best and most experienced drivers for our services. Every single one of our cars is safety certified twice a year so that we can get you where you need to go. It’s safety-made luxurious.

Price is just a number. Value is what we deliver.

What do you get when you book with us? You’ll pay exact pricing according to your pick-up and drop-off location—the shortest routes are guaranteed. We price by vehicle, not by person, and include taxes and tolls in our fees: we guarantee a worry-free trip.

Experience the true meaning of “the extra mile”.

Did you know that our drivers and vehicles travel over 1 MILLION kms annually? Transportation is our livelihood and we’re committed to our customers. We care about your business and even more about your well-being. From the initial booking to your arrival, we’ll provide you with quality, worry-free travel every step of the way.

We Take You Places.

From anywhere to niagara., from niagara to anywhere., travel with the right ride., airport, train and bus transfers, accommodates up to 11 guests (with luggage).

When you have the right “Wheelz,” getting to your destination is the easy part. Kick back and relax in one of our private cars and enjoy our private, comfortable airport transportation service. Traditional shuttles can take hours to get to your destination; arrive stress-free and in casual luxury with Wheelz instead. We offer transportation to and from airports, bus terminals, or train stations. Make your connection by booking with us!

Check out some of our recent Niagara adventures!

Public & Private

Niagara wine tours, casual, affordable & fun.

Niagara Fun Tours is proud to be Niagara’s #1 choice for both Private & Public Wine Tours of Niagara. Our popular public Niagara Wine Tours have been entertaining our guests for the past 15 years with visits to some of Niagara’s best wineries. Samples are always included on all of our tours, along with plenty of time to shop & explore

We are also a popluar choice for private Bachelorette Niagara Wine Tours, birthday tours and for those just looking for a fun-filled day out in Niagara’s Wine Country.

Our tours operate year-round allowing you to experience Niagara wine at your leisure. Book quickly, as weekends fill up fast.

Explore our website today to start planning your day out in Niagara’s Wine Country.

Private Tours | Public Tours

Our flagship public Niagara Wine Tour operates weekends year round, along with weekdays during the summer. All tours inlcudes four stops to some of Niagara’s top wineries. Samples are always included along with a lunch stop along the way (cost extra). Seats are limited and book quickly.

Bachelorette Wine Tours

Have Niagara Fun Tours help in planning your Bachelorette party this year. Our private Bachelorette Niagara Wine Tours are a great way to let loose and have some fun.

• Visit multiple Niagara wineries
• Enjoy 12-20 samples per person
• Free samples at a Chocolate Factory*
• Shared Charcuterie Boards included*
• Door to door pick-up and drop-off
• Flexible start times
• Large passenger vans, shuttle buses and limousines

Packages Starting At:

$99 per person

Private Group Tours

Our private group Niagara wine tours are available to charter daily, year round. All tours include multiple free samples.

• Enjoy 15-20 samples per person
• Door to door pick-up & drop-off
• Large vans, shuttle buses & limousines

$130 per person

Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours

Make everyone happy in your group with our popular Beer, Wine & Spirits Tour. Sample your way to some of Niagara’s top

• Visit micro breweries, distilleries & wineries
• Quick service food options available

$145 per person

Wine & Chocolate Tours

Popular to our Bachelorette Wine Tours, check out our Bling the Ding Chocolate & Wine Tour for your day out in wine country.

• Visit three wineries with tasting
• Private chocolate moulding party at the local chocolate factory

$165 per person

Tour Pick-up Options

Our public wine tours offer three conveniently located options throughout Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake. Private tours go door to door from any address in Niagara.

Cancellation Policy

We offer a very flexible cancellation policy for all of our tours. Online vouchers for our public wine tours can be used even after its expiry.

Have Questions about our Tours?

Reach out anytime, (905) 329-6661, 4708 kent ave., niagara falls on canada, [email protected].

EMAIL ADDRESS

Tour Niagara with the best of the best when you travel with one of When in Niagara’s touring partners.

Grape Escape Wine Tours

With over 15 years experience in the Niagara Region’s Wine Tour Industry, Grape Escape Wine Tours is a family owned and operated company.  They offer daily tours by bicycle or passenger van to world-class, award-winning wineries in beautiful and historic Niagara on the Lake, where you will sample amazing VQA wines.  

Whether you choose one of their daily tours, or for groups of 6 or more something customized. You can be sure that their experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable staff will ensure you have a visit to remember.

Coventry Transportation

Coventry Transportation Services is the premier transportation service and destination choice in the Niagara Region. We serve the regions of Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, St.Catharines, Thorold, Grimsby, as well as many other surrounding areas. Our specialties include trips to and from the airport both corporate and social transportation, wine tours and weddings.

Niagara Food Tours

Niagara Food Tours started as a local food blog that has grown into something much more. Sharing their passion for local food and the Niagara Region has created a community.

They strive to curate the best food experiences in the Niagara region. Their goal is to provide guests with unique, fun, and most of all delicious experiences that supports our regions amazing eateries.

Niagara Private Cars

With Niagara Private Car’s service you can enjoy the world-class scenery and attractions of the Niagara region in comfort and style. Experience this luxury and comfort with your friends or family, catered to your needs and schedule. Visiting Wine Country? Design your dream wine tour of Niagara’s stunning vineyards and savour the flavours of its finest wines without worrying about driving. Explore Niagara’s renowned wine region without risking your safety or your freedom.

Niagara Private Wine Excursions

Our wine tours will show you the best of the Niagara viticulture producers. No matter what wineries you choose, our guides will have you savor all the flavors and romance of the Niagara wine country. Our relationships with vintners and local wineries will give you exclusive access to some of Niagara’s best-kept secrets. With strong alliances in the Niagara wine country, and  regular meetings with certified wine professionals, we can provide the best of our wine  country with high quality, diverse, educational, and Interactive experiences that leave a  lasting impression for years to come!

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• Located in Rochester NY Serving Upstate NY

NIAGARA WINE TOURS

Trust our professionals at Diamonds Limousine of Upstate, NY for wine tour transportation throughout Niagara, NY wineries!

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

4746 Town Line Road Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 434-8030

“We employ rigorous adherence to low yield practices to increase the fruit intensity. Meticulous sorting methods ensure that only the best fruit will make it into our wines.”

Black Willow Winery

5565 West Lake Road Burt, NY 14028 (716) 439-1982 Fax: (716) 778-3118

“Black Willow Winery is located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, on West Lake Road in Burt, New York, conveniently in the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, USA. The winery sits on 43 beautiful, country acres and has the best soil and drainage in the area suited to growing grapes.”

Chateau Niagara Winery

2466 West Creek Rd Newfane, NY 14108 (716) 778-7888

“We are growers and vintners of a variety of Vinefera wines incuding Pinot Noir, Gerwurztraminer, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Saparavi and Bleaufrankish. We actively promote the lifestyle of food and wine with winemakers dinners and food and wine pairing suggestions from our blog.”

Eveningside Vineyards

4794 Lower Mountain Rd Cambria, NY, 14094 (716) 867-2415

“Come and visit our quaint country vineyard and winery nestled on the bench of the Niagara Escarpment. Enjoy a taste of our fine European -style wines. Made with quality, made with care.”

Freedom Run Winery

5138 Lower Mountain Rd Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 433-4136 Fax: (716) 433-4174

“Featuring exclusive fully customized weddings and events to suit all styles and desires.”

A Gust of Sun Winery

4515 Baer Road Ransomville, NY 14131 (716) 731-GUST (4878)

“By far the most popular thing that happens at both A Gust of Sun locations are our wine tastings! Most of the year we will have upwards of 20 wine varieties to sample that range from dry to sweet, reds & whites, and wines made from vinifera, hybrid, and North American grape varieties.”

Honeymoon Trail Winery

4120 Ridge Road Cambria, NY 14094 (716) 438-3255 Fax: (716) 438-3256

“From the moment you arrive, you will experience the winery’s romantic and peaceful setting that is sure to transport you to another place and time. You will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgable staff, whom are committed to making your wine tasting experience a fun and memorable one.”

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery

10609 Ridge Road Medina, NY 14103 (585) 318-4418

“Enjoy a glass of fine wine in the vineyard or a flight of the best wines with local cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolate in the tasting room. Visit Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience!”

Long Cliff Winery

3617 Lower Mountain Road Sanborn NY, 14132 (716) 731-3316

“Established in 2011, Long Cliff is the testament of a lifetime of love & labor from the three generation DeMaison Family Farm. “Keeping it in the family” is at the heart of everything we do & there’s no doubt our love of wine runs through our veins – quite literally!”

The Winery at Marjim Manor

7171 E. Lake Road Appleton, NY 14008 (716) 778-7001 Fax: (716) 778-7003

“At the Winery at Marjim Manor, wine is what you taste; spirits are who you meet. As you taste our fruit and grape wines, you will hear the story about the former residents. We love sharing wine and food pairing tips along with the ghostly tale.”

Niagara Landing Wine Cellars

4434 Van Dusen Rd Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 433-8405  Fax (716) 433-5616

“Established in 1998, Niagara Landing Wine Cellars was the first winery to open in Niagara County, NY in over a decade and the first winery on the Niagara Wine Trail.”

Schulze Vineyards & Winery

2090 Coomer Road Burt, NY 14028 (716) 778-8090 Fax: (716) 778-9755

“Indulge in the rustic landscape and impeccable flavors of New York’s Schulze Vineyards and Winery. Our home in Burt between Niagara Falls, and Buffalo is the must-see on every wine aficionado’s trail and the ideal stop for a vacation or afternoon outing.”

Spring Lake Winery

7373 Rochester Rd (Rt 31) Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 439-LAKE

“An Italian winery and café surrounded by the vineyard on one side, a strolling park, nature trails and an 8 acre lake on the other.”

Victorianbourg Wine Estate

4402 East Lake Road Wilson, NY 14172 (716) 751-6576

“Victorianbourg is the culmination of winemaker Dan Hogue’s dream of making fine varietal wines. Visit us today!”

Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms

3724 Quaker Road Gasport, NY 14067 (716) 772-2211

“Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards is a 5th Generation family owned 340 acre working fruit and vegetable farm that sells most of their products directly to the public. Becker Farms Goal is to provide families with the opportunity to visit the countryside and embrace what Mother Nature provides us among family and friends. Its the simple things in life that make all the difference.”

Send in your testimonial and pictures of your event for a $25 gift certificate for a Diamonds Limousine!

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Wines In Niagara

A local perspective

Transparency from all involved crucial when wineries pay for wine reviews

By Rick VanSickle

An Ontario wine writer, who I am not naming here, reached out to PECWine recently to see if they would send a letter to its members in Prince Edward County pitching a pay-for-play package for wine reviews and other features.

This is the letter (with subtle editing to hide the identity of the writer) from PECWine to its members:

Hi all, Please see the below message from wine writer (so and so). (The wine writer) will be in Prince Edward County (in) September ahead of (the wine writer’s) upcoming Prince Edward County Winery series. What a great opportunity for some exposure! The wine writer’s pitch: Hi PEC wineries, During the first two weeks of September, I will be touring the County to find wineries to feature in my upcoming PEC winery focus series. This series will include individual winery features through blogs + social media content. Participating wineries will receive a winery feature blog on my website plus 3 wine reviews, plus a story-telling reel across my social media pages, and additional feature slides in stories. The buy-in fee is $500+tx. For participation inquiries, or bookings, please contact …

The letter was forwarded to Wines in Niagara by more than one concerned winery and many in the PEC wine industry expressed concern over the fact that an industry association such as PECWine would send out the letter on the writer’s behalf. Many others told Wines in Niagara that they would never pay someone money to write a wine review for them.

PECWine was created by the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association’s to “promote the world-class wines and ciders of the County through special events, market development, and more.” I reached out to PECWine for comment, the request was sent up the line, but no one got back to for comment.

This exact scenario occurred in Niagara not too long ago when another writer, this one based in Toronto, asked the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario to send out an email to its members that also pitched a pay-for-play “opportunity.” The story, which can read here in its entirety here , caused a bit of a storm when it was published.

The services offered by the writer included a video that “tells the story of one bottle that’s tasted on air and lasts 3-6 minutes. The fee for this one wine review is $4,000 (and if you purchase 10 of them, you get one free).”

Each video starts off with an intro by the writer which begins: “This is where I share one wine that I love, why I love it and then we taste it.” The promotional material states that their channels have 35,000 average views and “sets new standards for wine communication in Canada and beyond, reaching record numbers of viewers and inspiring consumers to try new wines with confidence.” Another channel offered to wineries featured 4-6 wines “linked” to a theme with a cost of $1,150 per bottle.

I get that marketing is changing and wineries are leaning more toward “sponsored” content, generally created by paid “influencers” and marketing-based websites such as VineRoutes, Toronto Life, BlogTO (all these sites clearly identify the sponsored content) where the winery controls the narrative. But the line should be drawn at wine reviews, which until recently have been an unbiased assessment that offers consumers honest thoughts on if the wines they are considering buying are worth their money.

If a winery pays $500 for three reviews, they expect, rightfully so, a hefty return on their investment. A high score and glowing verbiage will inevitably follow or that “wine writer” will soon be out of business.

It’s what occurs after the review has been published — on a blog, Instagram, the LCBO bi-weekly offerings, or any other publication — that is most worrisome. I do not see much in the way of transparency from many so-called wine writers out there who publish reviews for money. No “sponsored-by” tags, no indication whatsoever that they received money for writing a review. I have seen, sadly, wineries feigning complete surprise when they see the review they paid for and republish the great news with posts of their own, but nowhere do they tell you they paid for it.

What if that paid-for review is picked up by the LCBO? What if that same review makes it onto a sticker on the bottle? It’s all so shady. There’s no accountability. And it’s becoming so normal that authentic reviews and content are being shoved aside or assumed that, they too, were paid to write nice things.

And what of the PEC wineries that don’t pay the money? Do they get ignored because they didn’t cough up the $500? Or does the writer include some at no cost and others who pay? How does that work and is it a fair representation of PEC wineries or only a reflection of wineries that have the money to pay for coverage and reviews and don’t care what that looks like? I suppose we will find out once the feature is published.

I get that writers/influencers/content providers need to make money, but never has the wine landscape been so crowded with influencers, hybrid writer/influencer/marketing people, and the shrinking gaggle of legitimate wine writers vying in the same space and all working on a different scale of integrity and myriad methods of getting paid.

Independent wine writers are becoming extinct as magazines and newspapers continue their fast march to extinction. You could at one time make a living writing for a printed publication and freelancing to others. You were held to a higher standard of ethics and were not paid by the winery, but rather the publication, which generated money from advertising. With that avenue disappearing, it’s only natural that new ones emerge. No matter what that looks like, it needs to be trusted information, otherwise it’s just a cool reel or story, here one moment and gone the next.

If you attend a wine event these days, it’s more than likely that over half of the so-called “media” members in attendance are paid influencers (again, rarely do they tag their posts as “paid” content, but rest assured, the cheque is in the mail) while a small minority is there to cover the event or tasting while receiving no money for their time and effort, at least directly from event/tasting organizers.

I don’t have a problem with influencers or content providers doing what they do. Some are highly skilled at providing reels and stories that tell the story quite well and effectively. But I do have concerns with those who identify as wine writers and solicit for money without disclosing it to consumers.

We are in this weird dichotomy where wineries and marketing associations find it easier and (apparently) more beneficial to hire and pay for favourable coverage for their events and, I assume, their wine reviews, than to seek out independent writers. The result of all this will be a mishmash of flowery wine coverage lacking substance, independent thought, critical nuance and holding industry, marketing associations and mega-monopolies like the LCBO to account, because you can’t bite the hand that feeds you.

If you are paid to cover an event, write a post, say nice things, write a wine review or anything that requires one person to pay another, then simply make sure it’s clear in your post that it was sponsored. And if you are the industry marketing board or winery that paid for that coverage and repurposed it on your own socials, own up to it, tell your followers that it was sponsored content that you paid for. It’s really that simple.

I know this an unpopular take and dinosaur thinking from a dinosaur, but I come from the other side of all this. And while temped many times by generous offers to do this or that for money in the new world of wine media, I continue to run my business the only way it can be run … unfettered by outside influence and guided only by those who read what I decide to write as honestly as I can.

Wines In Niagara’s tasting policy

As publisher of Wines In Niagara and the main writer of the site, I come from a journalist background as an editor and writer for newspapers my entire adult life until full retirement this year. While wines are reviewed on this site, we do not consider reviews the thrust of the website. We are more interested in how the wine was made, what decisions went into making the wines and understanding what’s in the bottle.

Over half the wines reviewed are from samples sent to Wines in Niagara unsolicited. We never ask for wines to be sent to us (unless there is a compelling reason to do so … such as a retrospective of some sort we want to explore and need winery assistance to make it happen) but if we do receive them, we taste like we taste all wines and review what we feel are the wines that will appeal to our readers. There is no guarantee that a wine review will be published, and we do not publish reviews that score poorly based on our palates (there are rare occasions that we can’t ignore a low scoring wine and will comment if we feel it is of value for our readers).

We definitely do not charge wineries to taste their wines and never will. The revenue for Wines In Niagara, though modest, comes solely from advertisers on the website. These are advertisers we know, not Google ads targeted at you via logarithms. We believe in local for our stories, reviews and advertising. It’s how we built our model. Advertisers do not curry favour from being an advertiser and I believe advertise on the site because we create content that attracts engaged readers who visit to read about Canadian wine.

Comments (2)

When I did my piece for Canadaland last year and I asked the LCBO about credentials for the sources of their reviews they didn’t seem terribly transparent on what qualifies as reputable. As much as I would like to blame the writer for unscrupulous behaviour we need to make sure we don’t forget that the LCBO as the monopoly – who relies on agent submitted reviews – for shelf space! – plays a huge part in fostering this culture.

That’s a good point, Andre. I don’t look at the reviews beyond who is being used for local wines, but would certainly complain to the LCBO if I knew it was a paid-for review.

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Sep 26, 2024

Laura Secord Homestead, Queenston

Coast to Coast: Canada’s Survivalist Women

Coast to Coast “Canada’s Survivalist Women” Literary Series

Beginning September 26, discover extraordinary Canadian authors, their unique perspectives and published works with the eighth annual Coast to Coast Literary Speaker Series at Queenston Chapel by the Laura Secord Homestead.   

This year, four remarkable women authors share their courageous stories about overcoming dark and daunting elements of nature. From being “different” during a eugenics craze, fighting ancient monsters, escaping a murderer in the wilderness, to defying the mighty Niagara Falls, these women weave daring and dramatic stories that will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and cheering on protagonists as they risk everything to survive.  

This year’s Coast to Coast Literary Series will be hosted inside the Queenston Chapel at Laura Secord Homestead, in Queenston, Ontario. With dates from September to December, each session includes light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, with Niagara wines available for purchase by the glass prior to each event.    

Tickets are $15 per event or $45 for the entire series (plus taxes and fees).

The Authors

Once again, the Niagara Parks Coast to Coast speaker series features the stories of four incredible Canadian women. All sessions are at 7:00 p.m.

Shelley Wood

The Leap Year Gene • September 26

Dr. Caroline Cauchi

The Queen of the Mist • October 17

Cheryl Isaacs

The Unfinished • November 15

Hannah Mary Mckinnon

Only One Survives • December 12

The Leap Year Gene September 26, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Shelley Wood is a Canadian writer and journalist. Her breakout debut novel, The Quintland Sisters, sold approximately 50,000 copies in North America and debuted as a #1 bestseller on the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail fiction lists, holding the top spot for five weeks, then ending the year as #7 on the list of the top 10 bestselling books of 2019. Shelley Wood lives in British Columbia.  

The Queen of the Mist October 17, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Caroline Cauchi is an academic and international bestselling author. She writes both historical fiction and experimental fiction (also known as Caroline Smailes). Her acclaimed debut novel, ‘In Search of Adam ,’ was published in 2007. Since then, Caroline has written eight additional novels (including one with eleven endings!), a short story collection, two novellas and a libretto. Currently lecturing in Creative Writing at the University of Hull, Caroline lives in the U . K . with her partner and their many children.

The Unfinished November 15, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Cheryl Isaacs can often be found running through the Carolinian forests of Southwestern Ontario, where she has fearlessly enjoyed the trails for years. Her Kanien’kéha culture often appears in her writing. The Unfinished is her debut novel, though her work has appeared in numerous Indigenous publications.

Only One Survives December 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her seven suspense novels include NEVER COMING HOME, THE REVENGE LIST, and ONLY ONE SURVIVES, and her work has been optioned for the screen. She also writes holiday romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy. Hannah Mary lives in Oakville, Ontario, Canada with her husband and three sons.

Coast to Coast

$ $ CND + TAX

The Leap Year Gene

The queen of the mist, the unfinished, only one survives.

by Shelley Wood

February 29, 1916. A baby girl is born—but as the months and years go by, Kit McKinley inexplicably ages just one year for every four.

Her mother Lillian, a fledgling botanist, fears that Kit’s condition will catch the attention of Lillian’s fellow suffragettes, who have embraced the eugenics craze sweeping North America targeting unfit, unwed mothers and “defective” children. For decades, Kit and her family must keep on the move to conceal her secret and protect her from the unwanted attention of Nazi scientists, nosy doctors, Big Pharma and the insatiable news media that is always hunting for the next sensational story.

When Kit finally reaches her teens and can pass for an adult, she must decide whether she wants to stay perpetually on the run or stay put and form lasting ties. The only problem is Will Katzen, whose life—first as a baby, then as a boy, and then as a man—keeps intersecting with hers, complicating every instinct she has to flee, or to love.

Part medical mystery, part love story, The Leap Year Gene is an unforgettable tour de force that traces the past century’s burgeoning understanding of genetics, eugenics and what constitutes “normal” while exploring the tensions, losses, love and sense of duty that can bind families together or split them apart.

by Dr. Caroline Cauchi

School teacher. Widow. Legend.

Meet the courageous Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor. The bravest woman you've never heard of and the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel – over a decade before any male daredevil had the balls to do the same!

From the author of the bestselling Heather's Picks title Mrs. Van Gogh, comes a gripping new historical novel inspired by a true story.

By Cheryl Isaacs

In her stunning debut, Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk) pulls the reader into an unsettling tale of monsters, mystery, and secrets that refuse to stay submerged.

When small-town athlete Avery’s morning run leads her to a strange pond in the middle of the forest, she awakens a horror the townspeople of Crook’s Falls have long forgotten.

The black water has been waiting. Watching. Hungry for the souls it needs to survive.

Avery can smell the water, see it flooding everywhere; she thinks she's losing her mind. And as the black water haunts Avery—taking a new form each time—people in town begin to go missing.

Though Avery had heard whispers of monsters from her Kanien’kéha:ka (Mohawk) relatives, she has never really connected to her Indigenous culture or understood the stories. But the Elders she has distanced herself from now may have the answers she needs.

When Key, her best friend and longtime crush, is the next to disappear, Avery is faced with a choice: listen to the Kanien’kéha:ka and save the town but lose her friend forever…or listen to her heart and risk everything to get Key back.

by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Becoming the star is easier when the rest of your band is dead…

All drummer Vienna Taylor ever wanted was to make music. If that came with fame, she’d take it—as long as her best friend, guitarist Madison Pierce, was sharing the spotlight and singing lead. And with their new all-female pop rock band gaining traction, soon everyone would hear their songs…

Except, on the way to an event, the Bittersweet’s van careened off an icy mountain road during a blizzard—leaving one member dead and another severely injured.

In order to survive the frigid night, the rest took shelter in a nearby abandoned cabin. But Vienna’s dreams devolved into a terrifying nightmare as, one by one, her fellow band members met a gruesome end…and Madison simply vanished in the night.

What really happened to the Bittersweet? Did Vienna’s closest friend finally decide to take center stage on her own terms?

She doesn’t want to believe it.

But guilty people run.

AWAY YOU GO!

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