Niagara is most famous for its water, but it’s no surprise that such a naturally beautiful area features group outings that don’t focus on the falls. With more than 50 wineries in the Niagara region, the fruit of the vine provides a fantastic excuse for groups to mingle and enjoy the local flavors in elegant surroundings with dazzling views.
The region produces an array of varietals, and one specialty no one should miss is ice wine. Available at several area wineries, this sweet delicacy can only be produced in a few parts of the world.
On the Ontario side, Hillebrand Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for its award-winning Trius wines. Fresh from a $3 million renovation, its Vineyard Pavilion provides banquet space for 125. In warmer weather, the Winemaker’s Lookout offers stone fireplaces with a vineyard view for 32. There is also a 30-person art gallery space featuring original paintings reproduced as wine bottle labels. Dining menus are local and seasonal, crafted by Chef Frank Dodd. Besides tours and tastings, other experiences for groups can include a special wine-blending class.
Also located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chateau des Charmes offers an elegant choice for meetings, receptions, luncheons and banquets. The newly renovated St. David’s Bench Vineyard Room seats 40 to 60. The Estate Room seats 50, and for alfresco dining, the Vineyard Courtyard can welcome 200. Tours and tastings take 60 to 90 minutes, and groups larger than 30 might be divided. Other opportunities to learn include add-ons such as Winegrowing 101, Icewine and Ice Cream, and The Essence of Riesling.
On the New York side, New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua offers a wide range of private group experiences ranging from tastings of New York draft beers or wine flights with food pairing for groups of up to 44, to banquets for 120 indoors or 200 in an outdoor tented pavilion. For those as interested in what goes into making amazing food as how it tastes, there are two-hour culinary theater demonstrations and even hands-on kitchen experiences for groups of up to 26. The $7.5 million center opened in 2006.
Freedom Run Winery opened in nearby Lockport, N.Y., in 2007 and offers 13 different wines, many of which have already won awards. Private dinner or luncheon parties are available for groups as large as 50 and are preceded by a winery tour and tasting. A custom-labeled bottle of wine makes a perfect souvenir for attendees. The winery is owned by the Manning family, which considers wine to be a form of art, and co-owner Sean Manning creates handmade clay pots that are displayed and sold along with glass artworks at the facility.
For More Info
Chateau des Charmes 905.262.4219 www.chateaudescharmes.com
Freedom Run Winery 716.433.4136 www.freedomrunwinery.com
Hillebrand Winery 800.582.8412 www.hillebrand.com
New York Wine and Culinary Center 585.394.7070 www.nywcc.com
