Located just minutes from Niagara Falls and Buffalo, the Niagara Wine Trail USA is a wonderful place for groups to spend an afternoon.
“The wine trail is a popular option for those seeking a day trip in wine country, or an extended stay while in the area,” says Elizabeth Rose Maute, trail coordinator and graphic artist for the Niagara Wine Trail. “All within a short drive, enjoy the charming towns, restaurants, historical sites, farm markets and antique shops while you sip the fine wines our region has to offer.”
Those fine wines include pinot noir, chardonnay, Riesling and cabernet, all grown in the Niagara Wine Region, USA, which consists of unique geographical characteristics and a micro-climate that’s suitable for the production of fruit.
“World-class ice wine, mead, cider and artisan fruit wines are crafted here as well,” Maute says, explaining that the Niagara Wine Trail currently represents and promotes 17 member wineries and the Niagara Wine Region, USA. “The wine trail puts on wine-tasting events throughout the year at the wineries, and a wine and culinary festival in Lewiston, New York during the summer.”
While the trail does not provide transportation to and from the wineries, there are local charters available for groups that like a designated driver.
Among the options, most of which include knowledgeable drivers who provide information about the area, are Misty Thunder Limousine & Tours, Bedore Tours, Gray Line Niagara Falls and L’Amore di Vino Tours.
“Group wine tours and company outings are popular here,” Maute says. “Each winery along the wine trail offers sample tastings that range from $2 to $5 per person and may include anywhere from four to six samples of different wines.”
For interested groups, a gathering may be arranged in conjunction with a wine trail tour, as several wineries offer space for meetings, receptions and various other events.
Options include the Gust of Sun Winery, where the tasting room, lounge and outdoor grounds are available for events; Freedom Run Winery; Vizcarra Vineyards, which boasts outdoor patio space with great sunset and vineyard views; Black Willow Winery; Schulze Vineyards and Winery, where a tasting room accommodates smaller parties and outdoor grounds accommodate tented events; Spring Lake Winery, where lakeside events are popular; and Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, which offers personalized wine bottles and glasses that are well-suited for special events and as corporate gifts.
