Cooler temperatures, the excitement of the grape harvest, and spectacular fall colours on the Escarpment make autumn the perfect time to explore the Niagara Benchlands. Borrow this two-day itinerary and get to know the exciting assortment of new wineries, shops, and restaurants that have recently popped up in the region. Whether you bring your own bike, rent an e-bike upon arrival as suggested below, or choose to enjoy this cruise on four wheels instead of two, prepare for two days of top-notch fall flavours, friendly faces, and incredible autumn scenery.
DAY 1
Stop 1: Borrow A Bike
Don’t let those steep Escarpment climbs scare you from a Niagara Benchlands cycling adventure! E-Bike the Bench Wine Tours offers half-day and full-day e-bike rentals with all the trimmings you’ll need for a picture-perfect day of pedalling, including a handlebar basket and Pannier bag for storing treasures you purchase along the way, a helmet, lock, bell, emergency assistance, and a map of the area. If you’d feel more comfortable with a local expert leading the way, consider one of their guided full-day winery tours, which set out from Vineland Estates Winery and include multiple winery stops as well as a lovely lunch with a view.
Stop 2: Domaine Le Clos Jordanne
While the wines of Le Clos Jordanne have been wowing the world’s wine critics since their 2007 debut, a gorgeous new Niagara Benchlands home that just opened this year gives this established winery “new kid” status in our region. The new Estate, designed to indulge all the senses, offers the same level of quality and craftsmanship the winery’s loyal fan base has come to expect from its ultra-premium wines. Book a reservation for the 40-minute immersive Terroir to Table Experience, and in addition to tasting three exceptional wines, you can fuel up for the rest of your tour with Burgundian-inspired food pairings carefully curated to complement what’s being poured.
Stop 3: Black Bank Hill Winery
Nestled in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands, Black Bank Hill Winery is quickly making a name for itself as one of the rising stars in the region’s wine scene. Recently recognized at the National Wine Awards of Canada, as one of Canada’s top 25 wineries, this boutique winery is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
Visitors can explore the vineyard’s stunning landscape, enjoy guided tastings, and experience their award-winning wines firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual traveler, Black Bank Hill Winery offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the essence of Niagara’s wine country.
Stop 4: Jordan Village
Make your way to Jordan Village for a little end-of-the-day browse through the eclectic collection of boutiques here that includes a hat shop, gift shops, interior design shops, and art galleries. Be sure to pop in for a look at new kid on the Bench Oak & Honey for gorgeous, Boho-inspired women’s and men’s neutrals that scream Niagara Wine Country style!
Evening
Enjoy some downtime before dinner at one of the many cozy accommodations options in or close to Jordan Village, like Inn the Orchard, the Alvento Winery’s Vineyard Villa, Loft on 13th, or Honsberger Estate Winery’s Yellow or Red Rental Cottages. Great choices just a little further down the road include Vineland Estates Guest Cottages and Niagara Farm Stays in Beamsville.
Don’t let this area’s quiet, rural vibe fool you into thinking your dinner options may be limited. When it comes to delicious farm-to-table cuisine, Niagara Benchlands diners are spoiled for choice. Consider making a reservation at one of the following favourites prior to your trip for the post-ride dinner of your dreams:
- The Oven Outdoor Patio (May through October) or The Small Barn Restaurant at Honsberger Estate Winery, just outside Jordan Village
- Inn on the Twenty Restaurant, in the heart of Jordan Village
- Lake House Restaurant, Jordan Station
- Restaurant Pearl Morissette, just outside Jordan Village, which was recently recognized as one of the top 10 restaurants in Canada!
- The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge in Beamsville
- Coastal Kitchen & Bar in Beamsville
- The Restaurant at Vineland Estates in Vineland
DAY 2
Stop 1: Penny’s Kitchen Diner & Coffeehouse
Whether you’re cycling or driving for the second day of your adventure, kicking off your morning with a big brunch is always a good idea! New kid on the Bench Penny’s Kitchen is a diner and coffee house in Vineland that will make you feel like you’ve travelled back a few decades to a simpler, friendlier time! Hungry wanderers will love the huge portions of home-cooked favourites. Gluten-free guests will appreciate the dedicated toaster that allows those avoiding wheat to enjoy gluten-free toast without the risk of cross-contamination from traditional bread products.
Stop 2: Dobbin Estate Winery
Burn some of those big breakfast calories exploring the beautiful grounds at Dobbin Estate Winery. Champions of Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, consulting winemakers and viticulturists Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling are working their magic at this relatively new winery, which has been referred to as the owner’s “love letter to Niagara.” For the ultimate view of this sprawling property, consider bringing a group of up to 10 guests to enjoy the Tower Tasting and learn the story of the vineyards while enjoying four tastings of the winery’s incredible super-premium wines.
Stop 3: Plant No.1 Small Batch Kitchen and Bakery
Make time for a plant-based treat break before your next two winery stops at the adorable Plant No.1 Small Batch Kitchen and Bakery in Jordan Village. In addition to delicious baked goods and creative takes on charcuterie, this mother-daughter team serves up an extensive assortment of zero-alcohol craft beers and mocktails that will help keep thirsty cyclists hydrated for the rest of their ride!
Stop 4: Niagara Custom Crush Studio
Talk about one-stop shopping! Niagara Custom Crush Studio offers visitors access to some of Niagara’s most buzzed-about small-batch and independent wineries in one convenient location. The state-of-the-art production facility is home to a growing collection of wineries that share a retail tasting room staffed by knowledgeable wine tutors eager to educate guests about these exciting and highly rated wines. There’s also a fabulous cheese shop with made-to-order charcuterie board options and cozy firepits to snuggle up beside with your wine!
Stop 5: King+Victoria Winery
This new family winery, just a stone’s throw away from the intersection of King Street and Victoria Avenue in Vineland, is a lovely spot to wrap up your new kids on the Bench travels. After selling fruit to local wineries for almost two decades, the King+Victoria team decided to give winemaking a go themselves. Today, they use limited intervention viticulture and winemaking to capture the unique terroir of their vineyard in every bottle of small-batch Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer wines. Schedule a Taste & Buy appointment in advance to have an owner-guided complimentary tasting of a selection of the winery’s ultra-premium single vineyard wines.
Are you looking for more inspiration for an upcoming Niagara Benchlands winery wander? Follow this route to discover wineries that have recently earned Decanter Wine Magazine’s praise. Borrow this itinerary to taste for yourself why so many of the wineries located within Niagara Benchlands have Canada’s top wine critics buzzing.
Funding assistance provided by the Government of Ontario and the Tourism Partnership of Niagara.