I’ve been to most of the wineries along the trail, with the exception of those closer to Rochester. Overall the trail is wonderfully diverse and eclectic with a mix of traditional wines and more unique offerings that set our local trail apart from the rest. The best overall winery is Niagara Landing. They have the most generous tastings(6 pours for $ 3) and affordable prices, and they excel in a variety of wines so even people with different tastes from me are bound to find something they like. Other favorites include Honeymoon Trail, Black Willow and Spring Lake, but all wineries are worth a visit. Here’s my favorite individual wines along the trail: Dry white: Château Niagara’s 2013 Gewürztraminer Semi dry white: Château Niagara’s semi-dry Riesling Semi sweet white: Long Cliff’s semi-sweet Riesling, Niagara Landing’s Rosebud White Sweet white: Honeymoon Trail’s Diamond Dry blush or rosé: the search continues… Semi dry blush or rosé: the search continues… Semi sweet blush or rosé: Honeymoon Trail’s Pink Diamond Sweet blush or rosé: Long Cliff’s Hennepin Pink, Niagara Landing’s Rosebud Rosé Dry red: Black Willow’s Trilogy Red Sweet red: Black Willow’s Black Widow Berry, Niagara Landing’s Rosebud Red Fruit wine: Marjum Manor’s Blue Beryl, but it’s sold out. =( Sparkling wine: Spring Lake’s Madeline Minx, an Italian style moscato Dessert wine: Niagara Landing’s Almond Dream, fave wine AND dessert I also recommend the Black Willow meads, especially Odin’s Nectar.
Jamie T.
Place rating: 5 Buffalo, NY
I can’t possibly recommend this enough. Over a dozen of the Niagara Region’s wineries participate in this event. Each month, with it’s own theme, you can purchase a glass at the first winery on your stop. Check the website for pricing. My mother, myself and two sisters did this for Mother’s Day a two years back. It was one price for the glass and you generally got tickets for three tastings at each winery. However, I see at least one event where instead of the upfront charge, there is a small fee at each winery for the tastings. Either way, rent a limo or get a designated driver(as we did) and get on your way to a day of fun with friends! This could be a great option for a bachelorette or some other celebration as well. We packed the car with cheese & crackers and other snacks to enjoy along the way. A tasting may be a small amount of wine, but multiply that times three at each winery, then times over a dozen wineries! Pick the right time of the year and the drive is beautiful. Take the time to explore the shops and the grounds of the wineries. This event was just so much fun. I recommend it to everyone.
