Escape to Wine Country for a Romantic Weekend Getaway
There’s something especially charming about Niagara when it’s covered in snow – things seem quieter, less hurried, and despite the cold, there’s always lots of warm hospitality.
Do something good for yourself and use this month’s long weekend — or the wonderfully romantic excuse of Valentine’s Day — to escape to wine country to bring the colour back in your cheeks — and maybe light a little fire in your relationship.
This month, 28 wineries in Niagara on the Lake are participating in Days of Wine & Chocolate — where each weekend wineries will pair a featured wine with a chocolate treat. Tickets are $30 plus tax. For more information wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com
While there’s activities planned all over Niagara, here’s some of our picks for where to eat, sleep and play.
Vintage Inns. We’ve stayed at the Pillar & Post as well as the Queen’s Landing and been charmed by both. Even though it’s a chain, the service is personal and atmosphere of each hotel is utterly unique. This month Vintage Inns is offering a couples’ promotion: rooms start at $229 per night and include dinner, and bottle of wine and a $100 credit to the spa. 1-888-669-5566
Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine. Run by father-and-son team Stephen & James Treadwell, this culinary gem in Old Port Dalhousie is about a 15 minute drive from Niagara on the Lake. But it’s worth the drive. Since opening its doors in 2006, Treadwell has focused on local, artisan products. The wine list is heavy on Niagara, naturally, but includes carefully chosen bottles from around the world. Service is professional, warm and welcoming. For Valentine’s Day, Treadwell is offering a 5-course lobster tasting menu with wine pairings, as well as a special a la carte menu. There are also two wine makers dinners featured during the month. treadwellcuisine.com
Ravine Vineyards. One of Niagara’s most breath-taking wineries, Ravine sits on 34 acres in the St. David’s Bench sub appellation. Stop by to taste any of its critically acclaimed wines in the tasting room, but stay for a skate on the outdoor rink, or munch on charcuterie and cheese in Ravine’s cozy bistro. While there, pick up: 2008 Merlot. Elegant and classy, with bright red cherry, earth and a touch of mint. $34 -ravinevineyard.com
Vineland Estates Winery. You can’t beat the romantic and picturesque setting of Vineland. With an award-winning restaurant with its stunning vineyard views, it’s no wonder this winery is a top wedding destination. In February, wine tasting events and seminars are scheduled every weekend and the restaurant is offering special menus. While there, pick up: 2009 St. Urban Riesling. Vineland’s top tier riesling, this is a racy, mineral-driven wine with notes of peach, stone fruit, and lemon citrus. $20 -vineland.com
Peller Estates. Peller almost always has something fun going on, and February is no different. A special menu is being featured in the winery’s breathtaking dining room, as well as the fun and casual “Chicks & Chocolate” series taking place every afternoon. While there, pick up: Peller Estates Ice Cuvée Rosé. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, this sparkler is made in the traditional method, but topped up with Vidal and Cab Franc icewine. What results is an off-dry, pink bubbly, filled with flavours of strawberry and apricot. $34.75 -peller.com
Chateau des Charmes. In addition to participating in Days of Wine & Chocolate, each weekend Chateau des Charmes will feature a different wine and food tasting, called “We’ll Have You Seeing Red.” The limited seating seminars offer 2 wines to pair with a red dish prepared by a Vintage Inns chef. While there pick up: 2008 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay. Despite the fermenting and aging in barrel, this luscious white shows surprising restraint when it comes to wood — only really noticeable in its rich mouth feel. Flavours of baking spice, orchard fruit and lemon meringue. $13.95 -chateaudescharmes.com