When driving to the Niagara falls (either from the US or within Canada), opt for the Niagara-on-the-Lake route. It is a tad longer than the highway route but makes for a memorable drive as you soak in the sights of Lake Ontario on the right and scenic wine estates on the left. Yes, you read correctly: wine estates.
Now you wouldn’t associate vineyards with Canada, but in the last two decades, the region has become a recognized producer of ice wine, or liquid gold as the Canadians like to call it. Along with its variants (the most popular being Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc), ice wine is sweet in taste, made from grapes that have been left to freeze naturally on the vine. Canadians enjoy it as a dessert wine.
The pioneers of this craft are Inniskilin and their boutique vineyard is located on the way to the falls. Founded by Donald Ziraldo in 1984, Inniskilin has put Canada on the world’s wine map. Today, Ontario produces 80% of the world’s ice wine.
If you happen to be visiting this region, do stop to sample some, or enjoy a wine tasting tour. Trust us once you taste this fabulous liquid dessert, you’ll definitely want to buy a bottle or five, to take back home!
Follow us on Instagram for more travel secrets @travelsecretsmagazine!
Also see : Uncorking Wine Secrets and Tales from Chateau Villars, France
