Each spring, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario’s premier wine-making region, wineries emerge from winter with new releases, budding vines and patios reopening just as the season comes alive. For American travelers, the region offers an easy cross-border getaway that feels worlds apart, with lake views, cool-climate wines and a slower, more inviting rhythm. By late May, the temperature is warmer, tasting rooms grow livelier and every glass poured seems to carry the first real notes of spring.
Some wineries lean into cool-climate whites that mirror the freshness of the season, while others highlight small-batch reds shaped by the region’s mineral-rich soils. A handful of standout wineries make the experience especially worthwhile, each offering its own lens into what makes Niagara distinctive in spring.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Often described as Niagara’s exclusive lakeshore winery, Konzelmann Estate Winery is known for its welcoming and educational wine tasting experiences. Konzelmann combines a scenic lakefront location with hospitality. Its reputation for warm, informative service stands out among visitors, and its wide range of VQA wines — over 30 selections — means there’s something for every palate.
The winery has earned national and international accolades, including a spot in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 in 2008 for its Vidal Icewine, the first Canadian winery to receive that recognition. During warmer months, Konzelmann expands its offerings with outdoor tastings and other events. But even in spring, guests can choose from a range of curated experiences.
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Considered one of Niagara’s newest wine country destinations, Wayne Gretzky Estates blends approachable wines with Canadian whisky and craft beer, making it a versatile stop for those exploring beyond the glass. In spring, the atmosphere turns relaxed and social, especially on the patio, where visitors can enjoy seasonal favorites like pinot grigio and Rosé.
The estate is guided by the same principles that defined Wayne Gretzky’s hockey career — teamwork, focus and dedication to craft. From the vineyard to the distillery, each product reflects that commitment, offering a thoughtful experience that combines creativity with Canadian hospitality.
Peller Estates Winery
For over 50 years, Peller Estates Winery has crafted quality wines rooted in family tradition and shared connection. Founded by Andrew Peller, the estate carries forward a European-inspired vision of enjoying premium wines among family and friends. That spirit continues across four generations and is reflected in every tasting, pairing and seasonal event hosted at the winery.
The on-site restaurant is a highlight, especially in the spring shoulder season when reservations are easier to secure. Visitors can explore wines from collections such as the Andrew Peller Signature Series, Private Reserve and Family Reserve, which are available at the estate, online or through the Peller Estates Wine Club.
Alongside tastings, the winery also hosts hands-on seminars and special events that make each visit more personal and engaging. Seasonal menus and thoughtful pairings bring out the best in wines like chardonnay and cabernet franc.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
Located in the heart of St. Davids, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery offers a peaceful retreat rooted in history, family legacy and a deep respect for the land. This fifth-generation family farm is known for its award-winning wines and its commitment to organic practices.
Spring at Ravine feels especially vibrant, with homegrown produce from the on-site garden, farm animals nearby and sweeping views of the organic vineyards. The menu at the restaurant features thoughtful, farm-to-table dishes that pair naturally with small-batch wines, crafted from the property’s unique terroir. Guests can unwind with charcuterie and cheese and a glass of gamay or take part in tastings that showcase the connection between place, people and product.
Trius Winery
Nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, Trius Winery is a pioneer in Canadian winemaking and has been crafting fine VQA wines for over 40 years. Trius sources grapes from four Niagara-on-the-Lake appellations to reflect the region’s unique sense of place. The winery’s Trius series offers smooth, refined reds and whites, while the Showcase series highlights premium vineyard sites and a patient, artisanal winemaking approach.
Trius sparkling wines are made in the traditional method and aged in Canada’s largest underground sparkling cellar. Their Icewine collection continues to earn international recognition, reinforcing Trius’s status as an Icewine trailblazer.
In spring, visitors can enjoy a relaxed tasting on the outdoor patio or take part in seasonal events and vineyard tours. The winery also hosts chef-driven dining experiences and annual festivals that bring wine, food and community together in a lively, scenic setting.
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
As one of Canada’s most recognized wine producers, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery is considered to be a cornerstone of Niagara’s wine scene. Known for its state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery and outdoor amphitheater that hosts seasonal performances, the estate combines wine, architecture and events in a seamless experience.
For over 30 years, Jackson-Triggs has focused on delivering great taste in every bottle. Their grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, creating smooth and flavorful wines crafted with care. From refreshing pinot grigio to rich cabernet sauvignon, the selection is made to suit a wide range of preferences.
Guided tastings provide an approachable introduction to the brand, while food pairings and seasonal flights offer added depth. Outdoor spaces reopen in spring, offering vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere for savoring both the wine and the setting.
The final sip
Spring wine tasting in Niagara is defined not just by the landscape, but by the shift in energy that happens across the region. As vineyards show the first signs of life and outdoor spaces reopen, the focus moves from winter’s quiet to spring’s quiet celebration. Visitors find slower rhythms, longer conversations and deeper connections to both the wine and the land, as each tasting offers a glimpse into the season’s renewal, captured one glass at a time.
Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and writer, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family — and the cats that rule them all — her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.