Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting

Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: A Delicious Peek Into Ontario’s Wine Scene

If you’re tired of the usual sightseeing and crave a taste of something truly special in Niagara Falls, the Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting offers an appealing escape into Ontario’s premier wine country. For just under $25 per person, you get about 45 minutes of guided tasting at Between the Lines Winery, a family estate known for its quality VQA wines and icewines. The experience includes three wine pairings, cheese, cheesecake, and chocolate—perfect for those who enjoy a little decadence with their sightseeing.

What we love about this tour is the quality of the wines—from the sparkling Eric Brut to the luscious Riesling and Cabernet Franc Icewines—and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience both informative and fun. The setting is intimate, and the tasting is well-organized, making it ideal for couples, wine lovers, or anyone curious to learn about icewine production.

A potential consideration is the loud environment at the winery, as some reviews mention the space being quite noisy, which can make hearing the guide a bit of a challenge. Also, it’s a tasting only—there’s no option to purchase glasses or bottles on-site, so if you fall in love with a wine, you’ll need to buy it elsewhere.

This tour suits those looking for a short, authentic, and engaging wine experience. It’s perfect if you’re interested in tasting unique icewines, learning about wine pairings, and enjoying a peaceful moment in a scenic vineyard.

Key Points

• Affordable and Well-Priced: At around $23, this tasting offers excellent value for a guided experience with multiple wine pairings.
• Informative Guides: Many reviews highlight knowledgeable hosts who share interesting details about wine production and pairings.
• Delicious Pairings: The combination of sparkling wine, Icewines, cheese, cheesecake, and chocolate makes for a rich tasting experience.
• Intimate Experience: Private group settings mean personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Beautiful Setting: Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the winery’s location offers lovely vineyard views, perfect for a quick scenic detour.
• Limited to Tasting: No transportation or walking tour included, so plan accordingly if you want a broader tour experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

The tour begins at Between the Lines Winery, situated at 991 Four Mile Creek Rd in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This family-run estate shines for its commitment to producing high-quality VQA wines and icewines, a specialty of the region. The tasting takes place in a cozy, welcoming space—though some reviews mention the environment can be quite loud, which might make conversation a little tricky at times. Still, the ambiance is warm, with a sense of authenticity that makes you feel more like a guest in someone’s home than a tourist.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The experience is straightforward but packed with flavor. It lasts roughly 45 minutes, during which you’ll be guided through a curated tasting of three different wines:

• Sparkling Eric Brut: Starting off with a sparkling wine, this crisp and bubbly option is perfectly paired with aged cheddar cheese. It’s a light, refreshing way to begin, and many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the sweetness and bubbles.

• Riesling Icewine: The highlight for many is the Riesling Icewine, served alongside a slice of basque cheesecake. The sweetness of the icewine complements the creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake beautifully, and as one reviewer put it, “The ice wine and one of the sparkling wines were tasted, and it was very good.”

• Cabernet Franc Icewine: The tour concludes with a decadent red Icewine, paired with a rich chocolate brownie. This pairing often gets high praise for the balance of bitterness and sweetness—“The wine was amazing,” as one reviewer said, along with the helpful tips from the host about tasting and pairing.

The Guide and Atmosphere

The reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with one reviewer mentioning Rolf, who was “excellent,” and others praising guides like Paola for her personable and informative approach. Expect to learn about the winemaking process, especially how icewines are made—frozen grapes, pressed in cold weather, resulting in intensely sweet wines.

While the environment might be a bit loud as some note, the personalized attention and clear explanations make up for it. Many reviewers appreciated the extra effort guides put into making the tasting fun and educational.

The Wines and Food Pairings

The focus here is on quality and balance. The sparkling wine is described as “the sweetest,” ideal for starting the tasting. The Icewines are often noted as “delicious,” with many saying they’re a first-time experience worth trying. The cheese, cheesecake, and brownie pairings elevate the wines, demonstrating how food enhances wine flavors—an aspect that many reviewers mention as a highlight.

The Value and Overall Experience

Considering the price, you’ll find this tour provides excellent value. It’s a short but thorough introduction to Icewine and sparkling wine, with a friendly guide setting a relaxed tone. Many reviews mention the good price-to-quality ratio, especially given the knowledge shared and the delicious pairings.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 45 minutes—perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day without feeling rushed.
• Price: $22.94 per person, including the wines, cheese, cheesecake, and brownie.
• Booking: Easy through Viator, with a free cancellation policy—a good safety net if your plans change.
• Meeting Point: Between the Lines Winery, accessible and near public transportation.
• Group Size: Private, so your group gets undivided attention, making it more personal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast curious about icewines, this is a delightful introduction. It’s also great for couples or small groups wanting an intimate, relaxed tasting without breaking the bank. Those looking for a quick, authentic experience of Niagara’s wine culture and tasting traditions will find this a perfect fit. However, if you want a broader tour with transportation or a full day of winery visits, you might want to look for combined packages.

The Sum Up

The Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting provides a charming, approachable way to sample some of Ontario’s best wines. The combination of delicious pairings, friendly guides, and a scenic setting makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in wine or just eager to enjoy a sweet taste of Niagara. It’s especially ideal if you want a short, informative experience that feels personal and authentic.

While it lacks transportation or a full tour experience, it compensates with quality and intimacy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to explore local wines, this tour offers a tasty, memorable peek into Niagara’s icewine world.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but satisfying experience.

What’s included in the price?
For around $23, you get one glass of sparkling wine, two glasses of Icewine, plus cheese, cheesecake, and a brownie, all with a knowledgeable guide.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this experience is private, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized setting.

Can I buy wine at the winery?
While the tasting includes sampling, some reviews mention the winery doesn’t have a license to sell wine on-site, so you’ll need to purchase bottles elsewhere if you wish to take some home.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. The tour begins and ends at the winery, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

Is the environment noisy?
A few reviews cite the winery as being loud, which might make hearing the guide or talking with friends a bit difficult at times.

Do I need to be a wine expert?
Not at all. Guides are friendly and share helpful information, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned wine lovers alike.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the tasting.

In all, this tasting tour offers a delightful peek into Niagara’s sparkling and icewine world. It’s a perfect short stop for those eager to learn, taste, and enjoy some of the region’s finest wines in a friendly setting.