6 Hour Wine, Cheese, Chocolate Tasting Tour with Lunch

The 6 Hour Wine, Cheese, Chocolate Tasting Tour with Lunch offers an engaging way to explore Niagara’s renowned wine country. Priced at $260.93 per person, this tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 42 reviews and is recommended by 100% of participants. It departs at 10:00 am and runs for approximately 6 hours, making it an ideal half-day excursion. This tour includes pickup from your hotel or Air BnB, which adds convenience, especially for those staying in Niagara Falls or surrounding areas. With small group sizes capped at 30 travelers, it maintains an intimate and friendly atmosphere, perfect for wine enthusiasts or curious beginners alike.

What makes this experience stand out is its comprehensive visit to 5 carefully selected wineries, an included lunch featuring a cheese & charcuterie board, and the free souvenir wine glass offered to all participants starting January 1st. The mix of guided tastings, scenic stops, and educational insights makes it a well-rounded choice. While the price is moderate, the length of the tour and quality of stops offer good value for the variety and depth of experience.

Key Points

• Visits to 5 Niagara wineries, including an extra backup option
• Includes a lunch with a cheese and charcuterie board at Between the Lines Winery
• Guided tastings of whites, reds, and Ice Wine, with more than 20 tastings reported
• Pickup from hotels or Air BnB in Niagara Falls, offering added convenience
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Complimentary souvenir wine glass for those booking after January 1st

Niagara’s Top Wineries on the Tour

This tour features visits to some of Niagara’s most authentic and esteemed wineries. The De Simone Vineyards introduces guests to a small-batch, organic winery with a rustic farm vibe. The Caroline Cellars Family Estate Winery highlights family-owned tradition, emphasizing fresh and local wines. Reif Estate Winery offers a winemaker’s choice tasting, showcasing a variety of wines, including some of Niagara’s famed Ice Wines.

Next, Between the Lines Winery combines wine tasting with a warm food pairing curated by Chef Tim MacKiddie, making it a highlight for food and wine lovers. Chateau des Charmes is a historic estate founded in 1978 by a fifth-generation French winegrower, adding a touch of tradition and elegance. The Wayne Gretzky Estates provides an upmarket seated tasting experience, where guests can select four different wines from a diverse collection.

A potential backup stop, Konzelmann Estate Winery, features a renovated tasting hall and a famous Peachwine, rounding out the tour with a sweet and refreshing option.

The All-Inclusive Tasting Experience

All wine tasting fees are included, allowing guests to sample a wide range of wines without additional costs. The tastings of whites, reds, and Ice Wine are designed to showcase Niagara’s diverse offerings. The guided nature of the tastings means expert insights are shared at each stop, enhancing understanding of local wines and production methods.

The lunch at Between the Lines Winery is a key highlight, offering a cheese and charcuterie board that complements the wine tastings. Bottled water is also provided, ensuring guests stay refreshed throughout the day.

Pacing and Tour Structure

Each winery stop lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the wine, learn from the hosts, and take photos. The tour’s pace is balanced, with enough time for relaxed tastings and a leisurely lunch. The small group size benefits the overall experience, fostering interaction and personalized attention from the guides.

Travel time between stops is included in the 6-hour duration, and the tour’s timing ensures a comfortable day without feeling rushed. This structure offers a comprehensive yet manageable exploration of Niagara’s wine scene.

The Guide and Customer Service

Many reviews praise guide John and driver Don for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly demeanor. Guests appreciate how guides share interesting stories and make the experience fun and educational. The pick-up service from the US side adds extra convenience, especially for international visitors. The small group setting ensures everyone can ask questions and participate actively.

Accessibility and Booking Details

The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, with service animals allowed. Booking is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking unless done within 6 hours of the start, in which case it is confirmed as soon as possible. Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case plans change.

The tour maxes out at 30 participants, keeping the experience intimate and engaging. Most people book about 41 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Overall Value and Suitability

This wine, cheese, and chocolate tour offers a well-rounded experience combining tastings, scenic winery visits, and a delicious lunch. The price of $260.93 is justified by the number of winery stops, guided tastings, and inclusive lunch. It suits wine lovers, foodies, and those looking for a memorable half-day in Niagara.

The tour’s positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, delicious charcuterie and chocolates, and stunning winery views. It’s particularly ideal for small groups seeking a personalized experience and learned guidance from experts.

Niagara’s Premier Wine & Food Day

This tour excels at combining wine tasting with culinary delights. The inclusion of Ice Wine and other local varieties showcases Niagara’s rich viticultural heritage. The lunch perfectly complements the tastings, making it an overall satisfying experience.

Participants enjoy the relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment. The souvenir wine glass serves as a lovely keepsake of the day.

Final Thoughts

The 6 Hour Wine, Cheese, Chocolate Tasting Tour from Out of Town Lincoln offers an excellent value for those wanting an immersive wine experience in Niagara. The carefully selected wineries, combined with guided tastings and a tasty lunch, create a balanced and memorable day.

While the price may be higher than some other tours, the quality of stops and personalized service make it worth considering. It’s best suited for adults with an interest in wine and food, and those who appreciate small group intimacy.

This tour captures the spirit of Niagara’s wine country, emphasizing variety, education, and enjoyment in a friendly, well-organized package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All wine tasting fees, a lunch with cheese and charcuterie, bottled water, and a souvenir wine glass (from January 1st onward).

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:00 am with multiple winery stops.

Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup from hotels or Air BnB in Niagara Falls or surrounding areas is included.

What wineries are visited?
Stops include De Simone Vineyards, Caroline Cellars, Reif Estate Winery, Between the Lines Winery, Chateau des Charmes, Wayne Gretzky Estates, and a backup option at Konzelmann Estate Winery.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The pace is relaxed, but some walking and standing are involved.

What makes this tour stand out?
The wide variety of wineries, guided tastings, lunch pairing, and small group setting combine to create a highly rated experience for wine and food lovers.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 41 days in advance, indicating strong demand.

What is the tour’s price point?
At $260.93 per person, it offers a solid balance of quality and inclusions for a half-day wine experience in Niagara.

Are there any additional costs?
No, all tasting fees are included; additional purchases at wineries are optional.