Canadian wine – see it, sip it, love it…

When we travel, we always go where the glass is half full. Of our favorite wine. In Niagara-on-the-Lake. Now that fall’s almost here, there’s always a wine tasting available – and a cute little B&B or inn nearby if you have time to spend the weekend. Talk about the perfect girlfriend getaway.

If you’re a wine-tour groupie like us, we’ve got the 411 on planning a customized wine tour and tasting in Niagara.

“With scenic vineyards and gorgeous wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a popular destination for wine lovers during the summer months,” says Marcel Morgenstern, a Sommelier and national sales manager at Pondview Estate Winery. “With new wineries opening every year, there is never a shortage of things to do or vineyards to explore. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s convenient wine route offers the perfect opportunity to make the most of your vacation.”

Grab your maps and choose your wineries

With almost 100 wineries in the Niagara region, you’ll have to employ strategic thinking when planning your route. Marcel offers the following tips for making the most of your wine tour. Just remember to designate a sober driver – or take a bus tour or hire a taxi – for your adventures.

• Plot your approach. You’ll find free maps of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region in almost every local winery and hotel as well as online at NOLWineries.com. Allow enough time at each winery and time between wineries – this kind of bliss should not be rushed.
• Tour by bike. Biking is a great way to travel between wineries and enjoy the scenic countryside. Whether you plan on bringing your own bike or renting from a local bike shop, it’s ideal for getting around the Four Mile Creek appellation where there are bike paths and wide shoulders designed for rider safety.
• Set aside a weekday. For a quieter experience, visit during the week when the wineries and restaurants aren’t as crowded. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, be sure to book your meals and private winery tours ahead of time.
• Tour the actual winery. Plan to visit more than just the tasting room. Many wineries offer private tours of the facilities or grounds.
• Get your wine home. Don’t let your wine purchases weigh you down. Ask the winery if you can pick up your bottles at the end of the day – or take note of the wine you want to purchase and return to get it later. Some smaller wineries may even deliver within Niagara-on-the-Lake, so be sure to ask about your options.

Not sure where to start? Have a look at where your fellow GoGirlfriend travels have visited in the Niagara region.

• Niagara Region Must-Do’s
• DIY Niagara Getaway
• Niagara Girlfriend Getaway
• Niagara Wine & Herb Tour
• Niagara Wine & Chocolate Tour

or consider starting with the following resources:

• Niagara on the Lake Wineries
• Wine Country Ontario - for a broader perspective
• Visit Niagara Falls, Canada
• Travel Ontario's Wine regions

Now go have fun and enjoy the wine-touring. And don’t forget to report back to us and share what treasures you found. Drop a comment below or shout out to us on Facebook or Twitter.