This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Of course, visiting Niagara Falls is an absolute must while you’re in Toronto, but if you’re a wine lover like me, then you should also put exploring the Niagara wine region high on your list of things to do.
Not only is the Niagara wine region beautiful, it’s also home to some of the oldest vineyards in Canada. Getting out of Toronto to explore the area allows you to see historic wineries, soak in beautiful views, and enjoy some delicious food along the way.
We enjoy a good wine tour and we’ve visited Toronto many times on our travels around Canada, so we know what makes a great day out in the Niagara wine region. We’ve rounded up this list of our top 5 wine tours of the area from Toronto so that you can design your perfect day here. Cheers!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
If you’re ready to book a wine tour and don’t have time to read through all the options, don’t worry! Our FAVORITE tour is this private luxury wine tour to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It felt like a VIP experience from the start with hotel pick-up in Toronto and then we were taken to three award-winning wineries with tastings at each. One of the highlights for me was drinking ice wine in the ice lounge at Peller Estates!
This tour is highly-rated and the price includes a fully private experience with transport, lunch, and your own guide for $454 CAD per person. Plus there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts along with a buy now, pay later option when you book in advance.
Book our favorite wine tour here!
Best Wine Tours from Toronto
1. Private Luxury Wine Tour with Lunch (Our Top Choice!)
We already mentioned it briefly above, but this luxury wine tour is our top pick for exploring the Niagara wine region. The day is planned to perfection for an awesome experience that goes way beyond just tasting a couple of different varieties.
The tour takes you to three different award-winning wineries, where you’ll discover more about the Niagara wine region’s history and what makes it so unique. The wineries you’ll visit change on a daily basis so you never know exactly where you’ll be headed, but this tour doesn’t mess around and only takes you to the most reputable, award-winning estates.
As well as wine tastings, you’ll get a 3-course gourmet lunch at a local restaurant, which is a real treat, and your guide will take you to the specially designed ice lounge at Peller Estates. It’s made entirely of ice and it’s -10°C (14°F) inside, which is the ideal harvesting temperature for ice wine grapes. And don’t worry, you’ll be given a parka and gloves to wear, so you won’t freeze while you’re drinking ice wine there.
This is a private tour, so you’ll have your guide’s undivided attention the entire way. It’s a fantastic way to explore the Niagara wine region in depth, and I think it’s perfect if you’re looking to visit with a group of friends or relatives.
The tour costs $454 CAD per person and is available daily. It lasts for 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Toronto, as well as the food and wine tastings we’ve mentioned. We think it’s the best way to experience the Niagara wine region and discover its most prestigious wineries.
Book our favorite wine tour here with FREE cancellation!
2. Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto with Boat, Lunch & Winery Stop
This Niagara Falls day tour isn’t a full wine tour, but it does include a stop at a fantastic winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake after you visit the iconic Niagara Falls. We had a great time and I’d even rate it as one of the best tours we’ve done in Toronto. It has 700+ 5-star reviews you can read here so lots of other people enjoyed it as much as we did!
You don’t get as much of an in-depth wine experience as you do with the previous tour I talked about, but it’s the perfect choice if you’re short on time in Toronto. It includes round-trip transport, along with a boat ride up to the falls, or the equally incredible Journey Behind the Falls during the winter.
You’ll also enjoy lunch with picturesque views of the world’s most famous waterfall, and then finish the day relaxing at a gorgeous local winery. Honestly, we think that this tour did an awesome job of distilling the best of the Niagara region into a single day! As well as enjoying our tasting, we ended up buying wine to take home from the winery we visited, so we still got to take some flavors of the region with us.
If you don’t have long in Toronto, we highly recommend this option! Read our full review here if you want more details. The tour is $200 CAD, which we think is fantastic value for all it includes. You wouldn’t be able to do this much cheaper by yourself, and it’s so nice not to worry about logistics. Just sit back and enjoy the waterfalls and wine – bliss!
Book this combo of Niagara Falls with a stop at a winery here!
Related Read: Check out more of our top picks for Niagara Falls tours from Toronto here!
3. Small Group Niagara Wine Tour
This tour is another fantastic option if you’re looking to join a small and friendly group tour. With a maximum group size of 12, this tour makes you feel like you’re exploring the region with a group of friends – and to be honest, after a few wines, that will probably become the case!
While the tours we’ve mentioned so far all take you to Niagara-on-the-Lake, this one takes you to Beamsville to explore a small area of the Niagara wine region. This is perfect if you’ve been to Niagara-on-the-Lake before, or just prefer more complex wines since that’s what Beamsville Bench is known for.
The tour lasts for approximately 6 hours and you’ll visit 3 wineries in this time, so it’s not too rushed. The itinerary typically includes a guided tasting and charcuterie snack at Between the Lines, an edgy, family-owned winery housed in a big red barn, as well as the gorgeous and refined Ravine Vineyard.
At $179 CAD, we think this is a very budget-friendly way to explore the Niagara wine region from Toronto. The price covers tastings but doesn’t include food, aside from a charcuterie snack, although you’ll be able to buy lunch along the way. I think this tour is perfect for solo travelers or groups of friends. This tour is only available on Fridays and Saturdays – what a great way to kick off a weekend in Toronto!
Book this small group wine tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Private Wine Tasting Tour with Free Time in Niagara-on-the-Lake
This private wine tasting tour is perfect for groups looking to celebrate a special occasion. It’s got a jam-packed itinerary to make the most of your time in the Niagara wine region. As well as visiting four different wineries, you also get 1.5 hours of free time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can grab some lunch and check out some of this small town’s tulip-lined streets, the famous flower clock, and the quaint 19th-century architecture.
But back to the wine: this tour takes you to a great variety of wineries, from the laid-back Between the Lines to the modern Wayne Gretzky Estates and Reif Estate, which is one of the region’s founding wineries. You get to do the premium tasting here, which is a nice touch!
Maybe the highlight of the day, though, is visiting the ice lounge at Peller Estates Winery. It’s such a novel experience to drink wine in a cellar constructed entirely of ice, and trying ice wine is a must while you’re in the Niagara region.
This tour is available daily, and you can book it for up to 7 people. The price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and costs $513 CAD per person to book for two people, or drops to $342 CAD each for seven, so it’s a fantastic option for groups who want to hit as many wineries as possible, and have the undivided attention of the tour guide!
Book this private wine tasting in advance to secure a date for your group!
5. Wine Tasting Experience in Downtown Toronto
Last but not least, we should start by making it clear that this wine tasting experience does not actually take you out of Toronto to the Niagara wine region. However, if you don’t have time to spend a full day exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake, then it’s the perfect way to ensure you still get to taste some of the region’s best wines.
This top-rated tasting takes place in the heart of downtown Toronto, so you’ll get amazing views of the iconic CN Tower as you sip your wine. It actually takes place in the sommelier, Laura’s, apartment, which may sound odd but it creates a very relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. The whole ethos behind this experience is to make wine more accessible so that you’re free to ask questions and offer your opinions, rather than just nodding along and pretending to understand what’s being said!
Basically, it’s all about bonding over some great wine from all over Canada, including British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and of course Ontario. It’s a private experience, so it’s ideal for groups of friends and we think that this would be an awesome way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a birthday.
The experience is $175 CAD, and includes a cheese and charcuterie board with locally sourced, organic produce from local farmers’ markets to accompany your wine. It’s available daily and lasts for 2 hours. We think it’s an awesome way to take a wine-tasting tour of Canada, without having to leave Toronto!
Book this unique wine tasting experience in downtown Toronto here!
Related Read: For another fun experience in the city, check out our recommendations for the best cocktail bars in Toronto!
About the Niagara Wine Region
The Niagara Wine Region is a gorgeous wine region that’s home to over 50 different wineries, many of which are centered around the scenic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s around 129 kilometers (80 miles) from Toronto, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip. It takes just under 1.5 hours to drive, although, of course, you don’t want to be driving yourself when there’s wine to drink!
It’s bordered by both the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, which means that the region benefits from its own unique microclimate – which just so happens to be ideal for growing wine! This moderate microclimate means grapes grown in the Niagara region ripen really well, giving them a soft and well-rounded taste. Speaking from experience, we can tell you that the wine here goes down way too easily!
Niagara is generally known for producing grapes such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Spring tends to arrive earlier in the Niagara wine region than it does in other parts of Canada, which means that the grapes benefit from a longer growing season and are especially deep in flavor.
One of the coolest things about the Niagara wine region (literally!) is the ice wine. It’s made from frozen grapes, which gives the wine a lower alcohol content and a higher sugar concentration, so it’s sweet, fruity, and very easy to drink. Around 60% of Canada’s ice wine is made in the Niagara wine region, so a lot of wine tours will highlight this sweet concoction.
Best Time to do a Wine Tour in Toronto
For us, the summer months are the best time to go wine tasting in and around Toronto. You can go all year round, but there’s nothing like sipping wine at a gorgeous estate on a summer’s day. It’s a really beautiful experience and it’s just not the same in the winter. So if you’re in Toronto during winter, we would recommend doing the Niagara Falls tour or the wine tasting in the city, and saving a tour to Niagara-on-the-Lake for another time.
Related Read: Need a personalized itinerary? We have 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day Toronto itineraries to help!
Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto
Toronto is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So take some time to explore some of our other recommended activities:
- Visit Casa Loma – This beautiful castle in downtown Toronto is more than just a historical museum. It’s filled with interesting exhibits, unique photo opportunities, and interactive activities for all ages. There is actually so much to do here that we wrote another blog post on all the things you should know before you visit Casa Loma.
- Take in some hockey – Hockey is HUGE in Canada, so taking in an NHL game while you’re here is sure to be a fun night. You can buy tickets on Viator. If it isn’t hockey season, pop into the Hockey Hall of Fame to take a photo with the famous Stanley Cup and play some of the interactive games!
- Eat great food! – With so many different cultures and restaurants, Toronto is a foodie heaven! Miku Toronto is considered the best sushi restaurant in the city. Food tours in Toronto are also top-notch and we enjoyed this walking food tour to help us try a variety of tasty dishes from butter tarts to pierogies to maple syrup and the chance to explore the iconic St. Lawrence Market.
- Check out the view from the CN Tower -The tallest building in the city and all of Canada, heading up the CN Tower is a must! The main observation deck is on the 33rd floor and if you’re feeling brave, there’s a glass floor or the Edgewalk that takes you outside to walk high above Toronto! General admission is $43 CAD.
- Go sailing – For a unique cruise, climb aboard a 1930s schooner with this Toronto tall ship cruise. You’ll help the crew raise the sails for the journey from Toronto Harbor to Lake Ontario. There are panoramic views to take in and kids love it when the crew fires the ship’s canyon! Tickets are available online for only $43 CAD and cheaper for kids.
Where to Stay in Toronto
Let’s face it, Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But, not all hotels are created equal – you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.
I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city – the below hotels all have an ideal central location as well as everything you need to have a comfortable stay! If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Toronto, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed info on the best area to stay, how to get from the airport to your hotel, and the top hotels!
Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Luxury Stay – $$$)
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel!
The Hockey Hall of Fame is two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500-$600 CAD per night and you can check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!
The SoHo Hotel (Moderately-priced Boutique Hotel – $$)
The SoHo Hotel is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a centrally located hotel that is just stunning. This hotel is located only a short walk from attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of nice facilities including a lap pool and fitness center. Oh, and did I mention the rooms have heated bathroom floors?!
Room rates typically range from $300 CAD and up. The SoHo is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.
One King West Hotel and Residences (Moderately-priced Full Apartments – $$)
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then One King West Hotel and Residences might be the best choice for you. Although a hotel, this property features fully self-contained apartments complete with a kitchen. This is perfect if you like to cook some of your own meals. On top of that, the location is ideal and you’ll also find a fitness center and onsite bar and restaurant.
For an entire apartment in Toronto, prices start at about $330 CAD. You can check availability and book online here.
Town Inn Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel – $)
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay in Toronto. If you’re on a tighter budget, Town Inn Suites Hotel is the best choice for you. Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low season), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy. You can check prices and secure your room online here.
Samesun Toronto (Budget Hostel – $)
The Samesun Toronto is the perfect choice for backpackers or solo travelers wanting to meet others. The hostel has a great location as well as communal spaces (including a huge kitchen) where you can relax. They offer both dorm beds as well as budget private rooms, but bathrooms are all shared.
You can grab a dorm bed for less than $100 CAD per night during peak season. You can book the Samesun Toronto online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this blog helped you narrow down your search for a wine tour from Toronto to the gorgeous Niagara region! This region has some of the best wine I’ve tasted in the entire country and makes for such a perfect day trip from the city.
For more travel tips, recommendations, and ideas, check out our other blogs about Toronto. Consider us your personal travel guides! Feel free to leave us a comment or question below.
12 BEST Tours in Toronto, Canada: Which Ones We Recommend to Book
25 FUN Things to do in Toronto in Summer
9 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting the Toronto Distillery District