Winter in Niagara Wine Country

Niagara Wine Country Experiences

Embrace the Canadian winter chill in Niagara Wine Country! Join us at the estates for holiday shopping and gifting services, cozy up by the fireplace during a romantic escape at Riverbend Inn, or enjoy the Icewine festival in both downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake and Jordan. There’s always something going on in Wine Country.

Visit myWineCountry.com or call our Wine Country Concierge at 1-888-510-5537 to plan your escape today.

The Rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates

Whether you’re a pro (like Wayne Gretzky), or lacing up for the first time in many years, visit the backyard rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates from mid-December to March. You can sip on a craft cocktail, chilled brew, glass of wine or spiked hot chocolate, and savour the winter food menu at The Whisky Bar Patio. The patio is heated to keep you comfortable during your meal. You’ll won’t want to miss Chef Desharnais’ two new winter menu items: a delicious shaved beef panini and ‘snowshoes’ (a crispy fried pastry with chocolate and cinnamon sugar).

Visit myWineCountry.com to learn more about our Community Skate Days, Date Night package, and DJ Nights on Saturdays.

Feature Rink Cocktail – The Rusty Skate

1.5 oz No.99 Red Cask Whisky
1 oz Wayne Gretzky Estates Old Fashioned simple syrup
1 oz Wayne Gretzky Estates Cherry Hibiscus simple syrup
¾ oz lemon juice

Niagara Icewine Festival

This month-long celebration in January offers a variety of different experiences for wine and food lovers. Purchase a discovery pass online at niagarawinefestival.com and enjoy several wine and food pairings along the wine route in both Niagara-on-the-Lake and Twenty Valley. You can also stroll through downtown Jordan Village and old town Niagara-on-the-Lake on the weekends to enjoy entertainment, wine, and food, attend the annual Icewine Gala at the Fallsview Casino, or an Icewine dinner at Peller Estates and Trius Winery.

Snowshoeing at Thirty Bench

If there’s snow on the ground on Saturday and Sunday, head to Thirty Bench in Beamsville for a snowshoe trek through the vineyard. You’ll be outfitted with equipment and coached on snowshoeing tips and tricks by an expert guide as you make your way through the snow-covered vineyard. You’ll also be treated to an outdoor tasting of Thirty Bench wines and a warm fireside snack to wrap up the experience. If Mother Nature doesn’t bring us enough snow, we’ll enjoy a winter hike in the vineyard.

This is an incredibly popular experience and reservations are required. Book online at myWineCountry.com.

Winter Lounge at Peller Estates

Join us at Peller Estates on weekends from November to March for a Winter Lounge experience. This experience includes a seat for up to 5 guests around one of our firepits. Enjoy a glass of wine or our signature hot beverage in a souvenir glass/mug and Icewine marshmallow handmade by Chef Jason Parsons.

Romantic Retreat at Riverbend Inn

Stay with us at The Riverbend Inn & Vineyard this winter. Enjoy an intimate escape in one of our 21 uniquely designed guestrooms and suites, with surroundings of grandeur, magnificent amenities and service. Warm yourself in front of the fireplace and enjoy the scenic beauty from your window. Enjoy a delicious meal at The Oaklands restaurant prepared by Chef Ross Midgley and his culinary team. The Inn offers guests a complimentary tasting at neighbouring winery, Peller Estates, snowshoes for winter walks through the vineyards, and cozy outdoor firepits with wonderful vineyard views.

*Winter experiences are subject to change. Reservations are highly recommended. Visit myWineCountry.com or call our Wine Country Concierge at 1-888-510-5537 for more information.

Riverbend is the Inn in Niagara

“It’s history, luxury and magical location is why the Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is the toast of Niagara’s wine region.”

Crepes and Icewine Cherries with Brown Butter Ice Cream

Are crepes a breakfast food or a dessert? We’ll let you decide with this delicious recipe by Chef Ross Midgley.

Discover Niagara’s Top Patios

Our four Niagara estates feature a handful of incredible patios that serve up everything from pizza to lobster linguine. It’s time to kick back and relax with a glass of wine, cocktail or beer in hand and enjoy the vineyard views. With so many amazing patio options at our partner wineries, the hardest part of planning an afternoon escape can be deciding where to soak in the views.

Niagara Cherry Linzer Tart with Brown Butter Ice Cream

Wishing you a Happy Easter from our team at Oaklands restaurant. Looking for a dessert to serve this weekend? This delicious Linzer Tart is filled with sweet Niagara cherries and served with Brown Butter Ice Cream.

Bring On Lunch

A leisurely brunch on the Riverbend patio is a great way to enjoy an outdoor meal before the mid-day heat hits

Ansley Sparkling Terrace Secrets

If you’ve visited us at Riverbend during the summer season, there’s a very good chance you’ve already experienced the pure bliss of soaking up one of Niagara’s most picturesque vineyard views. The Ansley Sparkling Terrace, however, offers so much more than just a pretty view! Here are a few insider secrets to keep in mind for your next visit.

Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Fall in Niagara-on-the-Lake

As summer bids farewell, Niagara-on-the-Lake will soon awaken in a blaze of autumn colors, beckoning visitors to revel in the splendor of the season. At Riverbend Inn & Vineyard, we invite you to join us for a spectacular fall getaway filled with unforgettable events and cherished moments. 

Your Harvest Headquarters

September brings all sorts of harvest happenings to Niagara, including end-of-summer celebrations, the Niagara Wine Festival, and a wide assortment of engaging winery experiences. Set on the edge of a vineyard, just a stone’s throw from world-class wineries, Riverbend Inn offers our guests a front-row seat to Niagara’s autumn excitement! Here are some fun activity options to add to your September stay. 

May We Suggest A Fall Cocktail? 

Whether enjoyed with a vineyard view while wrapped up in a cozy scarf on our Ansley Sparkling Terrace or sipped fireside at the Oaklands Bar, our fall cocktail lineup invites guests to slow down and sink into the beauty of autumn in Niagara.

Give the Gift of Wine Country: Unwrap Memories in Niagara 

As the holiday season approaches, the hunt for that perfect gift becomes an annual tradition. This year, why not surprise your loved ones with the gift of Wine Country? Niagara-on-the-Lake, a region renowned for its scenic vineyards, delectable wines, and a rich culinary scene, offers an array of experiences waiting to be unwrapped. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a wine lover’s dream, there’s something for everyone. Here’s why gifting experiences is the perfect choice, and how you can make it happen. 

Make December Even More Delicious

Whether you’re gift shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake, heading to the Shaw Festival for a holiday show, or touring the wine route to stock your cellar for a busy month of entertaining, a delicious meal at Oaklands Restaurant makes a wonderful addition to any December day.

A Post-Holiday Gift

Don’t put away those stockings just yet! We’ve got some special post-holiday presents for myWineLife, No.99 Wine & Cocktail Club, Niagara Winemaker’s Collection Club, and No.30 Wine Club members.

Oaklands Dinner Series

Join Chef Andrew MacNeil and Chef Jason Parsons for our Coach House Dinner Series events. Each month, you can enjoy a different themed four-course meal alongside carefully selected wine pairings in our cozy coach house.

Heat Things Up This Icewine Season

As Icewine season kicks into high gear, Riverbend is adding even more cold-weather fun to Niagara’s liquid gold landscape. Here are just a few of the ways you can get into the sub-zero spirit with us this January.

Unlock the World of Wine: Join Our Exclusive Wine Clubs 

At Riverbend Inn & Vineyard, we’re raising our glasses to the esteemed members of myWineLife, Niagara Winemaker’s Collection Club, No.30 Club, and No.99 Wine and Cocktail Club. Ever contemplated the pleasures of becoming a Wine Club Member? Now is the perfect time to indulge your curiosity. 

Itinerary: Spring in Niagara Wine Country

Join us in Niagara Wine Country this Spring. Enjoy complimentary bicycle rentals, tasting and dining experiences. Call the hotel at (905) 468-2270 to reserve.

Itinerary: Vineyard Summer BBQ

Join us in Niagara Wine Country for our Long Table Dinner Series event on our back lawn. June’s dinner theme is Vineyard Summer BBQ. Call the hotel at 1-888-220-2281 to reserve.

Itinerary: Vegetarian Garden Dinner Party

Join us on the back lawn for our Vegetarian Garden Dinner Party on Friday, August 23. Complete your stay with a full weekend itinerary.

Itinerary: Celebration of Niagara Orchard Fruit

Join us for a Long Table dining event on our back lawn to celebrate Niagara orchard fruits. Enjoy this pre-made itinerary to complete your weekend stay.  Call the hotel at 1-888-220-2281 to reserve. Learn More

Itinerary: Preparing for Harvest Celebration

Celebrate grape harvest season in Niagara Wine Country with a 4-course dinner on the back lawn.