Niagara Bench: A Wine Journey to Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets

Niagara Falls , Canada

Niagara Bench: A Wine Journey to Ontario’s Best Kept Secrets

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About this experience

Explore one of Ontario's most celebrated wine regions, the Niagara Escarpment’s Bench. Known for its unique microclimate, the Bench provides the ideal conditions for crafting some of the province’s finest wines. Nestled between the towering Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, the region offers not only stunning vistas but also a perfect environment for growing cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. This scenic tour will take you through vineyards set on sloping landscapes where ancient limestone soils add a distinctive character to the wines. Learn about the terroir that gives Bench wines their signature minerality and elegance, while indulging in tastings at select boutique wineries. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, you'll enjoy an intimate journey through this picturesque wine country where tradition and innovation meet to create extraordinary vintages.

- curated by our very own Marko Masonovich

Available options

Bench1

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Wine samples

Detailed itinerary

Visit our contemporary tasting bar and enjoy a guided tasting of our award-winning wines. Wander our expansive grounds with a glass of wine and discover the sculptures and artwork that adorn our property including the John Mann Gallery. Our outdoor Bistro is open seasonally for lunch. And of course, no visit is complete without a trip to the 13th Street Bakery. Discover our famous butter tarts and other fresh baked goods. Try our jams and jellies made with Niagara produce and shop our selection of culinary items, giftware and artisanal cheeses.

Malivoire Wine Co. is proud to be named '2021 Winery of the Year' by Wine Align's National Wine Awards!

We are farmers first! Excellence in winemaking has long been our hallmark, but that alone won’t make a winery great. Choice fruit from highborn vine varieties rooted in flourishing vineyards is mandatory.
Malivoire currently draws the largest share of its grapes from several vineyards comprising a combined 40 hectares. These are located within the Beamsville Bench, Lincoln Lakeshore, Vinemount Ridge and Twenty Mile Bench Sub-designated Viticultural Areas, which lie within the Niagara Peninsula’s Niagara Escarpment Subappellation.

Join us in our newly renovated and climate-controlled Tasting Room for flights, wine by the bottle or glass, and light snacks. With a dazzling view of the escarpment and no reservations required, we provide casual elegance at its best. Enjoy year-round sunset views or take in live music throughout the summer months. Our Tasting Room is the perfect backdrop for any occasion, whether it’s a date night, getting together with friends, or simply exploring the best in regional wine and food.

We offer our full wine list, as well as three bespoke flights to choose from:

Whites: Betty’s Blend, Chardonnay, Viognier

Pinks: Aria, Pinot Grigio, Rosé

Reds: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Driver will provide entry tickets to attractions

About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, known for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty. The area around Niagara Falls offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Niagara Falls

The main attraction, featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Offers stunning views and various activities.

Nature 2-4 hours Free to view, activities range from $10-$40 CAD

Clifton Hill

A vibrant street filled with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to walk, attractions range from $10-$30 CAD

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

A tropical garden filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world.

Nature 1-2 hours $20 CAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

BeaverTails

Fried dough pastry stretched to resemble a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)

Poutine

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian (check for specific variations)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Niagara Glen White-water rafting Zip-lining Wine tasting Spa treatments Scenic boat tours Visiting museums and galleries Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and all attractions fully operational. However, it can be crowded.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Niagara Falls is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or deals that seem too good to be true
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport • 130 km (81 miles)
Buffalo Niagara International Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Niagara Falls VIA Rail Station

By bus

Niagara Falls Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with routes to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake

Day trips

Niagara-on-the-Lake

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming historic town known for its wineries, historic sites, and Shakespearean theater.

Toronto

130 km (81 miles) • Full day

Canada's largest city offers a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining.

Festivals

Winter Festival of Lights • Mid-November to late January Niagara Icewine Festival • January

Pro tips

Visit the falls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Consider purchasing a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions
Explore the area beyond the falls, including Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Try local specialties like ice wine and BeaverTails
Check for seasonal events and festivals that may enhance your visit