Uncork a New Way to Experience Niagara Falls, New York

While most of the world knows Niagara Falls, New York, for the majestic waterfall of the same name, the area offers so much more. For fans of the almighty grape, look no further than the Niagara Wine Trail. Situated between the Niagara Escarpment—or rock ridge—and Lake Ontario, the wine region enjoys a moderate climate, limestone-rich soil and the second-longest growing season in New York state. This unique region’s weather and geology provide great conditions for vinifera grapes, which include pinot noir, riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay, vidal blanc and cabernet franc. Featuring a wide selection of wines, ciders and even mead, the wine trail provides an adventure in taste.

Experience sustainable wines

Fill up your glass with one of Niagara Wine Trail’s many varieties, including vinifera style, native, late harvest and ice wine.

At Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, in nearby Lockport, sustainable farming practices connect respect for the land to what’s in the glass. Through thoughtful agriculture practices and a laser focus on wines that grow well in the Niagara region, Arrowhead produces some of the finest wines in the area. Try a glass of Arrowhead Red for a medium-bodied, drinkable blend or a cabernet franc for a vibrant, complex experience. On the white side, Arrowhead’s riesling finishes drier than many, and the lightly oaky chardonnay gives California a run for its money.

Focus on a family tradition

At the family-owned Freedom Run Winery, also in Lockport, the arts, family and carefully crafted wine all come together in beautiful harmony. Their Meritage series provides a fruity, velvety drinking experience with lovely complexity. The Vin Gris Estate dry rose will challenge your notions of the pink wine family with its bright, crisp flavor. Be sure to get a glimpse of the vineyards from its scenic tasting room, where you’ll also find a permanent and rotating display of artwork from the owners’ private collection.

Get a taste of history

There’s more than waterfalls flowing in Niagara Falls, New York.

The Leonard Oakes family has had agricultural ties to the region for four generations, which led to establishing the winery in 2003. Since then, Leonard Oakes wines have earned an international reputation for quality. The winery, located in Brockport (about 60 miles from Niagara Falls), offers Meritage and riesling styles, as well as the Niagara region’s signature dessert ice wines with assertive, warming sweetness. Its signature Steampunk cider appears on tap around the region, with its fresh, tangy, barely sweet flavor.

Give hard cider a try

Speaking of cider, give your taste buds a break from the grape at the Niagara Wine Trail’s first cidery, BlackBird Cider Works, in Barker (about 39 miles from Niagara Falls), which offers the largest selection of ciders in Western New York. If you think you’ve tried it all, you haven’t had BlackBird, where styles include certified organic and wood barrel-aged varieties that range from sweet to dry. With a full slate of award-winning ciders, take a trip through its entire catalog to gain a new appreciation for the category.

Explore the farm

The entire family can enjoy a taste of Western New York at Gasport’s, Becker Farms, a day-trip destination in and of itself. Vizcarra Vineyards is nestled in the sprawling farm complex, which also features pick-your-own orchards, farm animals, a market and event spaces with activities for all ages. Check their website for details, as offerings vary by season. Try fruit wines, as well as traditional varieties at Vizcarra, or have a pint of beer or cider crafted by Becker Brewing Company. In good weather, you can even take a glass of your favorite tipple to the orchards to sip on while you pick a peck to take home.

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