Just an hour from Toronto, you’ll find Ontario’s largest wine region. Twenty Valley features over 50 vineyards with many of the province’s best boutique wineries. But as you venture beyond the vines, you’ll quickly see so much more.
First Stop: Bench Brewing, Beamsville
Located in the historic Maple Grove Public School in Beamsville, Bench Brewing Co. marries old school and modern brewing techniques that literally capture the flavours of the region to produce ‘the beer from wine country’. Add to that a taproom, beer garden, and kitchen, and you’ve got yourself a tasty introduction to the valley.
Second Stop(s): Farm Stands
Farm fresh is best! And there’s no shortage of that here. Have you ever been ‘Fruit Stand Hopping’? (We may have just made that up). From seasonal roadside fruit and vegetable stands to pick-your-owns, the valley has an abundance of stops seemingly around every corner.
Third Stop: Ball’s Falls, Lincoln
Bring all that fresh fruit with you and take a fall stroll through Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Beyond its namesake, must-see waterfalls, the conservation area spreads out over 200 acres. It even includes a lovingly maintained 19th century hamlet where you can you can visit the original Ball family homestead, an operating flour mill, a church, blacksmith shop, carriage shed, and more. Views of the easily accessed upper falls offer plenty of photo ops, or stay on the clearly marked hiking trail to take in the lower falls.
Fourth Stop: Westcott Vineyards, Jordan
Time for wine! Westcott Vineyards is located atop the picturesque Twenty Mile Bench in Jordan and housed in a restored, 200-year-old Mennonite barn. After a tour, soak in the stunning fall views while enjoying a glass of pinot or chardonnay or both. Cheers to a perfect fall weekend road trip!
Last Stop: Niagara Falls
See the iconic sites with the bonus of a fall backdrop. Ride over the Niagara Gorge on the Whirlpool Aero Car, visit the Floral Clock along the Niagara Parkway and then make your way to the Falls.
Where To Stay:
Explore even more by making it a weekend getaway. New to 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines, the Vineyard Cottage offers private, luxurious accommodations in a contemporary farmhouse on site. Be sure to pop into the 13th Street Bakery famous for its butter tarts, voted Canada’s favourite by House & Home.
Discover more exciting attractions and things to do in the Niagara region and find even more fall getaway ideas.