Inn on the Twenty
The townships of Beamsville, Jordan, and Vineland offer beautiful, scenic views of vineyards and a wide variety of wineries to choose from. Familiar names like Vineland, Cave Spring, and Peninsula Ridge have great wine tasting rooms, and for the serious wine( and architecture) lovers, Tawse winery offers fascinating tours. Many recognizable wineries are located 30 minutes away in idyllic Niagara-on-the-Lake, including Jackson Triggs, Inniskillin, and Hillebrand. There are also some boutique wineries like Stratus that you shouldn’ t miss. Eating is the easiest part of the planning process. I always follow the simple credo,“ Ask the locals,” and it hasn’ t failed me yet! Niagara is right in the middle of Ontario’ s farming belt, and the best meals regularly showcase local ingredients. There are a number of chefs who have dedicated their lives to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for their diners. The most outstanding restaurant we visited was recommended to us by John Howard of Megalomaniac winery. About Thyme Bistro, owned and operated by Ryan Shapiro and Donna Thompson, offers not only an amazing food menu, but a fantastic BYOW program. Ryan has great passion for local food and wine and it is reflected in his menu and wine list. It is an ideal destination for foodies and cork dorks alike! The room is tiny, but the atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxed. With only 38 seats, and heavy local demands, reservations are a must!
For those of you who prefer a more casual setting at the end of a day of tasting, we really enjoy the beautifully restored Jordan House Pub. Established in 1844, it is filled with friendly locals and ice cold beer to cleanse the palate. They offer hearty fare, and it is a great way to unwind, with a big fireplace in the corner, and live music every weekend.
Niagara offers full days of wine tastings and tours, and photo ops to fill up several
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