Niagara is Canada's largest wine region, with over 130 wineries and 14,600 acres of vines. The soil and the Niagara Escarpment appellation, a product of the last ice age, create a unique environment for crafting wine. These natural forces also create majestic beauty with great sightlines, perfect for a relaxed vineyard bicycle tour.

Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, adjacent to the Niagara River, is home to over 50 wineries. A short 12-mile round-trip cycling route gives guests amazing views and photo opportunities. You can bring your own wheels or rent a bike from Zoom Leisure Bikes, which has seen wine cycling tours catch on over its 21 years in business. 

These days, cyclists are peddling to sites including one of Canada's "best small" wineries, a winery with a tasting room made entirely out of ice, and a winery belonging to hockey's all-time greatest player, among others.

Two Sisters Vineyards

Start your trip in historic old-town Niagara-on-the-Lake at Queen's Royal Park. Cycle towards downtown and the Niagara Parkway, past grassy fields lined with towering, leafy trees, to Two Sisters Vineyards. Named Canadian 2018 Best Small Winery of the Year by WineAlign, this photogenic estate is known for high-quality small-batch reds. Pair these on the property's outdoor patio at Kitchen76.

Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant

Next, cycle down a tree-lined private road to Peller's massive French-inspired chateau. The site is home to the upscale Peller Estates Winery Restaurant. Experience "The Greatest Winery" Tour, featuring the 10Below Peller Icewine Lounge, which is constructed out of 30,000 pounds of ice. It's a frosty 14° F, but don't worry: guests are provided with warm coats to wear during the tasting.

Inniskillin

A short way down the leafy Niagara Parkway, you'll come upon Inniskillin, one of the oldest wineries in the region. The specialty here is icewine, made from grapes that have been left to mature on the vine into the winter season. The result is a decadent, sweet wine. Take a guided tasting inside Inniskillin's restored 1920-era barn, or relax and recharge at shady picnic tables.

Stratus Vineyards

Great job! You've cycled a loop, and you're nearly back to downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Take a final stop at the sleek and contemporary Stratus Vineyards. Park your bike and get ready to reserve an outdoor patio seat overlooking Stratus expansive property. 

Whether you choose to visit one winery or a half dozen, cycling from old-town Niagara-on-the-Lake past acres of farmland, vineyards and fruit trees is a unique experience that can only be experienced in our own backyard.

Wayne Gretzky Estates

One of Niagara's newest wineries, Wayne Gretzky Estates, is part winery, part distillery and part hockey museum. Innovative Canadian whiskeys, many aged in wine-barrel casks, have a truly unique flavor. The expertly crafted wines have won numerous awards since the winery opened two years ago. The inviting building features memorabilia and photos from Wayne Gretzky's personal collection. 

When cycling in the United States, within AAA Western and Central New York territory, enjoy a peace of mind with AAA's bicycle coverage - part of your membership at no additional cost.

Go to AAA.com/Bicycle