You arrive at a restored farmhouse where nearly everything on the table has a connection to the land around you. The ingredients come from local producers, the wine is made from estate-grown grapes, and the views stretch across vineyards, the Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario, and, on clear days, the Toronto skyline.
Set in Niagara wine country, Vineland Estates Winery has been welcoming visitors since 1979. The estate’s historic heart includes a soaring 1877 log barn, known as the “wooden cathedral,” which now houses the tasting room, and a beautifully restored 1845 farmhouse that serves as the winery restaurant. Together, they reflect the property’s origins as a Mennonite homestead dating back to the 1800s.
Winemaker Brian Schmidt has guided production for more than three decades, crafting wines from three estate vineyards that grow varietals including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. Beneath the estate, an underground cellar and wine library preserve vintages dating back to 1983.
Wine & Dine
Visitors can experience the estate through tastings, guided vineyard walks, seasonal picnics, and dog-friendly vineyard tours held on select Saturdays, where a portion of ticket proceeds supports the local SPCA.
The experiences are intentionally simple and rooted in the property’s surroundings, reflecting the same philosophy that has guided the estate for more than four decades: great wine, regional food, and a deep connection to the landscape that makes both possible.
The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Justin Downes and his team, showcases seasonal menus built around regional ingredients and estate wine pairings. As one of Niagara’s pioneering winery restaurants, it helped establish the region’s reputation as a destination for wine and food.
More than four decades after opening, Vineland Estates remains rooted in the same philosophy. Historic buildings have been thoughtfully preserved, local producers remain at the centre of the experience, and every element is connected to the place it comes from. Here, the view is part of the meal, the wine is part of the story, and both are distinctly Niagara.
The Need To Know Details
- Winery: Vineland Estates Winery. Established 1979
- Location: 3620 Moyer Road, Vineland, Ontario, L0R 2C0. Located on the 20-Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment
- Historic architecture: The 1877 log barn (wooden cathedral) houses a tasting room and wine shop. 1845 renovated farmhouse is a restaurant. Stone carriage house for private functions. Built on a former Mennonite homestead with buildings from the 1800s
- Wine shop hours: Open 7 days a week. Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Tastings are by reservation or by chance walk-in. Walk-in tastings end 30 minutes prior to store closing.
- Restaurant hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12:00pm–3:00pm & 5:00pm–9:00pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Additional amenities: Bed & breakfast on property. Carriage House for private functions and events. Wine club membership. Retail wine shop. Chef’s table experiences. Private room available. Banquet and catering services. Entertainment hosting
- Contact & booking: Phone: (888) 846-3526 or (905) 562-7088. Website: Vineland.com. Email for reservations and private functions. OpenTable for restaurant reservations. Book tastings and experiences in advance for the best experience
