#Avioning the Weekend Away in Wine Country

 

 

I recently spent the weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake on a wine tour, and I thought I would share some of my favourite spots on our weekend away! I booked a night in the area using my RBC Avion card because with Avion you earn even more points on all travel related purchases like hotels, rentals cars and cabs. Earning more points on these types of purchases is really helping fuel my points piggy bank for some of our upcoming summer travel plans!

Aside from the benefit of being able to earn more points so easily, with the RBC Avion card there are no blackout dates which I love because it offers family and I the flexibility to travel when we want without having to use extra points and we can redeem points towards the airline we want. Not to mention, there have been lots of perks and benefits that have come along my card like my time at TIFF and the Avion Holiday Boutique.

We usually head on a wine tour twice a year, and this time around we had perfect weather, some amazing food, and a relaxing stay in the region.

I’ve got some fun details on some of our favourite places to stay, eat, shop and sleep after the video!

 

 

 

 

Our Favourite Wineries

 

 

 

 

Vineland Estates is one of our favorites to visit not only because of their wine, but the location is gorgeous. It’s situated next to Megalomanic (another one of my favourites – their Riesling my favorite to drink!) in the Vineland area of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and attached to the winery is an incredible restaurant. Inside the winery there is a spot you can sit and order cheese to go with your wine, and a storefront with everything from paintings to jewelry made with wine.

 

 

 

 

Chateau de Charmes is a sprawling building with lots of space inside and out for wine tasting, and their 2015 Gewurztraminer is so so good! This winery has to be the prettiest to drive up to.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tawse has picnic tables outside so you can sit by their pond that houses all kinds of ducks and fish, and although the winery itself isn’t that large inside for tastings, it’s a definite stop for their award-winning wine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redstone Winery is a winery we tried for the first time on our trip, and we made a point to stop there because their restaurant had rave reviews. Those reviews were absolutely correct – I started with the Fried Chicken Skins that I’ve been dreaming about since I had them! They made a special lunch of salmon and vegetables for my husband who was on the Whole 30 diet at the time that was incredible! The restaurant was very busy (likely because the food was amazing), the service was awesome, and our food was delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

 
Where to Eat

 

 

 

 

Obviously I’m a big fan of the restaurant I just spoke about – The Restaurant at Redstone Winery (link) – but there are a few more places I wanted to mention as well!

At the Shaw Cafe we had a really fun waiter who gave us all kinds of riddles and puzzles throughout our lunch. I loved their cheese plate and Cesar salad, while my husband had a huge salad as well. They serve only Niagara-on-the-Lake wine as well, and they have a great patio, along with a neat upstairs interior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Stay

 

 

 

 

Harbour House has to be one of my favourite Bed and Breakfasts ever! They had fresh cookies in our room and classical music playing when we arrived, and they had a lovely breakfast in the morning and lots of cozy spots to relax.

The Shaw Club Hotel was one we liked, but our room was a little small, but otherwise it was a cute spot and it was attached to Zees Grill where we had an amazing dinner.

124 on Queen Hotel and Spa was a neat spot to stay – all of their rooms are in different building scattered in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our room had a huge washroom and lots of space, and I thought it was neat you could be situated throughout town! I would love to stay there again!

One of our favourite spots to stay is actually in Niagara Falls – The Hilton. Valet parking makes life much easier, and we loved that it’s connected to the casino and restaurants so we don’t need to travel outside when it’s cold.

Shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake

 

 

 

 

There are some quaint little shops throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a few of them I always stop into while I’m there!
 

 

 

 

I love the Just Christmas store – it’s the best store I’ve ever been in for Christmas ornaments! It’s two complete levels of every and any ornament you could think of, and I love picking something out each time I go.

Il Gelato di Carlotta Latteria moved from a smaller spot in town onto the main street, and they have some amazing gelato and treats to bring home!

Natasha Bradley Home has so many pretty home decor pieces that are perfect for a gift for someone, or for a special touch for your own home. They had the cutest market bags when I was last there!

 

 

 

 

Overall I don’t think I’ve ever had a disappointing time wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake – we always have such a relaxing time, and we can’t wait to go back.

For more details on my RBC Avion card which I use for all of my travels, visit their website here to learn more! #AVIONING

 

 

 

 

 

Items in this post may have been provided to me for review, but all opinions are fabulously my own. This post contains affiliate links.