In the heart of Niagara wine country lies 13th Street Winery, a sanctuary for wine connoisseurs seeking an exceptional experience just a stone's throw from Toronto. Renowned for crafting exceptional wines over a quarter-century, the winery has garnered numerous accolades, cementing its status as an industry leader. Yet, 13th Street Winery offers more than just wine; it's an immersive retreat blending culture, gastronomy, and relaxation beckoning visitors to escape the urban bustle and embark on a journey of wine appreciation unlike any other.

13th Street Winery, Niagara

The Winery

Step onto the grounds of 13th Street Winery, and you'll be immediately captivated by the promise of a uniquely curated journey through Niagara's wine country. A proud Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified winery, 13th Street is adorned with striking sculptures seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The winery's architecture exudes a charming pastoral elegance reminiscent of a scene from a Wes Anderson film. Recognized as the top winery in Ontario and number two in Canada at the 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada, alongside the esteemed Outstanding Achievement in Architecture award from the Niagara Biennial Design Awards in 2020, 13th Street Winery is not just a destination — it's a testament to artistry and innovation.

13th Street Winery, Niagara | A man walking in the vineyard

The People

At the heart of this celebrated establishment are the Mann and Whitty families, whose journey began with a shared dream among four friends in 1998. Today, John Mann, Doug Whitty and Karen Whitty infuse the winery with their love for wine, food, art and warm hospitality, ensuring that each visit is a truly enchanting experience. Guiding the winemaking process is Jean-Pierre Colas, whose expertise and passion enrich every bottle with a distinctive flair, reflecting the essence of the region's terroir.

13th Street Winery, Niagara | A lineup of wine bottles and cans

The Wines

Epitomizing sustainable winemaking in the Niagara Peninsula, 13th Street's wines are sourced primarily from estate vineyards and carefully selected plots tended by friends. With roots dating back to 1976, these vineyards yield grapes that encapsulate the region's essence, producing captivating expressions of gamay noir, pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, cabernet franc and sparkling wines. Renowned for their sparkling offerings, 13th Street showcases traditional method sparkling with their Premier Cuvée, a harmonious blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, alongside the innovative Gamay Blanc de Noir.

13th Street Winery, Niagara | A lineup of wines

Beyond bubbles, 13th Street's portfolio boasts mineral-driven chardonnays, fruit-forward gamays, exquisite rosés and reserve reds that underscore Niagara's cellar-worthy potential. Each sip invites exploration of the diverse terroir and unwavering commitment to quality that define 13th Street Winery.

13th Street Winery, Niagara | Writer Renée Sferrazza in the vineyard

The Restaurant

Overlooking the vineyards, the outdoor Vineyard Kitchen Bistro, led by chef Josh Berry, offers a culinary experience celebrating Niagara's rich bounty. Locally inspired, seasonal plates evolve with the changing seasons, thoughtfully paired with 13th Street's collection of wines. The restaurant is 100km Food Certified, ensuring that many ingredients reflect the essence of the local landscape. From the curated menu to the attentive service, every detail is meticulously crafted to harmonize with the wines of 13th Street, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.

An art piece at 13th Street Winery, Niagara

The Art

Artistic expression permeates every aspect of 13th Street Winery's identity, from the Sculpture Garden, featuring captivating works by renowned artists seamlessly integrated into the landscape, to the John Mann Gallery, showcasing rotating exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. Through the Expression Project, the winery supports emerging artists by awarding scholarships, ensuring that art continues to flourish on and off the canvas.

The Sculpture Garden at 13th Street Winery, Niagara

The Events

At 13th Street Winery, there's always something happening to tantalize your taste buds and engage your senses. From guided tastings to seasonal festivals and art exhibitions, there's a unique experience during every visit. Explore award-winning wines, indulge in themed tastings and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Niagara's wine culture.

An art exhibition at 13th Street Winery, Niagara

Embark on a wine adventure just a 90-minute drive from Toronto, and immerse yourself in the artistry and allure of 13th Street Winery — a destination where every sip tells a story, and every visit is an unforgettable experience.

13thstreetwinery.com