Exploring the Ultimate Niagara Day-Trip: Wine Tasting and Brewery Adventures

Introduction

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like a crisp March afternoon in the Niagara region when you’ve got the right company. On March 16th, Lynn and I loaded up the Tesla and headed out with the kids—our daughter Grace and her husband, Brodie—for a day of swirling, sniffing, and, let’s be real, some pretty top-tier snacking. When you’ve spent 35 years in education, you learn to appreciate a well-structured lesson, but I’ve got to tell you, a "lesson" in terroir and hops is a lot easier on the nerves than a staff meeting!

We were on a mission to hit our favorite spots, check in on our wine club memberships, and show the kids why we keep coming back to this neck of the woods. Between the sleek vibes at Bella Terra, the hidden-gem feel of Le Clos Jordanne, and a rowdy finish at Bench Brewery, it was one for the books. If you’re looking for the ultimate itinerary for a wine tasting and brewery visit w Grace and Brodie, you might want to take some notes. Our journey wasn't just about the drink; it was about the "RetiredReinspired" lifestyle—finding new joy in familiar places and sharing those moments with the people who matter most.

The Grape Escape: Deep Dives into Bella Terra and Le Clos Jordanne

Our first stop was a 12:30 PM reservation at Bella Terra Vineyards. If you haven't been, the atmosphere there is just... polished. It’s got that high-end feel without being stuffy, which is a tough needle to thread. As we sat on the patio, the sun peeking through the March clouds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Retirement isn't about slowing down; it's about choosing the right pace, and Bella Terra sets a perfect one.

Exploring the Bella Terra Wine Club

The big talk of the morning was the Bella Terra wine club. For those of us who live close by in Simcoe, these clubs are a bit of a no-brainer if you enjoy hosting. Their club isn't just about getting bottles delivered; it’s about the access. We’re talking complimentary tastings for you and your guests, hefty discounts on those "reserve" bottles that usually make your wallet sweat, and invitations to exclusive events.

During our tasting, the Fumé Blanc was the undisputed heavyweight champion. It’s got that signature smoky finish that just lingers—kind of like a good memory. We didn’t leave empty-handed, either. We snagged two bottles of their new Rosé. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and frankly, it tastes like summer is actually coming, even if the Ontario wind says otherwise. Their "Member’s Choice" tier is particularly great because you can customize exactly what shows up at your door. No more "mystery" bottles you’ll never open!

The Art of the Flight at Le Clos Jordanne

By 2:50 PM, we pulled into Le Clos Jordanne. This place is a bit of a different beast. It feels more intimate, almost like you’ve stumbled into a private cellar in Burgundy. Since we’re members here too, we really wanted to show Grace and Brodie the range. We decided to share both a white and a red flight to get the full spectrum.

The Chardonnay here is legendary—minimal intervention, maximum flavor. It was great to sit there, swirling our glasses and debating the notes of stone fruit versus oak. Brodie’s more of a beer guy usually, but even he had to admit the Pinot Noir was "punching way above its weight class." The wine club at Le Clos Jordanne (part of the La Grande Famille) is perfect for the "purist." It’s less about the "party" and more about the "poetry" of the grape. Being a member here gets you into their exclusive lounge and gives you first dibs on the Le Grand Clos releases, which are like liquid gold.

Comparing the Perks: Which Club Wins?

When you're weighing these two clubs, it really comes down to your personal "vibe." Over the years, Lynn and I have been members at Commisso’s, Gretzky, Trius, Peller, and Lakeview. We like to change them up because each offers something unique:

• Bella Terra: Best for social butterflies and variety. Their club is vibrant, and the patio scene is top-tier.

• Le Clos Jordanne: Best for the collector. If you want world-class Pinot and Chard, this is your home.

• The "Big Three" (Peller/Trius/Gretzky): We loved our time with the myWineLife club because it’s a "buy one, get four" deal—perks at all their estates, including the whiskey bar at Gretzky!

• Commisso’s & Lakeview: These offered a more "boutique" feel with fantastic local events and B&B discounts that we utilized often back in the day.

Hops and Heat: Finishing the Wine Tasting and Brewery Visit w Grace and Brodie

After a quick swing by The Watering Can in Vineland—because you can’t have too much of a floral fix—it was time to switch gears. The Watering Can is looking spectacular for their March workshops, by the way. If you haven't seen their spring displays, you're missing out on some serious "garden-therapy." But plants are nice, and our stomachs were starting to growl loud enough to scare the local wildlife.

Bench Brewery: The Perfect Pivot

We rolled into Bench Brewing Company, which is located in a beautifully repurposed schoolhouse (as a retired principal, I always get a kick out of that). The energy shifted instantly from "pinky-up" to "boots-on-the-ground." It’s a great spot to decompress.

Brodie and I went straight for the Short Hill Hazy IPA. It’s juicy, unfiltered, and exactly what you want after a flight of dry reds. Grace, always looking for something a bit more unique, opted for Mad Liam’s Irish Red Ale. It had that perfect malty sweetness that balanced out the "hop-head" energy at the table. We even noticed they have a Peach and Chardonnay Infused Cider now—a perfect bridge for the wine lovers in the group!

The Great Food Debate: Nachos vs. Chicken

You can't have a wine tasting and brewery visit w Grace and Brodie without talking about the food. It was a divided table, to say the least:

1. The Shared Plate: We ordered the Bench BBQ Pork Nachos for the table. Let me tell you, they didn't stand a chance. The pork was tender, the cheese was everywhere, and they disappeared faster than a tax refund.

2. The Main Event: Everyone else went for the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches. According to the group consensus, they had just the right amount of "kick"—enough to make you reach for your beer, but not enough to ruin your afternoon. At $25, they aren't cheap, but the quality is miles ahead of your standard pub fare.

Reflecting on the Road: Why This Journey Matters

Driving back in the Tesla Model Y was the perfect end to the day. One of the perks of an EV is how quiet the cabin is, which is great for rehashing the day’s highlights. We talked about everything from the newsletter I’m editing for the Simcoe Lions to whether the Buffalo Bills are finally going to go all the way this year (fingers crossed, right?).

Walking Keeley, our mini Goldendoodle, once we got home gave me a chance to hit my 10,000 steps for the day. It’s a bit of a balancing act—enjoying the wine and the BBQ nachos while still hitting the Peloton the next morning—but that’s what a long, happy life is all about.

The Value of the Membership

Being a member at these wineries isn't just about the booze; it's about the community. At Peller and Trius, we used to love the "Member Exclusive" dinners. At Lakeview, the monthly pick-up was a great excuse to get out of the house. Currently, our heart belongs to the smaller, focused estates like Le Clos Jordanne, but who knows? Next season we might find ourselves back at Wayne Gretzky Estates for a cocktail in their member lounge. That’s the beauty of retirement—we have the time to change our minds and follow our palates!

Planning Your Own Route

If you're thinking of following in our footsteps, I highly recommend booking ahead. Niagara is popular, even in the "off-season." Here are the spots we visited:

• Bella Terra Vineyards

• Le Clos Jordanne

• The Watering Can

• Bench Brewing Company

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Bella Terra wine club worth it if I don't live in Niagara?

Absolutely. While the local perks like free tastings are great, the shipping options mean you can have a piece of the vineyard delivered to your door anywhere in Ontario. Plus, the member-only wines are often the best they produce. If you're in Simcoe like us, it's a great excuse for a drive!

2. How do I plan a wine tasting and brewery visit w Grace and Brodie (or my own family)?

The key is the "12-3-5" rule. Book your first tasting for noon (or 12:30 PM like we did), your second for 3:00 PM, and your brewery/dinner for 5:00 or 6:00 PM. It gives you plenty of time to travel between spots without feeling rushed.

3. What is the best beer at Bench Brewery for someone who doesn't like bitter IPAs?

Try the Mad Liam’s Irish Red Ale or their Lincoln Gold. They are much more approachable and focus on malt and crispness rather than heavy hops. Their ciders are also fantastic.

4. Do these wineries allow dogs like Keeley?

Many Niagara wineries are dog-friendly on their outdoor patios, but always check their website first! Bella Terra is generally very welcoming to four-legged friends in their outdoor spaces, and Bench Brewery has a great outdoor area for pups.

5. How do the Peller/Trius/Gretzky clubs differ?

They are all under the myWineLife umbrella. Joining one gives you VIP perks at all of them! It’s the best "bang for your buck" if you like to hop between different styles of wineries in one afternoon.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, our wine tasting and brewery visit w Grace and Brodie was about more than just fermented grapes and grain. It was about catching up, laughing until our sides ached over a plate of nachos, and appreciating the local gems we have right in our backyard. Whether you’re a wine club veteran at Le Clos Jordanne or just someone looking for a great Hazy IPA at Bench, there’s something special about the way a day-trip can recharge your batteries. Retirement is the perfect time to be "reinspired" by the things we used to take for granted.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with my Peloton to work off those Nashville Hot Chicken fumes. But man, it was worth every bite.