Niagara’s Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting

Niagara’s sweetest specialty takes center stage here: Icewine, served with small bites that make the tasting feel more like dessert than a standard wine flight. You’ll try Sparkling Eric Brut with aged cheddar, Riesling Icewine with Basque cheesecake, and Cabernet Franc Icewine with a dark chocolate brownie.

I like the focused 45-minute format and the family-run feel at Between the Lines Winery. I also like that the pairings give you a clear way to understand these sweet wines, instead of asking you to taste them on their own. The main drawback is practical: you must arrange your own ride to the winery, and the tasting room can get loud enough to make conversation harder.

• Three wines and three food pairings: Sparkling Eric Brut, Riesling Icewine, and Cabernet Franc Icewine are matched with cheddar, cheesecake, and brownie.
• A family estate winery: Between the Lines Winery produces VQA wines and Icewines in Ontario’s Niagara wine country.
• Hosts who explain the details: Paul, Paola, Rachel, Rolf, and other staff have been praised for friendly, clear service.
• A compact 45-minute visit: The short format works well between Niagara-on-the-Lake stops.
• Private for your group: Only your party takes part in this booked activity.
• Self-arrival required: Bus, shuttle, private transportation, and a walking tour are not included.

The Sweet Side of Niagara Wine Country

This tasting is built around a simple idea: sweet wine works best when food gives it balance. Instead of pouring a series of unrelated samples, the host pairs each glass with a bite that changes how you notice the wine.

The opening pour is Sparkling Eric Brut with aged cheddar. That pairing gives you a savory start. The cheese brings salt and firmness, while the sparkling wine supplies lift and freshness. It is a good reminder that a tasting does not have to begin with the sweetest pour.

Next comes Riesling Icewine with Basque cheesecake. Riesling Icewine is usually the bright, fruit-driven part of an Icewine tasting, and the cheesecake gives it a creamy partner. You can focus on how the wine’s sweetness and acidity work with the dessert rather than treating it as a sugary drink by itself.

The final pairing is Cabernet Franc Icewine with a dark chocolate brownie. This is the boldest finish, with a darker dessert to match the red Icewine. If you already know you like dessert wine, this last combination may be the part you anticipate most.

What Happens During the 45-Minute Visit

The entire experience takes place at Between the Lines Winery, at 991 Four Mile Creek Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You arrive at the winery, meet your host, and settle into the tasting area for a guided session lasting about 45 minutes.

The visit is not a vineyard tour, walking tour, or transportation package. Its value comes from the tasting itself and from the host’s explanation of the wines and pairings. That distinction matters if you are comparing it with a larger Niagara wine outing that includes several wineries.

The tasting includes one glass of sparkling wine and two glasses of Icewine, along with aged cheddar, Basque cheesecake, and a dark chocolate brownie. The portions are designed for tasting, not for replacing lunch, so plan another meal if you need something substantial afterward.

The pace should suit you if you want a clear introduction without giving up half a day. The short length also makes it easy to fit into a Niagara-on-the-Lake schedule. You can visit the winery, learn the basics, and still have time for other stops.

Between the Lines Winery and Its Family Feel

Between the Lines is a family estate winery producing premium VQA wines and Icewines. That family connection shapes the tone of the visit. The emphasis is on conversation, questions, and practical explanations rather than a formal lecture.

Staff members have included Paul, Paola, Rachel, and Rolf, and each has been praised for making the tasting personable. Paul has been described as friendly and able to make the session feel relaxed. Paola has guided visitors through wine production, food pairing, and the proper way to taste. Rachel has shared information about the winery’s family and background. Rolf has been singled out for excellent service even when the tasting room was noisy.

You may not have one of those exact hosts on your visit, but the repeated pattern is useful: expect a hosted tasting, not simply a tray of glasses with no explanation. If you have never tried Icewine, ask questions. The staff can help you understand how the wine is made and why it is so sweet.

The tasting area has been described as clean and attractive, with a setting around the winery’s casks. The surrounding vineyard area is peaceful and scenic, adding a pleasant sense of place even though the booked activity itself is centered on the indoor tasting.

The Three Pairings, Glass by Glass

Sparkling Eric Brut with Aged Cheddar

The first pairing keeps the session grounded. Sparkling wine and aged cheddar give you a savory contrast before the sweeter wines arrive.

This is a useful opening for anyone who worries that a tasting built around Icewine will be too sweet from start to finish. The cheddar adds salt and texture, while the bubbles provide a lighter beginning. You can take your time with the cheese, taste the wine alone, then try them together.

The pairing also gives the host an easy way to explain tasting technique. You are encouraged to notice the aroma, take a small sip, and then see how the food changes the finish. That makes the session educational without turning it into a classroom.

Riesling Icewine with Basque Cheesecake

Riesling Icewine is paired with Basque cheesecake, a soft and creamy dessert. This is the point where the tasting shifts fully into dessert-wine territory.

If you are new to Icewine, this glass offers a friendly introduction. Riesling is familiar to many wine drinkers, yet the Icewine style brings a much greater sweetness and concentration. The cheesecake helps you understand why these wines are usually served in small amounts.

The pairing also gives you a useful comparison with the final red Icewine. Taste the white wine carefully before moving on. Pay attention to the difference between the lighter fruit character of Riesling and the deeper feel of Cabernet Franc.

Cabernet Franc Icewine with Dark Chocolate Brownie

The closing pairing is the most decadent. Cabernet Franc Icewine comes with a dark chocolate brownie, creating a dessert combination that will appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth.

This is not a dry red wine pairing. The Cabernet Franc Icewine is part of the dessert course, and the brownie reinforces its sweet, full finish. The dark chocolate keeps the final bite from feeling plain or one-dimensional.

Because this is the last pour, it is also the best point to ask about bottles you might want to take home. If you are planning to buy wine, confirm the current sales arrangements at the winery. One account noted that a glass or bottle was not available for immediate purchase after the tasting, which makes checking ahead a sensible step.

The Hosts Make the Difference

The strongest part of this experience is the human side. A good host can turn three pours into a useful lesson, and that appears to be the goal here.

You can expect explanations of how to taste wine, how Icewine is made, and why certain foods work with certain styles. The session is also flexible enough that a host may answer questions beyond the three planned pairings. One account describes arriving early, receiving an early start, and being allowed to sample additional wines without an extra charge. That kind of flexibility may depend on the day and staff availability, so do not treat it as guaranteed, but it shows the relaxed approach that can shape the visit.

The service has been praised repeatedly for warmth and patience. That makes the tasting a good choice if you are bringing someone who knows little about wine. You do not need to arrive with specialist vocabulary. Ask what you like, what you do not like, and what bottle might suit your meal.

A Few Practical Drawbacks

The biggest issue is noise. The winery can become loud, making it harder to hear the host or chat with the people in your group. If you want a quiet, intimate wine lesson, this may not always deliver that. A private booking means only your group participates, but it does not guarantee a silent tasting room.

Transportation is another consideration. No bus, shuttle, or private vehicle is included. The meeting point is the winery, and the activity ends there. You need to arrange your own way to and from 991 Four Mile Creek Road.

That setup works well if you are driving, staying nearby, or already visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is less convenient if you are based at Niagara Falls and hoping for a pickup. Plan the route before booking, especially if your group intends to drink all three pours.

You should also treat the food as pairing portions rather than a full meal. The cheddar, cheesecake, and brownie add real value, but they are small bites designed to show how the wines work with food.

Is $22.94 a Good Price?

At $22.94 per person, the price is reasonable for a hosted tasting that includes three alcoholic pours and three food pairings. You are paying for more than the liquid in the glass. The host’s guidance helps you understand Icewine, compare white and red styles, and make better choices if you later buy a bottle.

The value is strongest if you are curious about Icewine and want a short, organized introduction. A single bottle of Icewine can be a costly experiment if you are unsure about the style. This tasting lets you compare Riesling and Cabernet Franc before committing to a purchase.

The value is weaker if you want a full winery day, a vineyard walk, or transportation. Those features are not included. You are paying for a focused tasting at one winery, not a full Niagara wine tour.

The 45-minute duration also keeps the cost in proportion. You are not spending a large part of your day for a single stop, and the session can work well before or after other Niagara-on-the-Lake activities.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend it to first-time Icewine drinkers, couples looking for a relaxed food-and-wine stop, and small private groups that want a guided tasting without a long commitment.

It also suits people who prefer dessert wine to dry reds. The pairings are especially helpful if you are unsure how to serve Icewine or what foods belong beside it. You can taste the wine in a thoughtful setting, then use the pairing ideas at home.

This is a good pick for a celebration, too. One group used the experience during a 35th wedding anniversary trip and especially enjoyed the red and white Icewines. The format is festive without taking up an entire afternoon.

I would be more cautious if you need transportation, want a silent room, or expect a full meal. You should also confirm bottle-purchase arrangements if buying wine onsite is important to you.

Booking and Cancellation Details

The activity accepts mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided at booking. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate.

This is a private activity for your group. That gives you more control over the social setting than a large shared tour, though the room itself may still be noisy.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

Should You Book It?

Book this tasting if you want a short, affordable introduction to Niagara Icewine with food that explains the wines rather than simply accompanying them. The combination of cheddar, cheesecake, and brownie creates a clear progression, and the hosts have consistently made the session friendly and useful.

Skip it if you need a ride from Niagara Falls or want a full winery tour with several stops. For everyone else, the $22.94 price makes this an easy add-on to a Niagara-on-the-Lake day, especially if you have never tried Icewine and want to know what the fuss is about before buying a bottle.

FAQ

Where does the tasting take place?

The experience takes place at Between the Lines Winery, 991 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.

How long does the experience last?

The tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What wines are included?

The tasting includes one glass of Sparkling Eric Brut, one glass of Riesling Icewine, and one glass of Cabernet Franc Icewine.

What food is paired with the wines?

Aged cheddar is paired with the sparkling wine, Basque cheesecake with the Riesling Icewine, and a dark chocolate brownie with the Cabernet Franc Icewine.

Is transportation included?

No. Bus, shuttle, and private transportation are not included. You must meet at the winery, and the activity ends there.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.