Take Mom on Her Very Own Wine Tour

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — Show the special mother in your life how much you care with a special tour through Niagara’s picturesque wine country.

Spring has taken hold by Mother’s Day weekend, making it the perfect time to get out among the vineyards. Niagara is home to dozens of unique wineries, allowing you to put together your own itinerary to visit some old favourites and check out some new ones to discover Ontario VQA wines that suit your palette.

"Lasting memories are made in Niagara’s scenic vineyards and gorgeous wineries," says Sommelier Marcel Morgenstern, national sales manager at PondView Estate Winery. "There is never a shortage of things to do or vineyards to explore. The wine route offers the perfect opportunity to make the most of your Mother’s Day – and it’s as simple as grabbing a map and choosing your destinations."

When you are heading out into Niagara’s wine country, Marcel offers the following tips to help you make most of your excursion.

· Plot your approach. Plan to hit three to five wineries in a day. Use a map from the Wine Council of Ontario or the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake to line up your route. Planning your approach is key to making sure you have enough time to explore the many boutique wineries serving unique wines not commonly available in larger retailers. And very important – plan your way around safely. Please don’t drink and drive, so if you coming by car please ensure you have a designated driver.

· Scout local cuisine. Hopping from winery to winery and trying all those wine samples can work up an appetite. Ask winery staff for their recommendations of local eateries with unique chef-prepared menus. You — and Mom — will not be disappointed.

· Use pedal power. Cycling is a great way to travel between wineries and enjoy the scenic countryside. Whether you plan on bringing your own bike or renting from a local bike shop, it’s ideal for getting around the Four Mile Creek appellation where there are bike paths and wide shoulders designed for rider safety.

· Tour the actual winery. Plan to visit more than just the tasting room. Many wineries offer private tours of the facilities or grounds that you can book according to your schedule. At PondView, private tours starting at $8 get you into the vineyard and barrel room where you can sample wines paired with artisan cheeses.

· Plan for purchases. It is not a bad idea to pack a cooler where you can keep your purchased bottles. If you are visiting by bicycle, ask the winery if you can pick up your bottles at the end of the day, or take note of the wine you want to purchase and return to get it later. Some smaller wineries may even deliver within Niagara-on-the-Lake, so be sure to ask about your options.

· Join a wine club. Is there just no room in your busy schedule to get Mom out to a winery? Then bring the wines to her by signing her up for a wine club.My Niagara Wine Club delivers four wines from four different wineries every two months. Enjoy the wares of PondView, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, Rancourt Winery and a special guest winery without having to leave the comfort of home.

"There is nothing quite like visiting a winery," says Marcel. "With your Mom, learn more about how Niagara wines are made, se the vineyards where they wines start and talk to experts that can offer pairing suggestions and help you get the most of your wine experience. It is quite simply an exclusive wine and tasting experience that you can’t find anywhere else."

Please visit www.pondviewwinery.com for more information, Like PondView on Facebook, follow it on Twitter @pondviewwinery and share your photos on Instagram.