Heading down to Montebello Park is an excellent way to experience many different wines from around the Niagara Region for the Niagara Wine Festival. There’s music, food and fun for the whole family. For some of us though, it isn’t enough. We need the thrill and excitement that comes from exploration and adventure. The only way to cure this itch is to get your hands on your very own Discovery Pass!

The Discovery Pass for the Niagara Wine Festival is fantastic. For only $40 you get 8 passes to wineries all over the Niagara Region. Each winery has crafted their very own food and wine pairing, ranging from Trius’ Wine Burger paired with a Rosé to Peller Estates’ Nitrogen-churned Bacon Ice Cream paired with Ice Cuvée Classic. There’s so much to choose from, it’s best to plan ahead. So grab your GPS and a few friends, and start hittin’ that dirt road!

1. Trius Burger Bar

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

Back by popular demand! Home of ‘Canada’s Best Wine Burger’ the Trius Burger Bar is serving Chef Frank Dodd’s Trius mini-burgers alongside our 2012 Trius Rosé. This pairing captures the essence of Niagara Wine Country and is a must stop on the Discovery Pass route! $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Trius Winery
1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
1-800-582-8412 ext. 2 | triuswines.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

2. Poutine on the Patio

Pillitteri Estates Winery

Back by overwhelming demand! Join us for a healthy serving of Chef Collin Goodine’s famous ‘baked potato’ poutine. That’s traditional poutine, topped with bacon, sour cream and green onion (dietary requests accommodated)! Paired with a glass of Cabernet Franc or Pinot Grigio on our vineyard patio. $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Pillitteri Estates Winery
1696 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905-468-3147 | pillitteri.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

3. Molecular Gastronomy meets Bacon Ice Cream

Peller Estates Winery

CityLine personality, Chef Jason Parsons, presents house-made nitrogen-churned bacon ice cream with toasted peanut and praline crumble in a waffle cone, paired with Ice Cuvée Classic. Live demos on Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm and recorded demos playing each weekend! $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Peller Estates Winery
290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
1-888-673-5537 ext. 2 | peller.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

4. Eggplant Parmesan & Pinot Grigio

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

Savour eggplant parmesan on fresh baked foccacia perfectly paired with our 2013 Pinot Grigio on our front patio. Overlook the beautiful view of the Niagara River while you enjoy! $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Riverview Cellars Estate Winery
15376 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905-262-0636 | riverviewcellars.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

5. Merlot Magic

Between the Lines Family Estate Winery

Get to know Merlot again with this savoury pairing. Smoky barbecue ribs and a side of tangy slaw is paired perfectly with our 2012 Merlot Reserve. The flavours of black fruit in this wine mingle with the sweet and spicy mouth-watering flavours of this harvest treat. $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Between the Lines Family Estate Winery
991 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
905-262-0289 | betweenthelineswinery.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

6. Harvest Grillfriends

Vineland Estates Winery

Sweet, smoky, juicy and saucy! Savour the flavour of Habanero Bourbon brown sugar wings with smoked blue cheese and Select Late Harvest Vidal. Indulge in Kansas City “Big Smoke” Chipotle wings garnished with twisted celery and backed by O’Leary Cabernet Merlot. $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Vineland Estates Winery
3620 Moyer Road, Vineland
1-888-846-3526 ext. 24 | vineland.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

7. Cab, Duck, Goose – A Foodie Experience

Kacaba Vineyards Winery

Kacaba brings Chef Ryan Shapiro of Vineland’s About Thyme Bistro out of retirement for this limited time engagement. We’re pleased to feature Chef Ryan’s legendary Duck Confit Poutine perfectly paired with Kacaba’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. Savour fresh cut fries topped with Duck Confit, aged cheddar and housemade foie gras sauce. $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Kacaba Vineyards Winery
3550 King Street, Vineland
905-562-5625 | kacaba.com
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm

8. Harvest Fare to Remember!

Tawse Winery

Fall conjures memories of turning leaves, brisk air and long-awaited harvest bounty! What better time to enjoy squash and mascarpone ravioli in brown butter sauce. Savour this decadent morsel with our lush Growers Blend Chardonnay or spicy Growers Blend Pinot! $10 without a Discovery Pass.

Tawse Winery
3955 Cherry Avenue, Vineland
905-562-9500 | tawsewinery.ca
September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 | 11am-5pm