Go beyond the wineries with this insider’s guide to the best of Niagara-on-the-Lake

“Niagara-on-the-Lake is beautiful and quaint. It’s really like a town out of a magazine,” says Vincenzo De Simone, winemaker and owner of De Simone Vineyards, the region’s newest family-run winery. In 2020, the National Trust’s Prince of Wales Prize was given to this picturesque community to recognize its heritage stewardship — which is precisely why it looks like it was plucked straight out of a glossy.

De Simone grew up here on his family’s 40-acre fruit and vegetable farm and later studied winery and viticulture at Niagara College. When his parents began slowing down their farm operations, he decided it was time to convert the land to a vineyard. “It all started in 2010 with five acres I hand-planted with my dad and uncle,” says De Simone, whose grapes include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling.

His first vintage came out in 2015, and De Simone Vineyards opened its doors to the public in 2017. Once lockdown measures ease, tastings will resume and be offered outdoors, among the vines.

In pre-pandemic times, NOTL typically draws more than 3.5 million out-of-towners a year, who are lured by charming streets lined with B&Bs, the world-class theatre at the Shaw Festival, and all the award-winning area wineries, breweries and distilleries. Here, De Simone shares his must-visit spots for a taste of what the town offers.

(Both regional travel guidelines and access to specific places can change quickly; always check official updates before you go.)

For the best morning brew: Balzac’s Coffee Roasters (223 King St., NOTL)

“The first thing I do when I walk the Old Town strip [what the locals call Queen Street] is stop at Balzac’s and grab a coffee to go,” says De Simone of the boutique-style café inspired by the Grand Cafés of Paris. Sit outside on the red and yellow French bistro chairs while sipping your morning brew and mapping your bike route to all the wineries on your to-do list.

For unbeatable patisserie: Willow Cakes & Pastries (242 Mary St., NOTL)

This town has no shortage of delicious bakeries, but ask any local and they’ll send you to Willow Cakes & Pastries, a short walk south of Queen Street. “A lot of people know about this spot because it’s the best,” De Simone says of the bakery, which makes their confections on-site daily. “When I go, I always get their red velvet cake, which is what they’re known for.”

For truly authentic pizza: Pie’Za Pizzeria (188 Victoria St., NOTL)

After a day of tastings, there’s no better pairing than a Neapolitan-style pizza to soak up all that vino. “It’s the closest I’ve had to authentic pizza made in Italy. They use a stone oven and everything,” says De Simone of Pie’Za, which is only one of five pizzerias in Ontario to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Italy. Di Simone’s order is La Spacca Napoli, with fior di latte and soppressata (spicy salami).

For infinite ice cream flavours: Avondale Dairy Bar (461 Stewart Rd., NOTL)

The Historic Old Town is peppered with ice cream parlours and gelaterias, but residents stray elsewhere for their sweet fix: the Avondale Dairy Bar, a classic since 1955, set among the wineries and breweries. “There’s usually a lineup, but it’s worth the wait,” says Di Simone. “I always get the Oreo milkshake, but they have so many different flavours.” No kidding: last year, Avondale made over 100 different kinds of ice cream.

For the gourmet burger: The Garrison House (111C Garrison Village Dr., NOTL)

“I love The Garrison House. I always get their Garrison Burger,” says Di Simone of his menu pick, made with a grilled Cumbrae’s beef brisket patty. Known for modern Canadian cuisine celebrating local ingredients, this gastro tavern is also located among the wineries, just off Highway 55, making it the perfect place for a bite between vineyard hopping.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.