TASTING PASSPORT
Explore decadent pairings of wine, chocolate & cheese in Canada’s iconic wine destination
Warm up with a delicious escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Pass invites you on a self-guided tour through wine country, featuring rich chocolate, artisanal cheese, and perfectly paired VQA wines at participating wineries. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend or a gourmet getaway, this seasonal experience is the ultimate way to treat your taste buds.
Cheese, Chocolate, Cheers
Learn all about the Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Passport
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8 curated tasting experiences at participating wineries
Expert pairings of VQA wine with chocolate and/or cheese
A self-guided experience you can enjoy at your own pace
Choice of two pass types:
Signature Tasting Pass (with wine)
Designated Driver Pass (non-alcoholic)
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Pick your eight stops
Browse the pairings below and click “Book Now” under the wineries you want to visit. Each pass includes eight tastings, so additional passes must be booked in multiples of eight.Choose your date and pass type.
For each tasting, select when you’d like to visit and whether you’re booking a Signature or Designated Driver tasting.
Checkout online.
Complete your purchase and receive your digital tasting passport (PDF) by email from SquadUP. Be sure to check your junk folder just in case.
Show up and sip.
Present your confirmation at each winery during your reserved times. Tastings run 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and reservations can be made up until 11:59 PM the night before. Groups of 8+ should contact wineries directly ahead of their visit.
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Forgot to book in advance?
Same-day tastings are available for $15 each (including HST + fees).
Available only on event days
Must be purchased same day
Available until 4:30 PM
Quantities are limited, so early booking is encouraged
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Signature Tasting Pass (8 tastings): $65.95 (including HST + fees)
Designated Driver Pass (8 tastings): $50.61 (including HST + fees)
Day-of Tasting (1 tasting): $15 (including HST + fees)
How to Book Your Tasting Pass
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Scroll to Explore the pairings.
Click “BOOK NOW” under the winery you want.
A menu will open with that winery’s booking options
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Select your date.
Choose Signature Tasting Passport (1 tasting) or Non-Alcoholic Passport (1 tasting)
Click Add to Cart
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Repeat until you have 8 reservations (1 per winery) for a single pass.
Booking more than one pass? Your cart must be a multiple of 8 tastings (8, 16, 24, etc.).
Tip: 2 passes = 16 tastings, 3 passes = 24 tastings.
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Click Checkout, review your order, apply promo codes, and enter your details.
Your digital passport is your PDF confirmation (emailed after purchase).
The PDF will come from SquadUP, our ticketing platform — be sure to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it.
NEW: You can now book your Signature Tasting Pass up until 11:59 PM the day before your first reservation
Taste the Season Tasting Passports and Day-Of Tickets must be booked online.
Passes and Tickets are not available to purchase at wineries.
Looking for Day-of Tickets?
Didn’t plan ahead? No problem. On event days, you can now purchase individual tastings for select wineries.
Day-of Tastings are available for $15 (including HST + fees).
Just remember: Day-of tastings can only be purchased same-day and are only available until 4:30 PM and availability is limited.
Explore the pairings
Passes on sale January 5
Bella Terra Vineyards
Comfort Meets Cabernet
Featuring: Mac n’ Cheese + Dry Rub Rib
Paired with: Cabernet Merlot Reserve, 2023
Non-Alcoholic Option: Hot Chocolate
Dietary Info: N/A
Between the Lines Winery
Pinot & Pork Perfection
Featuring: Smoked Pork Belly, cheddar cornbread, Baja Slaw, Cocoa-Chipotle Mayo
Paired with: 2021 Pinot Noah Reserve
Non-Alcoholic Option: Available
Dietary Info: gluten free, vegetarian available
Byland Estate Winery
Cheez the Moment
Featuring: Lemon Baked Cheesecake with Salted Citrus Chantilly
Paired with: Oaked Chardonnay 2023
Non-Alcoholic Option: Gatorade Zero (591 mL)
Dietary Info: N/A
Chateau des Charmes
Old Vines Cabernet Merlot x Dark Chocolate Pork Shoulder Slider
Featuring: Dark Chocolate Smoked Pork Shoulder Slider with Triple Cream Brie and Caramelized Onion “Jam”
Paired with: Old Vines Cabernet Merlot
Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal mocktail
Dietary Info: Alternatives available upon request
Dandor Estate Winery
PAIRING COMING SOON
De Simone Vineyards
Tira Miss U
Featuring: Cream, Savoiardi Biscut, cocoa, coffee
Paired with: Cabernet Franc, 2021
Non-Alcoholic Option: TBD
Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available
Ferox Estate Winery
A Sweet Advantage
Featuring: Vanilla Cheesecake topped with Red Wine Ganache
Paired with: Ferox Cabernet Franc Reserve
Non-Alcoholic Option: A “white wine” Spritz
Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available
The Hare Wine Co.
The Dark Side of Delicious
Featuring: Dark chocolate and red wine braised short rib on olive oil crostini with sharp cheddar.
Paired with: Hare Cabernet Franc
Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal Mocktail
Dietary Info: Gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free options available
Inniskillin Winery
Cocoa Braised Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta
Featuring: Cocoa Braised Cheeks & Cheezy Polenta
Paired with: Reserve Cabernet Franc
Non-Alcoholic Option: Fall Sangria
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available upon request
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate
Fig & Sparkle Romance
Featuring: Warm malted figgy pudding layered with silky crème fraîche and topped with a tajin almond drizzle
Paired with: Sparkling Moscato
Non-Alcoholic Option: Jackson-Triggs Non-Alcoholic Rose
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Sweet Tooth Tango
Featuring: Silky vanilla cheesecake dusted with cocoa and topped with raspberry sauce.
Paired with: 2023 Pinot Noir
Non-Alcoholic Option: Cranberry raspberry juice
Dietary Info: Kosher, Vegetarian, Halal
Lakeview Wine Co.
Cocoa Kissed Arancini
Featuring: Cocoa dusted arancini with a hint of chili heat
Paired with: 2019 Malbec
Non-Alcoholic Option: Spiced Cranberry Cooler
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Marynissen Estates
Cabernet & Comfort
Featuring: Smoked brisket chili topped with Gunn’s Hill artisan shredded cheese
Paired with: 2023 Cabernet Franc
Non-Alcoholic Option: Crimson Non Alc Sangria
Dietary Info: Gluten-free
Niagara College Teaching Winery
Nutty Affair
Featuring: Hazelnut gianduja bites with roasted nuts and dark chocolate
Paired with: Balance Merlot
Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling Fruit Shrub
Dietary Info: Not available
Palatine Hills Estate Winery
Twisted for Merlot
Featuring: Soft extra sharp cheddar pretzel drizzled with dark chocolate
Paired with: 2024 Lakeshore Merlot
Non-Alcoholic Option: Black Cherry Sparkling Soda
Dietary Info: No dietary alternatives available
Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant
Sweet & Savoury Tartlet Perfection
Featuring: Pear and goat cheddar tartlet with cabernet chocolate mole sauce
Paired with: Private Reserve Pinot Noir
Non-Alcoholic Option: Crimson Cider
This mocktail is made with spiced apple juice, lime juice and 99 old fashioned syrup.
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Pillitteri Estates Winery
NOTL Cheesesteak
Featuring: Niagara-style Philly cheesesteak with seasoned beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and mozzarella on a soft brioche bun
Paired with: Team Canada Red
Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling Cider
Dietary Info: No dietary accommodations available
Queenston Mile Vineyard
Gettin’ Hot & Bisqué!
Featuring: Creamy seafood bisque with lobster, shrimp, baby clams, and a hint of chili chocolate.
Paired with: 2020 Viognier Estate Reserve
Non-Alcoholic Option: Cranberry Kiss Mimosa
Dietary Info: Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Available
Ravine Vineyard
That’s a Mole!!!
Featuring: Braised mole negro pork stew with slow cooked Ontario pork shoulder and crispy tortilla
Paired with: 2021 Ravine Merlot
Non-Alcoholic Option: Strawberry Lemonade
Dietary Info: Details to come
Reif Estate Winery
The Hanging Man’s Berry Cheesy Melt
Featuring: Brie and Gruyère grilled cheese on focaccia served with a bright cranberry dip
Paired with: The Hanging Man Kerner
Non-Alcoholic Option: San Mon (Non-Alcoholic Prosecco)
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Riverview Cellars Winery
The Arancini Affair
Featuring: Crispy arancini filled with seasoned beef and mozzarella, served with marinara sauce
Paired with: Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Non-Alcoholic Option: Seasonal Mocktail
Dietary Info: Vegetarian option available
Strewn Winery
A Savoury, Airy Love Affair à la Française!
Featuring: Light, airy Gruyère gougères served with a smooth, smoky red pepper dip
Paired with: 2022 Premium Riesling “Lively” (medal winner)
Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling White Proxies
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
FRESH Wines, at Shiny Apple Cider
Berry Sweet Chocolate Cheesecake Cup
Featuring: Strawberry cheesecake mousse in a rich chocolate cup with a sweet crumble topping
Paired with: FRESH Meritage
Non-Alcoholic Option: Berry Vanilla Fizz
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Trius Winery & Restaurant
A Pairing to Go Nuts For
Featuring: Milk chocolate crémeux bar topped with maple candied pecans
Paired with: Distinction Cabernet Sauvignon
Non-Alcoholic Option: Cupid’s Candy Floss Fizz
This is our seasonal inspired juice topped with candy floss.
Dietary Info: Gluten free
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Buzzin’ for Bacon Fudge Bars & Brut
Featuring: Milk chocolate fudge bar with bee pollen, toasted coconut, and crispy smoked bacon
Paired with: Brut Sparkling Wine
Non-Alcoholic Option: The Happy Camper
This is a pear inspired mocktail with hints of lemon and 99 old fashioned simple syrup.
Dietary Info: Gluten free and vegetarian fudge available, contains dairy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chocolate & Cheese runs Fridays to Sundays from February 13 till March 8, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at participating wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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Your Signature Tasting Pass includes 8 food and wine pairings—one at each winery. You can visit all in one weekend or spread them out across the month. Each stop must be booked in advance for the specific date and time you plan to visit.
Passes must be purchased by 11:59 PM the day before your first reservation (e.g. if you’re booking your first reservation for Saturday, you must reserve your tasting by 11:59PM on Friday).
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No. Most guests plan 3–4 stops per day. You’ll select all your winery reservations when you buy your pass, but visits can be spread across the month.
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A limited number of day-of tastings may be available directly at select wineries for $15 (including fees + HST) each, but they can’t be reserved ahead of time and depend on availability.
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Signature Tasting Pass – $65.95 (incl. HST & fees): 8 wine + food pairings
Alcohol-Free Pass – $50.61 (incl. HST & fees): 8 non-alcoholic beverage + food pairings
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No—each stop offers a tasting-sized portion designed to complement the wine. Think small plate, not full meal.
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Tickets are handled by our partner SquadUP. If you can’t find your confirmation, email support@squadup.com and they’ll resend it.
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Passes are non-refundable, but anyone can use them—the ticketholder’s name at check-in is enough.
Some reservation date changes may be possible depending on availability, but they aren’t guaranteed.
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Transportation is not provided by Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Guests are encouraged to arrange their own travel between stops.
Our transportation partners include Coventry Transportation and Niagara Air Bus.
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Yes—each winery lists dietary notes and accessibility details on the passport page so you can plan your route comfortably.
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Pairings are set by each winery to showcase a specific combination of food and wine, so substitutions aren’t typically available. That said, some wineries may be able to offer an alternative at their discretion. If you have preferences or restrictions, we recommend calling ahead to the specific winery.
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No—all passes and day-of tickets must be purchased online through our website.
