The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is Canada’s largest wine festival.
Held annually in September, the festival celebrates the region’s rich grape-growing heritage & the bountiful harvest of Niagara’s vineyards. A cherished tradition that brings together wine enthusiasts, families, and visitors from all over.
From the first grape in the early 1800’s, to its humble beginnings over 70 years ago, and its current status as a premier event, the festival has grown to offer a diverse array of activities to celebrate Niagara’s heritage; wine tastings, culinary experiences, live music, and vibrant parades. Montebello Park in St. Catharines serves as the heart of the festivities, welcoming thousands to partake in the celebration of Niagara’s wine culture.
With history as rich as the event itself, we take a dive into this time-honoured tradition, as we celebrate yet another reason to love Niagara!
1800’s – 1900’s: Heritage
The cultivation of grapes in the Niagara region dates back to the early 19th century. In 1811, John Baker established the Niagara Vineyard Society, marking the first commercial winery in Ontario. Johann Schiller, a German immigrant, is also recognized for his early contributions to grape growing in the area. These pioneers laid the foundation for what would become a thriving grape and wine industry in Niagara.
The early years were marked by a series of challenges. The arrival of the phylloxera louse in the late 19th century, which destroyed many of the grapevines in the region. Additionally, the region faced competition from other wine-producing areas, such as California and Europe. Despite these challenges, the Niagara wine industry persisted and continued to grow.
In the early 20th century, the Niagara wine region experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the efforts of a group of Italian immigrants who had settled in the area. These immigrants brought with them their knowledge of winemaking and helped to establish the region as a major producer of wine.
1920’s – 1970’s: Prohibition & Resurgence
The early 20th century was a challenging period for Niagara’s grape growers and wineries. Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933) and similar temperance movements in Ontario heavily restricted alcohol production and sales, leading to widespread closures of wineries and a dramatic decline in grape-based industries. Many vineyards were uprooted or converted to fruit for juice and jams, as alcohol production became illegal or heavily restricted.
Despite these challenges, Niagara growers remained resilient. After Prohibition ended, there was a slow but steady resurgence in grape cultivation. Farmers began experimenting with hybrid grape varieties that could withstand local climate conditions, gradually reintroducing small-scale winemaking.
However, the 1970s witnessed a resurgence with the establishment of Inniskillin Winery in 1975 by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser. Their commitment to producing quality wines using European vinifera grapes marked the beginning of modern winemaking in Niagara.
1970’s – 1990’s: Birth of VQA
The 1970s marked a renaissance in Niagara winemaking. After decades of stagnation following Prohibition, pioneering wineries like Inniskillin demonstrated that Niagara’s cool-climate conditions could produce world-class wines.
Entrepreneurs and winemakers began experimenting with vinifera grapes such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, which were historically difficult to grow in Canada’s climate. These efforts showcased the region’s potential for premium wine production and set the stage for a structured quality framework.
By the 1980s, the Niagara wine industry had grown significantly, attracting attention from both domestic and international wine enthusiasts. However, the lack of clear standards for quality and origin posed challenges for marketing and credibility. In response, Ontario wineries came together to establish the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) in 1988.
During this period, Niagara also began gaining global recognition for Icewine, a naturally frozen dessert wine made from Riesling and Vidal grapes. Awards from international competitions showcased the region’s excellence and uniqueness, further boosting the credibility of the VQA and Niagara wines.
By the 1990s, the combination of innovative winemakers, quality-focused regulations, and a growing wine tourism industry solidified Niagara’s reputation. This was the era when the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival began evolving into a major cultural and tourism event, highlighting the region’s high-quality wines and creating a platform to celebrate its winemaking heritage.
1990’s – Present: Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, established in 1952, has evolved into Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival. Originally conceived by George Hostetter and Bevis C. Walters to raise awareness of Niagara’s grape and wine industry.
The festival expanded its offerings to reflect the sophistication and diversity of Niagara wines:
Wine Tastings & Culinary Experiences: Over 50 participating wineries now offer curated tasting experiences, often paired with local cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet cuisine.
Montebello Park Wine Village: The festival’s central hub features interactive wine sampling, artisan markets, and live cooking demonstrations.
Grande Parade & Community Celebrations: The parade remains a highlight, featuring floats, marching bands, and grape-themed displays, attracting thousands of spectators each year.
Family & Community Activities: The festival has expanded to include the Pied Piper Parade for kids, carnival rides, and family-friendly workshops, making it a multi-generational event.
Cultural Programming & Concerts: Live music performances, storytelling, and theatre productions showcase the cultural richness of the Niagara region.
The festival also plays a major role in promoting Niagara wine tourism, encouraging visitors to explore the region’s vineyards, wineries, and culinary experiences beyond the festival weekend. It has become a key driver for local economic growth, supporting wineries, restaurants, and artisans alike.
The 2025 Festival: A Season of Celebration
The 2025 Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is set to be a spectacular celebration of Niagara’s harvest and winemaking excellence. From September 5 to September 28, the festival will feature a variety of events across the region, culminating in the main festivities at Montebello Park in St. Catharines from September 25 to 28.
Highlights include the Grape & Wine Discovery Pass weekends, offering curated tastings at over 30 wineries, and the Montebello Wine & Culinary Village, showcasing local wines, gourmet food, and live entertainment.
The festival will also feature the Grande Parade on September 27, a vibrant procession through downtown St. Catharines, and the Pied Piper Parade for Kids on September 28, offering family-friendly fun!