The Hare Journal

Stories from the winery

Guides, pairings, and a little Niagara wine country wisdom from our family to your table.

Vineyard rows turning gold in autumn, the lake beyond

Best Time to Visit Niagara Wine Country, Season by Season

Wondering about the best time to visit Niagara wine country? Our season-by-season guide to Niagara-on-the-Lake covers blossoms, patios, harvest, and icewine.

A glass of red wine held up to the light

Cabernet Franc: Niagara's Signature Red Wine Grape

Discover why Cabernet Franc Niagara is the region's signature red. Learn its flavours, food pairings, and how to taste it at The Hare Wine Co. in NOTL.

A corporate group along a long table with wine and food

Corporate Events Niagara-on-the-Lake: Vineyard vs Boardroom

Host corporate events in Niagara-on-the-Lake at The Hare Wine Co. Exclusive winery use for 20 to 130 guests, curated wines, full coordination. Inquire today.

John Hare holding a husky puppy against the winery’s brick wall

Dog-Friendly Wine Tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Looking for a dog friendly winery in Niagara? The Hare Wine Co. welcomes well-behaved dogs on the patio. Here is what to expect, plus tips and best times to visit.

Guests around a long table in the barrel room, mid-tasting

A First-Timer's Guide to a Winery Tasting in Niagara

New to wine? This winery tasting for beginners guide covers how a guided tasting works, simple etiquette, and what to expect at The Hare Wine Co. in NOTL.

Friends reaching across a table to toast over charcuterie boards

Is a Wine Club Worth It? A Guide to The Hare Founders Club

Thinking about joining a Niagara wine club? Here is an honest look at The Hare Founders Wine Club tiers, perks, and whether the membership math adds up for you.

A gift basket of Grandma Hare’s shortbread with a Gillian’s Place card

Grandma Hare's Shortbread and Giving to Gillian's Place

Grandma Hare's Shortbread is a treasured family recipe baked at our Niagara-on-the-Lake winery, with every penny going to Gillian's Place. Here is the story.

A group along a harvest table in the tasting room, bottles down the centre

Family and Group Celebrations at Our NOTL Winery

Planning a winery group outing in Niagara? The Hare Wine Co. hosts family gatherings, birthdays and group celebrations with hosted tastings, pizza and a patio.

A glass of icewine and its bottle beside a cheese plate, wine racks behind

Icewine and Cheese Pairing: A Niagara Tasting Guide

An icewine and cheese pairing guide from our family winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Learn which cheeses suit our Vidal icewine, and how to serve it.

A harvester working the snow-covered vines, the winery beyond

Niagara-on-the-Lake in Winter: Icewine and Cosy Tastings

Planning Niagara-on-the-Lake in winter? Discover icewine season, the Icewine Village, fewer crowds, and cosy tastings at The Hare Wine Co. in NOTL, Ontario.

The brick courtyard at dusk, string lights on, set for a reception

Planning a Niagara-on-the-Lake Vineyard Wedding Day

Dreaming of a Niagara-on-the-Lake wedding venue? Tour The Hare Wine Co., a romantic vineyard estate with a stone courtyard, catering, and a venue coordinator.

Four guests toasting at an outdoor table with the vines behind

Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Wine Day Trip

Planning a Niagara-on-the-Lake wine day from Toronto? Here is a friendly local itinerary for couples and friends, with tastings, patios, pizza, and Icewine.

The wine boutique dressed for Christmas, gift sets on the tables

The Gift of Wine: Niagara Wine and Icewine Gift Ideas

Looking for Niagara wine gifts? From estate Icewine to gift cards, give-back shortbread, tastings, and club memberships, find ideas from The Hare Wine Co.

A family photograph from the archive: a woman and three children in a garden

The Hare Story: Our Scottish and Bulgarian Family Roots

The Hare story, from O'Hara in Ireland to O'Hare in Scotland to Hare in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dual Scottish and Bulgarian roots, our Haretage wine, and a family welcome.

John Hare at the press during the icewine harvest, glass in hand

Vidal vs Riesling Icewine: The Grapes Behind the Glass

Vidal vs Riesling icewine, explained simply. Learn how these two Niagara grapes differ in flavour, sweetness, and style, and taste our Vidal at The Hare in NOTL.

Frozen grapes in the press at the icewine harvest

What Is Icewine? A Niagara Icewine Guide for Visitors

Curious about Niagara icewine? Learn how it is made, what it tastes like, how to serve and pair it, and where to try it at The Hare Wine Co. in NOTL, ON.

Wood-fired pizza, charcuterie and glasses of wine, seen from above

Wine and Food Pairing: Pizza, Charcuterie, and Icewine

A friendly wine and food pairing guide for The Hare Wine Co. Match our wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, and Icewine with VQA wines on your NOTL tasting visit.