Niagara Grape & Wine Festival

The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival—often called the Niagara Wine Festival—is Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival. Held annually each September in downtown St. Catharines, the centerpiece is a lively gathering at Montebello Park, featuring tastings of over 100 VQA wines, local cuisine, and live music.

Key Highlights

• Discovery Pass weekends run through early and mid‑September (Sept. 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21), offering self-guided tastings and curated food pairings at 30+ wineries across Niagara

• Main Festival Weekend (September 25–28) at Montebello Park draws crowds with free admission, vendors, entertainment, and the famous Grande Parade on September 27, followed by the family-friendly Pied Piper Parade on September 28

• Concerts and signature events such as high-profile musical acts (e.g. local rock legends) and culinary showcases take place during the park festival

• The Celebrity Luncheon kicks off the festival each year in recognition of Niagara’s grape harvest, spotlighting notable Canadian personalities 

As part of the broader Niagara Wine Festival umbrella, there’s also the Icewine Festival in January—a winter wonderland event set in Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake featuring tastings, VIP lounges, ice-sculpting, fireside snacks, and family‑friendly activities along Queen Street 

Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant parade, gourmet wine‑and‑food pairings, or the lively tasting events, the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival delivers a rich harvest‑season celebration in one of Canada’s premier wine regions.