Wine tours have become the most popular tourist attraction in the Niagara region other than viewing the Falls. And there is no better way to experience the joys of Niagara this summer than on a custom wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake. And there’s lots of options. But you’ll need a plan, so let Marcel Morgenstern, a Sommelier and national sales manager at Pondview Estate Winery, offer you some tips:

Plot your approach: There are free maps of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region in almost every local winery and hotel as well as online at http://www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com. Planning your approach is key to making sure you have enough time to explore the many boutique wineries serving unique wines not commonly available in larger retailers.

Tour by bike: Biking is a great way to travel between wineries and enjoy the scenic countryside. Whether you plan on bringing your own bike or renting from a local bike shop, it’s ideal for getting around the Four Mile Creek appellation where there are bike paths and wide shoulders designed for rider safety.

Set aside a weekday: For a quieter experience, visit during the week when the wineries and restaurants aren’t as crowded. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, be sure to book your meals and private winery tours ahead of time.

Tour the actual winery: Plan to visit more than just the tasting room. Many wineries offer private tours of the facilities or grounds that you can book according to your schedule. At Pondview, private tours starting at $8 get you into the vineyard and barrel room where you can sample wines paired with artisan cheeses.

Get your wine home: Don’t let your wine purchases weigh you down. Ask the winery if you can pick up your bottles at the end of the day, or take note of the wine you want to purchase and return to get it later. Some smaller wineries may even deliver within Niagara-on-the-Lake, so be sure to ask about your options.

And remember, don’t drink and drive!

Visit http://www.pondviewwinery.com for more information.