Short, tasty, and surprisingly filling. This private cheese and charcuterie picnic at Between the Lines Winery pairs wine samples with a proper board, all in one focused stop near Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love the setup because it keeps things intimate and easy, with a host guiding your pacing instead of rushing a crowd.

I also like the food-to-wine balance. The tasting comes with wine plus cheese and charcuterie, and multiple boards get described as big enough to replace lunch, with plenty of variety in cheeses, cold cuts, nuts, and dried berries. Hosts named in recent experiences include Paula and Eliane, and the best part is the way the story-telling connects the wines to what you’re tasting.

One thing to consider: the “picnic” setup may be indoors, and one couple wished for more outdoor vineyard views. Also, wine choice can be flexible one day and more set on others, so if you have strong preferences, it’s worth asking how the tasting selections work.

Key things to know before you go

• Private session, just your group for a calmer pace and better back-and-forth.
• A big cheese and charcuterie board that many people say could knock out lunch plans.
• Wine sampling is the main event, with multiple pours served during the session.
• Between the Lines Winery’s brothers set the tone with a focus on innovation and dynamic experiences.
• You may get a short look around the vines, even though this isn’t listed as a full walking tour.
• Some people get more choice than others, so ask about selection if you’re picky.

Where this picnic-tasting happens near Niagara Falls

Between the Lines Winery is based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is a quick shift from the Niagara Falls area. The meeting point is right at the winery: 991 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0. You start there and end right back there, so there’s no complicated “one direction only” logistics.

If you’re pairing this with a Niagara Falls day, treat it like the calm, food-first reset after bigger sightseeing. Niagara-on-the-Lake also tends to feel more relaxed, with wineries and tasting rooms clustered enough that you can keep your plan tight.

This experience uses a mobile ticket, so plan to have your phone ready at check-in. And because it’s a private session, you won’t get mixed into a larger group shuffle while you’re trying to enjoy your wine and board.

The timing: what 45 minutes feels like in real life

The tour is listed at about 45 minutes, and the stop itself is described as about one hour. Translation: you should expect a short, focused session, not an all-afternoon winery hang.

In practice, that means you’re moving through two main moments. First, you’ll settle in with the host and get your cheese and charcuterie set up. Then the wine sampling follows, with pours paced to match the food so you’re not stuck waiting for plates while your wine sits.

Because it’s private, you get a bit more control over your pace than a large group tasting. If you want to slow down and taste at your rhythm, that usually works better here than in busy, high-volume rooms.

Stop at Between the Lines Winery: the brothers’ “innovation” mindset

The heart of this experience is your time at Between the Lines Winery, run with a clear point of view. The winery is owned by two brothers, Greg and Yannick Wertsch, and their vision is to push Niagara winemaking in new directions through innovation. That doesn’t feel like marketing fluff here—it’s part of what the host explains during the tasting.

The itinerary is simple: you come in, get oriented, and then your host walks you through the tasting. One of the nicest details is that the host’s favorite part is guiding visitors across the property and connecting the place to the wines in the glass. Some people also mention being allowed to take a short walk to see the vines around the fields.

A quick note on the walking: a formal walking tour isn’t listed as included. Still, if the winery schedule and weather allow, you might get a little extra look around—so if you care about that, ask when you arrive.

What you’ll taste: wine pours, pacing, and surprises

Wine tasting here is built around generous samples rather than tiny sips you can’t taste. The exact number of pours can vary by host and day, but one detail that shows up clearly is that people often experience multiple wines, sometimes described as around six, with the wine coming out in batches (for example, two at a time).

One playful surprise in recent experiences: a couple of tastings included wine served from a can. That’s not the kind of detail you’d expect, but it also fits the winery’s “dynamic experience” spirit—less stuffy, more fun.

If you’re new to wine, this format helps. A short tasting keeps you from drowning in terms. A good host role here is to translate what you’re tasting into plain language and show how each wine changes when it meets different bites.

Do you get to choose your wines?

This is the one area where experiences can differ. Some people loved the fact that they had options to choose which wines to taste. Others felt their selection was more determined for them, with a set list used for the sampling.

If you have favorites (or strong dislikes), speak up early. Ask how the tasting selection works and whether you can steer it. That simple question can turn an okay tasting into one that feels tailored.

The cheese and charcuterie board: why it can replace lunch

Let’s talk food, because this is where the value often lands. The board is included and it’s described as plentiful more than once—large enough that some people said they ended up skipping lunch plans because they were full.

You can expect a mix built for pairing. The types mentioned include cheeses, cold cuts, nuts, and dried berries. That combination matters because wine tastes different when you switch textures and fats: creamy cheese can soften a sharper wine, salty meat can make fruit flavors pop, and sweet-dried accents can add a pleasant contrast.

Even the “picnic” idea is part of the appeal. You’re not wandering through a tasting room with a paper cup. You’re sitting down with a board, taking bites, then switching to wine. It’s a simple rhythm and it works well for couples, birthdays, and friend catch-ups.

Inside picnic tables: plan for the vibe, not the view

One practical consideration: the picnic table may be inside. That’s a real factor if you’re hoping for vineyard views while you sip. Some people wished for more outdoor seating with a view of the vines.

If the weather is nice and views are your priority, ask the host where the seating will be. If it’s inside, you can still enjoy the tasting—just shift your expectations from outdoor scenery to cozy, hosted comfort.

Who this private session suits best

This experience fits best when you want wine and food without a big schedule. It’s a great match for:

• Couples looking for an anniversary-style stop that doesn’t eat the whole day
• Families who want something approachable and not too long
• First-time wine tasters who like guidance but don’t want lectures
• Groups of friends who want a calmer pace than a walk-in public tasting

Because it’s private, your host can answer questions and pace the samples to your group. That’s a big deal when people in your party have different comfort levels with wine.

Also, it works well for short trips. One person booked it during a quick Niagara Falls stay and basically used it as their main winery experience in a limited time window.

Price and value: $33.80 that includes a lot

At $33.80 per person, this is positioned as an affordable tasting with food. The key value points are what’s included: wine, cheese and charcuterie, plus a private host/server. You’re not paying separately for a cheese board, and you’re not doing this as a basic sit-and-stand tasting.

What’s not included is also important. No transportation is part of the price, and there’s no bus/shuttle/private ride included. So if you’re coming from Niagara Falls without a car, you’ll need to budget for getting there and back.

If you’re comparing it to pricier tastings that separate the food component, this one can feel like a win because the board is substantial. The best way to judge value is simple: if you’d happily pay for a decent meal plus a tasting, you’re in the right zone.

Practical tips to get the best out of your session

Here’s how to make it smoother and more satisfying:

• Arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushed when the board and pours start.
• Ask about wine selection if you want control over what you taste, since experiences suggest some days are more flexible than others.
• Go with an appetite, but don’t plan a heavy meal right afterward. People have described the board as filling.
• If you care about outdoor views, ask whether the seating can be outside or if the picnic table is inside.
• Bring your best questions about how the wines are made or why the names and flavors connect to the winery’s approach.
• If you need a language other than English, the info says to call ahead.

One more small thing: service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. If anyone in your group has a specific need, it’s worth confirming details when you book or check in.

Should you book Between the Lines Cheese and Charcuterie Picnic?

Book it if you want a short, food-forward wine tasting where the pairing is part of the fun and not an afterthought. The private format helps, and the size of the charcuterie board is a standout reason people feel they got value for the money. If you’re celebrating something small, or you’re new to wine and want guidance without a long day, this fits.

Skip it (or at least ask questions first) if your top priority is an outdoor vineyard-view picnic, because the picnic setup can be inside. Also, if you have strong opinions about which wines you want, confirm how much you’ll be able to choose, since selection can vary.

If you’re doing Niagara Falls for a day or two, this is a smart way to add a winery experience that feels personal, not rushed.

FAQ

How long is the Between the Lines cheese and charcuterie picnic?

It’s listed at about 45 minutes (approx.). The winery stop is also described as about an hour.

What’s included in the price?

The experience includes wine, cheese and charcuterie, plus a private host/server.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at Between The Lines Winery, 991 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need transportation that’s included in the booking?

No. Bus/shuttle/private transportation is not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.