Wayne Gretzky Winery Sees Record Summer Surge: Inside Niagara’s Premier Sports-Wine Destination
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON — As the 2026 summer tourism season reaches its August peak, Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery continues to draw record crowds across the Niagara wine region. Combining premium VQA winemaking with artisanal spirit distilling and year-round outdoor lifestyle experiences, the estate has solidified its status as one of Canada's most visited beverage destinations.
| Estate Attribute | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada |
| Primary Partners | Wayne Gretzky & Andrew Peller Limited |
| Key Products | VQA Wines, Artisanal Rye Whisky, Cream Liqueurs |
| Signature Feature | 23,000 sq. ft. property with seasonal outdoor ice rink |
| Current Focus | 2026 Late-Summer Tasting Tours & Fall Harvest Prep |
The Evolution of No. 99 in Wine Country
Founded on a passion for Canadian craftsmanship, Wayne Gretzky Estates launched through a strategic partnership between hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and Andrew Peller Limited, one of Canada’s premier winemaking enterprises. What began as a boutique line of Niagara VQA wines expanded dramatically with the 2017 opening of its flagship 23,000-square-foot facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The estate holds the unique distinction of being the first joint winery and distillery in Ontario. Built to honor Gretzky's sports legacy while delivering serious enological credentials, the winemaking team utilizes local cool-climate grapes to produce award-winning Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Baco Noir, and signature Icewines.
Beyond traditional winemaking, the brand pioneered finishing Canadian whisky in red wine casks. This crossover approach appeals to both classic wine collectors and modern craft spirit enthusiasts seeking distinct local flavor profiles.
Visitor Guide: Experiencing Wayne Gretzky Estates
Navigating the estate during high-density travel periods requires strategic planning. Whether visiting for a quick tasting or an extended day on the grounds, key amenities offer high utility for regional travelers:
- The Cocktail & Wine Bar: Features guided flights of No. 99 wines alongside craft cocktails made with estate-distilled rye, gin, and vodka.
- The Beer & Whisky Hall: Offers hearty, rustic comfort food tailored to pair directly with spirit tastings and draft brews.
- The Patio & Courtyard: Operates as an outdoor dining lounge during summer months before converting into a regulation-sized ice rink for public skating during winter.
- Retail & Club Access: Guests can secure limited-edition cask releases, signed memorabilia, and exclusive winery-only vintages directly from the estate shop.
For optimal visits during the peak August 2026 travel window, booking tasting reservations at least 48 hours in advance is strongly recommended due to high weekend volume.
Wine and Beyond - WAYNE GRETZKY VANILLA BEAN CREAM LIQUEUR 750ML ...
What's Next: Harvest Season Preparation and Winter Preview
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, the estate is finalizing preparations for the annual Niagara grape harvest kicking off in September. Winemakers report strong vineyard health across local plots, pointing toward a promising vintage for cool-climate whites and full-bodied reds.
Following the harvest season, the estate will transition its central courtyard for winter operations, preparing the signature ice rink for December openings. Brand representatives indicate new small-batch cask-finished whiskies and winter wine releases will debut alongside the seasonal rink relaunch later this year.
