Wine Country Ontario expands wine route through downtown St. Catharines

NIAGARA, ON, June 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Wine Country Ontario visitors have more choice than ever for exploring the Niagara wine region with the addition of downtown St. Catharines to its popular wine route. The Wine Route, which includes more than 500 way-finding signs placed in strategic locations throughout the wine growing regions of Ontario, provides consumers with easy navigation to wineries, restaurants, accommodations and other experiences in the area.

Officially launching at the end of June, the St. Catharines section of the Wine Route is destined to be a popular destination for those looking to add a taste of small-town living to their wine country experience. From boutique shopping and locally sourced dining to cozy accommodations and other discoveries, visitors will find lots to explore in this historic town en route to the wineries.

"Wine Country Ontario is excited to introduce new avenues for visitors to enjoy the Niagara region," says Allan Schmidt, Chair of the Wine Council of Ontario. "Conveniently located a moment's drive from some of the region's best wineries, the inclusion of historic downtown St. Catharines on the Wine Route was a natural evolution. Not only does it create more choice for visitors but also supports local businesses and adds more touch points within the region."

The mayor of St. Catharines agrees that the inclusion of the city on the Wine Route will only add to the tourist experience. "We are pleased the Wine Route will bring visitors through downtown St. Catharines – the very heart of our city," said Mayor Brian McMullan. "Together we have worked to enhance the experience, improve access to wine country and connect visitors to our community."

For more information on the Wine Country Ontario Wine Route, visit http://www.winecountryontario.ca.

Wine Country Ontario is dedicated to promoting Ontario's wine-growing regions—from the wines and wineries themselves to the complete experience of each destination: local cuisine, year-round activities and warm hospitality. Wine Country Ontario promotes Ontario's vintners and the unique qualities of our authentic, 100% VQA wines.

SOURCE: Wine Country Ontario

Media contact: Magdalena Kaiser-Smit, Director of Public Relations - Marketing & Tourism, Wine Council of Ontario for "Wine Country Ontario", www.winecountryontario.ca, Twitter @winecountryont, Cell: 905-246-1922 (best number), 905-562-8070 ext. 228, [email protected]; Secondary Media Contact: Mayor Brian McMullan, City of St. Catharines, 905-688-5601 ext 1540, 905-328-8907 (cell)