REVIEW · NIAGARA FALLS AND AROUND
Between the Lines Cheese and Charcuterie Picnic
Book on Viator →Operated by Between the Lines Winery · Bookable on Viator
Six pours and a serious snack spread.
This private Between the Lines cheese and charcuterie picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake pairs wine tasting with a proper food board, guided by a host who talks you through what you’re tasting. I especially love the wine-and-pairing focus and the way the tasting feels personal, not rushed like a conveyor-belt stop.
The only catch to plan for: your wine lineup may be set by the host rather than fully pick-your-own. If you have a couple of specific styles or bottles in mind, ask up front so you do not leave feeling shortchanged.
In This Review
- Quick take: what makes this tasting picnic work
- Between the Lines Winery: small-batch energy in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Your 45 to 60 minute plan: how the picnic tasting actually runs
- What’s included: wine, cheese, and charcuterie as the main event
- The indoor setup note
- The wine tasting piece: how pairing stays front and center
- A practical tip if you care about specific styles
- Meet your host and how private sessions change the mood
- Value for $33.80: is it worth it compared to the alternatives?
- Who this picnic tasting is best for (and who should skip it)
- Things that can shape your day
- Should you book Between the Lines Cheese and Charcuterie?
- FAQ
- How long is the Between the Lines cheese and charcuterie picnic?
- Where does the experience take place?
- Is this a private experience?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is transportation included?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Quick take: what makes this tasting picnic work
- Private host/servers: just your group, with time for questions (and pairing talk).
- Wine + cheese + charcuterie included: you can easily turn this into a light lunch plan.
- Between-the-Lines vibe: the winery’s mission is built around innovation, and your host ties it back to the wines.
- Food boards are genuinely big: multiple reviewers said they were more filling than expected.
- Indoor picnic tables: if you want outdoor views, you may need to adjust expectations (or ask about a short vine wander).
- Some hosts can bring wines in stages: so the flow is part tasting, part snack, part conversation.
Between the Lines Winery: small-batch energy in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Between the Lines Winery sits in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town that makes it very easy to do wine without turning your day into a driving marathon. This experience is built around one stop: you head to the winery and settle in with a host who guides the tastings and the pairings.
What makes the winery concept click is its personality. The owners Greg and Yannick Wertsch talk about pushing Niagara winemaking boundaries and building a guest experience rooted in innovation. Practically, that means the tasting is not just about naming grapes. You’ll get the story behind the wines and the way the winery approaches flavor and experimentation, which helps the pours make more sense.
A few more Niagara Falls and Around tours and experiences worth a look
Your 45 to 60 minute plan: how the picnic tasting actually runs
The ticket is listed at about 45 minutes, but the experience description also mentions a full hour for the winery ticket. Translation: plan for roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on group pace and how many questions you ask.
Here’s the flow you should expect:
1) Arrive at Between the Lines Winery on Four Mile Creek Rd.
2) Get hosted at your tasting setup with wine pours and your food board.
3) Walk through the property briefly if offered. A full walking tour is not part of the included package, but at least one guest experience described being allowed a short look at the vines around the fields—so if that matters to you, ask politely once you’re there.
4) Sip and snack until the session ends, then you go right back to the meeting point.
Because it is a private session, the pacing tends to be steadier than in larger group tastings. If you like to pause, smell first, and actually taste instead of rushing to the next stop, this format fits.
What’s included: wine, cheese, and charcuterie as the main event
This is not just a few polite sips with a tiny cracker. Your ticket includes wine plus a cheese and charcuterie board. The experience description specifically lists alcohol beverages and the full snack pairing. In plain terms: you should come hungry for a light meal, not just thirsty for a quick taster.
A lot of reviews focused on how filling the board was. People mentioned being surprised by the size and variety, with enough food to replace lunch for some plans. You’ll also likely find nuts, dried elements, and a mix of cured meats alongside cheeses. (The exact pieces can vary, but the theme is consistent: pair the food with the pours, not just eat on the side.)
The indoor setup note
One review mentioned the picnic table is inside. Another person wanted the outdoors view more. So if you’re the type who plans your trip around vineyard views, know that the main seating may be indoors. Still, you can make it work—bring a photo-hunting mindset, and ask about any chance to step outside for a quick vine look.
The wine tasting piece: how pairing stays front and center
Wine tasting can go two ways. Either you get a handful of facts, or you get help tasting. This experience aims at tasting help.
The best moments come when your host connects the dots: what you’re tasting, why it works with the cheese or charcuterie, and what the winery is trying to express. Multiple hosts were praised by name in guest feedback. For example, Eliane and Eri were described as fun and very knowledgeable about wines and pairings. Paula and Jennifer were also highlighted for explaining flavors clearly and guiding the session through thoughtful pairings.
That does not mean every session feels identical. One mixed review complained about not getting much choice from a two-page list of wines and receiving set selections. Another mentioned the session felt a bit rushed. So I’d call this a good pairing experience, but not a guaranteed build-your-own flight where you pick every pour from scratch.
A practical tip if you care about specific styles
When you arrive, say what you like (or avoid). Use simple language like:
- I prefer crisp whites over sweet wines
- I want more dry reds, not fruity
- I’m curious about something new, but not super oaky
If your host can accommodate, great. If they cannot, at least you’ll know early instead of spending the session hoping for a different bottle.
Meet your host and how private sessions change the mood
Because it’s a private tour/activity, only your group participates. That matters more than people expect. In group tastings, you can end up feeling like you’re interrupting. Here, you’re more likely to get a real back-and-forth.
You’ll see that in the way guests described hosts: warm, friendly, and focused on making the tasting feel like a conversation. Some hosts, like Gord, were mentioned as being fun. Others like Brian, Paul, and Mike were praised for friendliness and for walking people through the tastings with ease.
One caution from the feedback: a rare complaint described a host who did not know much and a staff interaction that felt rude when trying to address concerns. That seems like an exception compared with the strong rating overall, but it’s still fair to say service quality can vary by staffing. If something feels off, speak up early in a calm, direct way—do not wait until the end of the session.
Value for $33.80: is it worth it compared to the alternatives?
At $33.80 per person, you’re paying for three things bundled together: wine, cheese and charcuterie, and a private host/server. Many Niagara tastings charge for the flight alone, and then you still have to buy food separately. Here, food is the partner to the wine, not an afterthought.
This is especially good value if:
- you want to avoid stacking multiple stops just to fill your day
- you like learning while tasting, not just collecting sips
- you prefer a shorter, more relaxed session (about 45–60 minutes)
- you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want it to feel like your time
It may be less ideal if:
- you want a fully customizable menu where you pick every wine
- you plan to spend more than a tasting amount on alcohol beyond what’s included
- you’re chasing views as the main draw and will be disappointed if the setup is indoors
Also note what is not included: bus/shuttle/private transportation. You’ll need your own ride or a driver.
Who this picnic tasting is best for (and who should skip it)
This fits best for couples, friend groups, and families who want a guided tasting paired with real food without committing to a long day tour. It’s also a smart choice for first-time wine tasters in Niagara-on-the-Lake because the session is designed to help you taste and understand, not just rank bottles.
If you’re a hardcore oenophile who wants to geek out on cellar details and deep tasting menus, you might find it short or slightly limited in wine choice. But if you’re here for good pours, solid pairing, and a friendly host-led experience, you’ll likely enjoy it.
One more practical detail: service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, so it’s generally straightforward for a wide range of visitors.
Things that can shape your day
A few small factors can change how you experience it:
- Wine selection flexibility: plan on the host choosing some or all of your wines unless you confirm otherwise at the start.
- Indoor vs outdoor mood: indoor seating is part of the experience for some sessions; vineyard views may be limited.
- Session pace: if you’re hoping for slow, lingering time, pick a calmer time slot and ask for a more relaxed pace.
- Extra drinks: one review mentioned they were not licensed to purchase an extra glass on site. That may not apply in every case, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning to drink beyond what’s included.
Should you book Between the Lines Cheese and Charcuterie?
Book it if you want an easy Niagara-on-the-Lake wining-and-snacking plan with a private host, wine included, and a food board that actually fills you up. The strong overall rating and the repeated praise for pairings and friendliness are exactly what you want from a $33.80 experience.
Skip or reconsider if you need full control over every wine selection or if outdoor vineyard views are your number one priority. In that case, ask the team beforehand what the tasting setup looks like for your time slot, and whether there’s any chance for a short vine walk.
If you go in with the right mindset—treat it as guided tasting + meal-lite—this is a solid stop with real value.
FAQ
How long is the Between the Lines cheese and charcuterie picnic?
It’s listed at about 45 minutes. The winery ticket portion is also described as around an hour, so plan for roughly 45–60 minutes.
Where does the experience take place?
It starts and ends at Between The Lines Winery, 991 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada.
Is this a private experience?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes wine, cheese and charcuterie, plus a private host/server.
Is transportation included?
No. Bus/shuttle/private transportation is not included, so you’ll need your own way to get there.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English. If you need a different language, you’re asked to call ahead.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.
