Visit: Monday to Saturday 10–6, Sunday 11–6 Taste: Wine service daily until 5:30 pm
The Niagara Benchlands is one of Ontario's most exciting and distinctive wine regions — a place where premium wines, big personality, and a landscape that's anything but ordinary come together. More than a standard vineyard tour, the Benchlands offer a fresh take on what wine country can be: unique, vibrant, and full of character.
Located just over an hour from Toronto and 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, the Niagara Benchlands is close enough to feel effortless, yet far enough to feel like a genuine escape.
The Niagara Benchlands is a designated wine sub-appellation within the Niagara Peninsula VQA region, situated on and around the Niagara Escarpment in West Niagara. The region encompasses the villages of Jordan, Vineland, Beamsville, and Lincoln — a stretch of wine country defined by its elevated terrain, ancient soils, and the moderating influence of both Lake Ontario and the Escarpment itself.
The region's rich soils and diverse climate make it the perfect home for bold, expressive wines — a reflection of both the land and the people who shape it. The Benchlands is particularly celebrated for Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Icewine.
What sets the Benchlands apart from other Ontario wine regions is the combination of terroir and personality. From boutique vineyards to family-run estates, each winery brings its own craft and its own story. The experiences here go beyond the glass — walk the rows of sunlit vines, taste wines curated by the winemakers themselves, and take part in events that showcase the unique culture of the region.
Culinary offerings celebrate the region's bounty, from farm-to-table pairings to chef-led dining experiences designed to bring out the best in every bottle. It is wine country for those seeking something different.
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery is one of the Niagara Benchlands' most storied estates. Located at 3210 Staff Avenue in Jordan, Ontario, the winery sits on a 200-year-old family property on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment — the same land farmed by the Staff family for five generations.
Proprietor and Winemaker Sue-Ann Staff is a founding partner of Niagara Benchlands Wineries Inc., the organization that brings 35 member wineries together to market the wines and destinations of West Niagara. She has been one of the region's most passionate advocates for decades — serving as President of the Twenty Valley Tourism Association and contributing to numerous regional boards and committees.
Sue-Ann's wines are a direct expression of Benchlands terroir: thin clay soils over limestone rock on the Escarpment edge, producing wines of exceptional minerality, complexity, and longevity. Her award-winning Rieslings, Icewines, and red varietals have earned over 600 national and international medals.
The Jordan Village area offers excellent accommodation options for visitors to the Benchlands. Vintage Hotels' Inn on the Twenty and Jordan House Hotel are located in the heart of Jordan Village, steps from the winery. St. Catharines offers a wide range of hotels 10 minutes away, and Niagara-on-the-Lake provides boutique inn accommodations approximately 20 minutes from the Benchlands.
The Niagara Benchlands is easily accessible from major Ontario cities. From Toronto, take the QEW west toward Niagara and exit at Jordan Road or Victoria Avenue — approximately 75 minutes. From Hamilton, the Benchlands is approximately 45 minutes via the QEW. From Niagara Falls, head west on the QEW for approximately 30 minutes.
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery is located at 3210 Staff Avenue, Jordan, Ontario L0R 1S0.
Wine tastings are available seven days a week from 11 am to 5:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are recommended on weekends. Tasting flights are $15 per person for three wines, with additional wines available for $5 each.
Learn more about wine tastings at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery. Call us at 905-562-1719 or email info@sue-annstaff.com.
Ontario residents can order Sue-Ann Staff Estate wines online with delivery across the province. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more. Browse our wine collection.
The Niagara Benchlands is a VQA wine sub-appellation in West Niagara, Ontario, situated on and around the Niagara Escarpment. It is known for its elevated terrain, limestone-rich soils, and cool climate — ideal conditions for producing expressive, terroir-driven wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Icewine.
The Niagara Benchlands is approximately 75 minutes from Toronto via the QEW — close enough to feel effortless, yet far enough to feel like a genuine escape into wine country.
The Niagara Benchlands is home to 35 member wineries under Niagara Benchlands Wineries Inc., ranging from boutique family estates to larger producers. Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan is one of the region's most celebrated estates, founded by fifth-generation Niagara farmer and award-winning winemaker Sue-Ann Staff.
The Niagara Benchlands is particularly celebrated for Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Icewine. The region's limestone-rich soils and cool Escarpment climate produce wines of exceptional minerality, acidity, and complexity.
No — the Niagara Benchlands and Niagara-on-the-Lake are distinct wine sub-appellations within the broader Niagara Peninsula VQA region. The Benchlands is located in West Niagara (Jordan, Vineland, Beamsville, Lincoln), while Niagara-on-the-Lake is situated at the eastern end of the Peninsula near the mouth of the Niagara River. The two regions have different soils, elevations, and microclimates, producing wines with distinct characters.
Absolutely. The Benchlands wineries are clustered along a scenic stretch of West Niagara, making it easy to visit several estates in a single day. We recommend starting at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan, then exploring the surrounding village and nearby wineries. Call 905-562-1719 to plan your visit.
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