Between the Lines Cheese and Charcuterie Picnic

A wine tasting with a full cheese and charcuterie board is a smart way to spend part of a Niagara-on-the-Lake visit. At Between the Lines Winery, your private host pairs generous wine samples with cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and dried fruit, turning a simple tasting into a light meal.

I like the personal format, since only your group takes part, and I like the staff-led stories about the winery, Canadian wine, and the names behind the bottles. The board can be large enough to replace lunch, which makes the $33.80 price look especially good for couples and small groups.

The main thing to check is timing. The tour is advertised as about 45 minutes, while the detailed itinerary lists one hour. The tasting can also vary by host, and some sessions offer a set selection rather than letting you choose from the full wine list.

Key points at a glance

• Private tasting for your group: You do not share the session with strangers, so you can ask questions at your own pace.
• A surprisingly filling board: Cheese, charcuterie, nuts, and dried fruit may be enough to change your lunch plans.
• Six samples may be possible: Some sessions have served six wines, while another tasting used three selected wines, so the lineup is not fully fixed.
• Inside picnic seating: Do not assume you will sit outdoors among the vines. At least some picnic tables are inside.
• Strong personal service: Hosts including Paula, Elaine, Erica, Jennifer, Brian, Gord, Eri, and Mike have been praised for clear explanations and friendly care.
• Easy cancellation terms: Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Arriving at Between the Lines Winery on Four Mile Creek Road

Between the Lines Winery sits at 991 Four Mile Creek Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. This is a winery visit rather than a pickup tour, so you must arrange your own way there. No bus, shuttle, private transportation, or walking tour is included.

That matters in Niagara. The wineries are spread around the countryside, and this booking does not connect the tasting with Niagara Falls or other estates. If you are staying in Niagara Falls, plan the drive or another form of transport in advance. The activity starts and ends at the winery, which makes it easy to fit into a self-guided wine route.

The setting has the feel of a working family winery. Brothers Greg and Yannick Wertsch own Between the Lines and describe their goal as pushing Niagara winemaking in new directions. That spirit comes through in the mix of traditional wines and less expected choices, including canned wine served during at least one tasting.

The property itself is part of the appeal. You can see the vines around the fields, and some hosts may allow a short walk outside. Still, keep your expectations in check. This is not a formal vineyard tour, and outdoor time is not listed as a guaranteed part of the booking.

A Private Table Instead of a Large Group Tasting

The private format is one of the best reasons to choose this activity. Only your group takes part, so the session can feel more like a relaxed appointment than a crowded tasting-room stop. You can ask about grape varieties, pairings, winemaking, or the winery’s approach without waiting for a large group to move along.

That format also suits special occasions. The tasting has worked well for anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, family outings, and afternoons with friends. A private table gives you room to chat, share the food, and compare your reactions to each wine.

The service is likely to shape your experience more than any other factor. Paula has been singled out for taking time to explain new flavors and the winery’s innovations. Elaine and Erica have guided guests through pairings with care, while Jennifer has been praised for explaining the wine-making process clearly. Brian, Mike, Eri, and Gord have also made strong impressions in their sessions.

That does not mean every host will have the same level of experience. One poor session involved a new staff member who knew little about the wines or the property. Another tasting felt rushed, and the host did not offer much choice. The private format gives you personal attention, but it does not guarantee a perfect match with your server.

Working Through the Cheese and Charcuterie Board

The food is more than a token snack. The board includes a mix of cheeses, cold cuts, nuts, and dried berries, with enough variety to test how different foods change the taste of the wine. The portions have often been described as generous, and one serving was large enough for two people to abandon their lunch plans.

That is a real value point. At $33.80 per person, you are not paying only for a few sips in a tasting room. You are getting wine, a substantial shared board, and a private host. If you planned to buy lunch after the visit, the total cost can compare favorably with a separate meal and tasting.

The board also gives the host something useful to discuss. A wine that tastes sharp on its own can seem softer with cheese. Salty cured meat can bring out different fruit notes, while dried berries may make a wine seem sweeter. The best hosts explain these changes as you eat, rather than simply naming each item and moving on.

Food quantity can vary, so I would not book this as a guaranteed full meal for a large group. It sounds especially suitable for two people or a small family group. If you have dietary needs, call ahead and ask what can be adjusted. The supplied information does not promise vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-specific substitutions.

Wine Samples, Choices, and Surprises

The wine selection is not completely standardized. One session served six wines, brought two at a time, with a chance to taste one of each. Another session served three wines selected by the host from a much longer list. A separate tasting allowed the group to choose wines.

That range is important when you book. If you have a particular grape, style, or bottle in mind, tell your host at the start. You may receive a guided selection, but you should not assume that a two-page wine list means you can taste anything on it.

The guided approach has a benefit. A good host can choose wines that show contrast, then explain how each one works with the board. For a first wine tasting, this may be easier than facing a long menu and trying to make informed choices on your own.

The downside is clear: if the staff selects only three wines and none is a favorite, you may feel shortchanged. The wines have been praised often, but not every palate will agree. The safest plan is to treat the session as an introduction to the winery, not a custom tasting of every style it makes.

You might also encounter wine in a can. At least two samples have been served that way, which surprised one couple. It is not a quality judgment, but it may not fit the classic image of a Niagara vineyard tasting. If presentation matters to you, ask what format will be served.

What the Host Adds to the Tasting

The strongest part of this activity is the explanation between pours. The hosts can cover the winery’s background, Canadian wine, the winemaking process, and the stories behind some bottle names. Those details make the tasting more memorable than simply sampling several glasses in silence.

I would ask direct questions. Which wine best shows the Niagara growing area? What should you pair with the strongest cheese? Which bottle is the most unusual? Are the canned wines made for a different occasion? A private host gives you a better chance to get useful answers.

The tone seems friendly rather than formal. Some hosts are soft spoken and gentle, while others are lively and playful. Gord, for example, has been remembered for his humor. That variety can work well, but it also means the pace and style may depend on who is working that day.

A few sessions have felt rushed, especially when the room was busy. If you want a slow anniversary tasting, say so politely at the beginning. The booking is short, so five extra minutes of conversation can make a real difference.

Inside Picnic Tables and Outdoor Expectations

The name picnic may lead you to picture a table overlooking the vines. That is not a safe assumption. At least one session took place at an indoor picnic table, and another person wished the tasting had been outside with a vineyard view.

The indoor setup has some advantages. It is more dependable in poor weather, and the table is practical for a large board, wine glasses, and conversation. The winery may also be decorated for the season, including festive Christmas decorations in winter.

If outdoor views are central to your plans, ask before booking. You may be allowed to walk among the vines, but this is not promised as part of the standard activity. The most reliable feature is the tasting itself, not a particular seat or view.

That distinction helps you compare this with other Niagara wine visits. Choose Between the Lines for the private food-and-wine format and the chance to talk with a host. Choose another option if your main goal is a long vineyard walk, a scenic outdoor picnic, or included transport between wineries.

Is $33.80 a Good Price?

At $33.80 per person, the price is appealing for a private session that includes alcoholic beverages, cheese, charcuterie, and a host. The board can be filling, and the tasting may include several wines. For a couple, the total is $67.60 before any extra purchases, which is reasonable for a special afternoon stop.

The value improves if you use the food as a light lunch. Several portions have been described as abundant, with enough cheese and meat left over at the end. You should not count on that exact amount every time, but the activity appears more generous than a basic three-sample tasting.

There are a few limits. Transportation is not included, and you cannot simply add an extra glass to linger after the session because the winery is not licensed for that option, according to one experience. The activity also does not include a formal walking tour.

For visitors already driving their own route, the price works well. For anyone needing a dedicated driver or shuttle, add that cost before comparing it with a larger winery tour.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would choose this tasting for:

• Couples marking an anniversary or honeymoon
• Families who want a relaxed food stop
• Friends looking for a private afternoon activity
• First-time wine tasters who want guidance
• Wine fans interested in Niagara producers and new formats
• Anyone who prefers a small personal session to a large group tour

It is less suitable if you want a full vineyard lesson, a long outdoor picnic, or complete control over every wine poured. It may also disappoint people who expect the tasting to last exactly 45 minutes or exactly one hour, since both timings appear in the supplied details.

Most participants can take part, and service animals are allowed. The standard language is English. If you need another language, call the winery before booking rather than assuming an interpreter will be available.

Timing, Cancellation, and Planning Tips

Allow at least an hour in your day, even if your confirmation shows about 45 minutes. The itinerary gives one hour, and a little breathing room helps if the host takes time with questions or the board is served in stages.

Book ahead during popular Niagara weekends and seasonal periods. The activity is often reserved about 15 days before the visit, which gives you a useful planning guide. If you want a particular day or time, do not leave it until the last minute.

Your mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation arrives when you book. Since the activity begins and ends at the winery, check the address carefully before setting out. You will need to handle your own transportation.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancel at least a full day ahead for a complete refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

Should You Book Between the Lines?

I would book this if you want a private Niagara wine tasting with enough food to matter. The strongest reasons are the personal host, the large board, and the chance to learn about the wines while you taste them. The experience is especially good for couples, small family groups, and first-timers.

Go in with realistic expectations. Your host may choose the wines, the table may be indoors, and the session may feel closer to 45 minutes or closer to an hour. Ask about the lineup when you arrive, and do not count on a vineyard walk or an extra glass afterward.

For $33.80, this is a solid value when you are already exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake by car. It is a focused tasting with food and conversation, not a full winery tour. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, Between the Lines is an easy choice.

FAQ

Where does the cheese and charcuterie tasting take place?

It takes place at Between the Lines Winery, 991 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0, Canada.

How long does the activity last?

The tour summary gives an approximate duration of 45 minutes, while the detailed itinerary lists one hour. Plan for roughly an hour.

Is transportation included?

No. Bus, shuttle, and private transportation are not included. You must make your own way to the winery.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private session, and the activity ends back at the winery.

What is included in the price?

The price includes alcoholic beverages, wine, cheese, charcuterie, and a private host or server.

Is the activity offered in languages other than English?

English is the listed language. If you need another language, call ahead to ask about availability.

Can I choose the wines I taste?

The tasting lineup can vary. Some sessions have offered guest choice, while others have served wines selected by the host. Ask at the start if you have specific preferences.

Is there an outdoor vineyard picnic?

Outdoor seating is not guaranteed. At least one session used a picnic table indoors, and a walking tour is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.