Bella Terra Vineyards — Attraction in Niagara-on-the-Lake

I visited Pondview on Friday August 20, with my husband, mother in law, and father in law. Our booked time was from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and included a charcuterie board. Upon arriving we were greeted by the concierge and he told us we could go back and someone would seat us. We walked back to the patio area that was very nicely set up, and we waited. We waited for about 5 minutes and no one came over. We approached the bar and said we had a reservation to the 2 gentlemen who were in deep conversation behind the bar and they told us to grab a seat wherever and someone would be with us shortly. We sat at a table with 4 very comfy adirondack chairs under the tent. We waited, and waited, and waited. Finally at 4pm just when I was about to go back to the bar and interrupt that oh so interesting conversation, a young girl came around ready to get our first selection. She explained she was new and while her wine knowledge was limited she told us she enjoyed the wine. My husband and I both work in the industry and the wine knowledge is not that important to us as we already know it. She was extremely pleasant and upbeat and we enjoyed her explanations of the wine and her general attitude. She brought us our charcuterie and our first tasting. By this point it is nearly quarter after 4 and we have 15 minutes to be at our next stop. As I looked around, there was at least 8 tables being served and she was the only one serving. The 2 gentlemen behind the bar were still in deep convo and apparently completely unaware that this girl is running around like a maniac trying to get everyone served. At one point the owner or the winemaker was there chatting up a table of ladies for quite some time. But still, no help for our server.

We ended up skipping our third tasting that was included in our selection because we simply ran out of time. My booking was for 4 tastings and a charcuterie board and I paid $154.24 for that, but we didn't even get our last tasting. Such a waste of money. We ended being a little late to our next tasting and we were unable to purchase wine at Pondview because of this. Unfortunately, I really enjoyed their cabernet franc rose, I would have liked to purchase a few bottles.

The entire experience was a frustrating and disappointing one to say the least. We book times as that is what is required. All of the wineries we visited that day were booked in advance, this was the only one that fell short on time. It is not the girls fault, I felt she did the best with what she had. The 2 gentlemen behind the bar laughing and carrying on in conversation seem like a waste of time and money in my opinion. It was very obvious to everyone there that this poor girl was floundering trying to keep up....well maybe not everyone, the 2 gentlemen behind the bar seemed oblivious.

I would not recommend the winery if you are looking for a good customer experience. There are lots of independently owned wineries such as this one, that will give you a better experience for the exorbitant amount of money they charge for...

My wife and I have been going to Pondview/Bella Terra since it opened and have shared many outstanding charcuterie boards and wines on their outdoor patio over the years. Was compelled to book and prepay this time, to the tune of over $100 for two. Beware the "Bait and Switch". They have made significant changes to their lay out and processes - to their detriment. We were greeted by a rather officious hostess that would not allow us to sit where we wished, directing us to sit in a large space that had the noise level of a Bavarian Beer Hall. Reluctantly, she acquiesced and allowed us to sit outside for a more intimate experience, handing us over to a young lady who, clearly, did us a favour by coming into work that day. When presented with our choices of wines for the tasting, this young lady seemed impatient, asking us repeatedly if we needed more time to make our selections. Failing to advise us that they were "out of" the majority of our selections - elongating the process even further. Expecting the usual, properly portioned, collection of artisan meats and cheeses, our charcuterie board arrived. It contained nearly two pounds of packaged cold cuts and was served with a handful of sesame crackers from Costco. When we inquired about the bread it normally came with, we were invited to order an additional foccacia for $12. When I pointed out that my booking specifically listed Ciabatta being served with the board, this young lady stated "...it's not our fault - Costco delivery didn't come through for us this week." Costco? Seriously? Then, it happened, when she brought our wines - our server stated in a completely disinterested manner, "Do you really want me to go through each of the wines and their tasting notes?" Eluding to the fact it was hot outside and she considered us brave for being there. That was it for us. Enter the manager "Juan" who just continued with a course of excuses that solidified our distain for the experience. Perhaps a quick trip out to a grocery store to source baguette for the days' bookings would have avoided this. To our server (who never showed face thereafter) save Bella Terra the trouble and just quit - you don't belong there. Sorry Bella Terra, never again. Your competition is too fierce to pull...

The service, wine, food and overall experience at Bella Terra Vineyard is outstanding! Andrea, Breanna and Catherine are so warm and welcoming, fun to chat with and give amazing wine recommendations based on your preferences. I prefer red wine, but I must say the sparkling brut is so pleasant. You don’t notice any dryness and it goes down so smoothly and really opens the palate. The pinot noir and merlot are also delicious and rich. And the appasimento is one-of-a-kind! This was my first time trying appasimento wine (made from dried raisins), and it is such a beautiful celebration wine, definitely for sipping and not for everyday dinner – it is really special, had to pick up a bottle and save it for a special day with my husband! The Cabernet Franc icewine is comfortably sweet and delightful. The charcuterie board is so generous and large. Everything is made with such care – the prosciutto is real parma and sliced so thinly, the way it’s supposed to be (they slice everything by hand to perfection in the kitchen). The cheeses are delicious. The wine jelly is phenomenal and the cute little red pimento peppers are adorable. It’s such a generous board, packed with various meats, cheeses, and Italian antipasti, this board could easily be a lunch for 2. The atmosphere is so cozy, love the fireplace and the barrel tables. Can’t wait to visit when it’s hot out to see the vineyards. I have also ordered Pondview wines in the past and they are...