🔔 The Hole-in-One Challenge!

👋 This Week in NOTL

Here’s what’s on the radar:

• A big toast to local wine

• A swing (and maybe a hole-in-one) at Niagara Golf & Batting Cages

• A story of two Manitoban visitors

• A classic Virgil breakfast at Silks

Let’s dive in — no more waiting around!

Food/Drink

As the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival approaches, let’s celebrate the season by highlighting some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s top wineries that locals and visitors can enjoy. We’ll share more about the festival in next week’s newsletter.

• Peller Estates Winery – A Niagara-on-the-Lake classic known for its immersive wine and dining experiences.

• Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery – A family-owned gem offering organic wines and farm-to-table dining.

• Two Sisters Vineyards – Elegant estate with award-winning wines and a fine-dining restaurant.

• Konzelmann Estate Winery – Niagara’s only lakefront winery, celebrated for its German heritage and scenic views.

• Stratus Vineyards – A modern, eco-friendly winery producing premium, small-lot blends.

🍷 Riverview Cellars Turns 25!

There’s a big reason to raise a glass this month — Riverview Cellars Estate Winery is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Since opening in 1999, this family-run winery has become a Niagara-on-the-Lake staple, known for its small-batch wines, warm hospitality, and strong community roots.

To mark the milestone, Riverview is hosting a special anniversary party on September 21st at the winery. Guests are invited to spend the afternoon exploring the vineyard, tasting wines, and joining in on a lineup of celebrations that showcase everything Riverview does best!

👉 Get your tickets here

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Wine & Food — Sip your favourites and enjoy snacks under the late-summer sun.

• Music & Games — Live entertainment and activities to keep the atmosphere buzzing.

• Deals & Prizes — Exclusive offers and giveaways just for the celebration.

• Meet the Family — Connect with Riverview’s winemaker and the team who have made this winery thrive for 25 years.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just discovering Riverview for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a local success story that has grown from humble beginnings into one of NOTL’s cherished wineries.

Grab your friends, save the date, and get ready to toast to 25 years of wine, food, and community at Riverview Cellars.

Sponsored by Niagara Golf & Batting Cages

⛳️ Hole-in-One Hype in NOTL

There’s a new reason to get swinging at Niagara Golf and Batting Cages — their Hole-in-One Challenge is already turning heads. Two winners have sunk the shot so far, and we’re proud to say one of them was from the NOTL News team! 🥳 The prize? 1,000 range balls — the kind of bragging rights we’ll be holding onto for a long time.

Check out our visit to Niagara Golf & Batting Cages! 👇

niagaragolfandbattingcages

1,176 followers

View more on Instagram

We were invited out recently to take part, and it’s safe to say the challenge is as thrilling as it sounds. Whether you’re lining up the shot yourself or cheering someone else on, the energy at the range makes it an experience you won’t forget.

The best part is you don’t need any golf experience to get involved. Owners Vic and Kelly have created a space that’s welcoming, easygoing, and designed for families, kids, and anyone looking for something fun to do.

Here’s why it’s worth a visit:

• Family-Friendly Fun — A place where kids, parents, and friends can all jump in. No pressure, no experience required.

• The Hole-in-One Challenge — A chance to walk away with 1,000 range balls and cheeky bragging rights that’ll last all season.

• Batting Cages — Step into the cages and take a swing. It’s perfect for baseball fans or just a new way to spend an afternoon.

• Community Vibes — This place is buzzing. Even Khalil Ahmad, MVP of the Niagara River Lions championship game, stopped by before leading his team to victory 🏆.

So if you’re looking for a family outing, a fresh activity, or maybe even your own shot at glory, head to Niagara Golf and Batting Cages. Who knows — the next 1,000-ball champ could be you.

Story

🌊 From River Views to Breakfast Plans

While overlooking the Niagara River this week, we struck up a conversation with Rene and Steve, a couple visiting from Manitoba. They couldn’t get over the views — the kind of scene that makes you pause and remember how special Niagara is.

As we chatted, the pair mentioned they were on the hunt for breakfast. Naturally, we pointed them toward Silks in Virgil, a local go-to for hearty plates and hot coffee. With plans set for the morning, they also decided to explore Old Town’s boutique shops later in the day for a little retail therapy.

Meeting visitors like Rene and Steve is always a reminder of how much there is to share in our community — and their search for the perfect breakfast spot gives us the perfect chance to talk about one of Virgil’s best-kept morning traditions.

Must Try

After sending Rene and Steve on their way, it only felt right to take a closer look at the breakfast spot we recommended — Silks in Virgil.

🍳 Breakfast at Silks

For years, Silks has been a staple in Virgil, serving up the kind of classic breakfasts that never go out of style. The menu checks all the boxes: fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, bacon crisped just right, and eggs cooked however you like them. And, of course, no breakfast is complete without a steaming cup of coffee that never seems to run dry.

What sets Silks apart, though, isn’t just the food — it’s the atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a laid-back, welcoming space where locals linger over their morning plates and neighbours catch up across tables. It’s also the kind of spot where visitors like Rene and Steve can settle in and immediately feel like part of the community.

Silks has a reputation for hearty portions and friendly service, but more than that, it’s a reminder that some of the best experiences in Niagara aren’t about glitz or polish — they’re about comfort, consistency, and connection. Whether you’re fueling up before a day of exploring Old Town, grabbing a casual breakfast with friends, or introducing out-of-towners to a local favourite, Silks delivers every time.

So next time you’re in Virgil, take a page out of Rene and Steve’s book: make Silks your first stop of the day.

NOTL News Partners are local businesses and organizations committed to growing alongside us here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Together, we’re building connections, celebrating community, and sharing the stories that make this town special.

If you’re interested in what it looks like to be a NOTL News Partner, let’s connect.