Sampling the Niagara Wine Trail’s offerings NIAGARA COUNTY: Evolving trail filled with improving wineries.
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BY JOE GENCO
t was part way through last summer when Jim Baker of Niagara County’s Chateau Niagara Winery began noticing a big difference. He was slammed with people coming for outdoor tastings and they were 70% new visitors. Where’d they come from? “They were new customers because they couldn’t go to Niagara-on-the-Lake,” Baker said of how his world changed. “We are selling a lot more wine to a fewer number of people.” By the time it was all over his business, located on West Creek Road in Newfane was up 30% and he realized a massive increase in his wine club. A free membership commits members to purchase 12 bottles a year but also comes with free tastings, special vintages, events and purchase discounts. One particular customer left a lasting 20
