Introduction
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both effortlessly romantic and polished, The Hare Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake should be on your shortlist. As a Niagara wedding photographer who has photographed over 300 weddings, I can say Hare offers a unique mix of vineyard charm and Italian-inspired elegance that few venues in Ontario can match. I recently photographed Alyssa and Quincy’s celebration here, and it was a perfect example of how this space brings style, joy, and ease together seamlessly.
Whether you’re envisioning a laid-back vineyard ceremony, a courtyard reception that feels like a European escape, or a cozy evening in the Barrel Room, The Hare provides a stunning canvas to bring your vision to life. It’s going to be amazing.
Venue Overview
- Website: theharewineco.com
- Location: 769 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- Ceremony Spaces: Vineyard lawn, open-air courtyard
- Reception Spaces: Courtyard, Barrel Room, Tasting Room
- Capacity: 25–130 guests (depending on the space)
- Catering Options: Full-service by Vintage Hotels (menus, linens, staffing, and planning support)
- Best Season: Late spring through fall for vineyard settings; cozy winter Barrel Room weddings are also possible
Why Couples Love The Hare
The Hare strikes a beautiful balance between intimate and elevated. Couples choose it because it feels personal and relaxed without losing the sense of sophistication. The courtyard, with its stone walls and arches, feels like something you’d stumble across in Tuscany or northern Italy. The vineyards glow at sunset, creating a dreamy, painterly backdrop. The Barrel Room, with its wood and candlelit warmth, is perfect for couples who want romance and intimacy.
During Alyssa and Quincy’s wedding, the day flowed effortlessly from the vineyard ceremony to cocktails by the vines and into a courtyard reception under the stars. Jennifer from Tufts & Toile brought her design expertise, layering the courtyard with elegant tablescapes that elevated the rustic space. Together, it created a celebration that was stylish, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
At sunset, we stepped away from the reception for no more than ten minutes. It gave them a chance to breathe, be alone together, and soak in the moment, while I captured some of the most beautiful portraits of the day. It does not need to be a long break, just intentional, and it always pays off with images that feel authentic and romantic. That’s one of my favourite things about Hare: it gives you room to enjoy the day without rushing.
For guests, the experience feels immersive. Picture yourself walking through the arched courtyard gates as music plays, candles flickering against the stone walls, and string lights overhead. The air smells of the vineyard in summer, and the glow feels like a true Italian countryside wedding. It’s an atmosphere your guests will talk about long after the night ends.
Photography Highlights
One of the reasons I love photographing at The Hare is how versatile it is for photos:
- Vineyards at Sunset: Rows of vines catch the last golden light of day, making for portraits that feel timeless and cinematic. The venue itself frames beautifully in the background.
- Courtyard Magic: With its European design, stone walls, and string lights, the courtyard feels like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. It’s an incredible spot for first dances, toasts, or couple portraits.
- Barrel Room: Perfect for cozy, romantic shots that highlight warm textures and candlelit ambiance.
- Shady Corners: Even in afternoon light, parts of the building fall into shade, great for flattering, natural portraits at any time of day.
For Alyssa and Quincy, we took advantage of the gardens and vineyards during golden hour, creating images that looked both effortless and editorial. The venue’s design makes it easy to flow from one look to the next without ever leaving the grounds. That’s the beauty of Hare, you get so much variety without losing time on travel.
If you’re picturing sunset vineyard photos that feel cinematic yet effortless, this is the venue that delivers them every time.
Insider Tips
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned while photographing weddings at The Hare:
- Timing is Everything: Plan your ceremony to end just before golden hour. The vineyard portraits that follow will be some of the most breathtaking of your day.
- Rain Plan: The Barrel Room is an excellent backup. While more intimate, it provides texture, warmth, and ambiance that photographs beautifully.
- Family Photos: The back garden is a favourite for group shots, though the courtyard works well too, depending on the sun’s direction.
- Smooth Flow: The Hare is an all-in-one venue. Guests move easily from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, creating a stress-free experience.
- Hire a Planner: A talented planner will elevate the already-beautiful spaces. They’ll design with intention, handle logistics, and let you focus on enjoying the day. Here’s the good thing: when you bring in a planner, you’ll enjoy your wedding that much more.
Guest Experience
Guests love The Hare because it feels welcoming yet high-end. The food, provided by Vintage Hotels, is consistently excellent, which is no surprise, they’re one of the most trusted culinary teams in Niagara. The venue is private after 5 p.m., so your wedding feels personal and exclusive.
Because the property is compact, guests never feel like they’re being shuttled around. The flow from vineyard to courtyard is natural, and the cozy interiors make everyone feel included. For couples who value guest comfort and a celebration that feels like an experience, The Hare checks every box. You’re in great shape when you choose a venue like this.
For peace of mind, there’s ample on-site parking, and the venue is easily accessible for older family members or guests with mobility needs. Vintage Hotels’ coordination helps streamline everything, from meal service to setup, so couples can enjoy the day without worrying about details. Having everything on one property also saves on transportation costs and makes timing much easier to manage, one less thing to stress about.
Planning Notes
- Getting Ready: Since The Hare doesn’t include prep suites, many couples choose nearby hotels like Vintage Hotels properties (Prince of Wales, Queen’s Landing, 124 on Queen) or White Oaks Resort, all close by and great for elegant photos.
- Vendors: The Hare works with Vintage Hotels and has a preferred vendor list, but it remains flexible. Many of Niagara’s top planners, florists, and designers know the venue well. Working with a planner in particular can make all the difference. They know how to highlight the unique character of The Hare, manage the timeline seamlessly, and ensure every detail feels intentional.
- Noise By-Law: Like the rest of Niagara-on-the-Lake, there’s an 11 p.m. noise restriction, but receptions at The Hare flow indoors after that, so dancing can continue without worry.
If this sounds like the kind of effortless yet elevated experience you want, let’s talk. Reach out here.
Why The Hare Stands Out
Compared to other Niagara venues, The Hare offers a distinctly Italian-inspired feel. While Ravine Vineyard is lush and green and 124 on Queen is modern and chic, The Hare feels like stepping into a Tuscan courtyard or Italian vineyard estate. It’s upscale, intimate, and endlessly photogenic. For couples who want something that feels different yet approachable, this is an incredible choice.
From my perspective as a photographer, I love how effortless the venue makes the day. There’s no need to shuttle between multiple locations, it’s all right here. All you need is a beautiful spot to get ready, and The Hare takes care of the rest. That’s going to be great for keeping the day simple and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The Hare Wine Co. is more than just a winery, it’s a canvas for unforgettable celebrations. From golden-hour portraits in the vineyard to courtyard dinners under the stars, it offers couples the best of both worlds: romance and practicality. With excellent food, smooth guest flow, and a setting that feels straight out of Europe, it’s a venue that delivers every time.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Hare Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I’d love to help you capture it. Get in touch here to start planning your photography experience. Once you’re booked, you can cross photography off your list and know you’re in great hands. You can also follow along on Instagram by clicking here.
FAQ
Can I have both my ceremony and reception at The Hare?
Yes, and that’s one of the biggest advantages. The Hare is a true all-in-one venue, with the vineyard lawn for ceremonies, the courtyard for cocktails and receptions, and the Barrel Room for cozy, intimate gatherings.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there’s ample on-site parking, and the venue is also accessible for older guests and those with mobility needs.
What’s the best season for a wedding at The Hare?
Late spring through fall is most popular thanks to the vineyard setting, but winter weddings in the Barrel Room offer a cozy, romantic alternative.
How late can receptions go at The Hare?
Like all Niagara-on-the-Lake venues, there’s an 11 p.m. noise by-law, but indoor spaces allow the celebration to continue seamlessly after that.
Is The Hare Wine Co. good for small weddings?
Yes, the Barrel Room and courtyard work beautifully for intimate gatherings of 25–70 guests, making it a versatile Niagara winery wedding venue.
This isn’t just the wedding of the year, it’s yours.
Your wedding will be unforgettable – for the people who were there AND the ones who only get to see the photos. Let’s capture your wedding with photographers that make everyone wish they were there!
Fill out the form below, and I’ll be in touch faster than you can say “signature cocktail!”.
