Organized Crime Winery
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Organized Crime Winery

4.6
·156 reviews·Lincoln, Canada

A family-run winery with award-winning wines, unique historical ties, and a relaxed vineyard patio experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Wines are on point, staff are passionate

CrowdMedium
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Organized Crime Winery

Organized Crime Winery

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Wines are on point, staff are passionate

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-run winery with award-winning wines, unique historical ties, and a relaxed vineyard patio experience.

4.6
(156 reviews)

"This small, often forgotten winery was wonderfully amazing. The staff... did not disappoint!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Try the Pinot Gris!

White wine lovers, don't miss the Pinot Gris – it's cool, refreshing, and has no aftertaste. :wine_glass:

🍷 Rosé is a Surprise Hit

Even if you don't usually drink rosé, theirs is light and refreshing – worth a try! :sparkling_wine:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Wines

Award-Winning Wines

Discover a selection of highly-rated wines, with particular praise for their refreshing white wines like Pinot Gris and Rosé.

Reddit
Vineyard Patio Views

Vineyard Patio Views

Enjoy your tasting on a patio overlooking picturesque vineyards, offering a serene and beautiful setting.

Reddit
Unique Historical Story

Unique Historical Story

Learn about the winery's intriguing name, inspired by the area's bootlegging history and Prohibition-era operations.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unconventional Name

Don't let the name 'Organized Crime Winery' deter you! It's a nod to historical bootlegging in the region, adding a unique story to your visit. This family-run gem offers award-winning wines and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. TikTok

Plan for a Relaxed Tasting

This is a small, quiet winery with a non-commercial vibe. Expect friendly, knowledgeable staff eager to share their passion for wine. It's ideal for those who appreciate a more intimate tasting experience away from the crowds. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Wines are on point, staff are passionate
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Relaxed, non-commercial vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Roger Touhy operated a brewery out of this farmhouse, and demand for his high-quality product soon made him wealthy. In addition to selling the brew at his own a network of taverns, he sold large quantities to Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit. The four silos provided four lookouts to cover up the illegal operation, but the smell from the beermaking process drew attention, and the police eventually shut ...
@seeingcoolplaces
1.4K likes • 14.5K views

🎯 Try the Pinot Gris!

White wine lovers, don't miss the Pinot Gris – it's cool, refreshing, and has no aftertaste. Reddit :wine_glass:

🍷 Rosé is a Surprise Hit

Even if you don't usually drink rosé, theirs is light and refreshing – worth a try! Reddit :sparkling_wine:

📍Organized Crime Winery, Beamsville, ON 🇨🇦 Driving back from Niagara Falls to Toronto, we stumbled upon a lot of wineries. We chose this one because of the name. #ohcanada #winery #winetasting #thirstythursday #miaseatsBayArea #BayAreaFoodie #miaseats #foodiesofinstagram #forkyeah #foodie #SFfoodie #foodsharinggroup #foodstagram #foodiegram #eeeeeats #foodiefamilytime #eatingfortheinsta #foodp...
mias_eats
325 likes • 964 views
#CommissoEstatesWinery #VieniEstatesWineandSpirits #OrganizedCrimeWinery #FieldingEstatesWinery #BellaTerraVineyards #KewVineyard #HareVineyard
jodyglaserabouttown
4 likes • 40 views

✨ Ask about the 'Club'

If you love the wines, inquire about their wine club for potential future shipments. Reddit :envelope:

🚗 Off the Beaten Path

This winery is a bit of a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a unique experience away from the main tourist routes. Reddit

Quick 48 hours away in Beamsville to stock up on our favourite wines #beamsville #wineries #fieldingestatewinery #angelsgatewinery #lakeviewwinery #organizedcrimewinery #truiswinery
kayjohn16
21 likes • 267 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Try the Pinot Gris!

White wine lovers, don't miss the Pinot Gris – it's cool, refreshing, and has no aftertaste. Reddit :wine_glass:

🍷 Rosé is a Surprise Hit

Even if you don't usually drink rosé, theirs is light and refreshing – worth a try! Reddit :sparkling_wine:

✨ Ask about the 'Club'

If you love the wines, inquire about their wine club for potential future shipments. Reddit :envelope:

🚗 Off the Beaten Path

This winery is a bit of a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a unique experience away from the main tourist routes. Reddit

🗣️ Knowledgeable Staff

The servers are attentive and very knowledgeable; ask questions to learn more about the wines and winery. Reddit :bulb:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(156 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Organized Crime Winery's award-winning wines, particularly their refreshing whites and rosés. The friendly, knowledgeable staff and the relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere with beautiful vineyard views are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended hidden gem. Some may find it a bit off the beaten path, but the unique story and quality experience make it well worth the visit.

"A fantastic family run winery! My wife and I stopped here on our little Saturday out. The wines were on point and the staff really have a love for wine that shows.

Definitely would recommend if you're looking for a off the beaten path award winning Winery! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience."

Kyle B

"Lovely small winery, friendly, knowledgeable staff. If you’re a white wine drinker you have to try the Pinot Gris! You will really enjoy it! Cool, refreshing and no aftertaste. I also enjoyed the rose’ which I don’t normally drink but again it was light and refreshing. Well done!"

Ellen McDonald

"This is a small, quiet property in the middle of the Beamsville Bench area. We really liked the very relaxed, non-commercial vibe here. The patio area looks down on a very nice view of vineyards. We enjoyed our tasting, and ultimately bought a few bottles of their wine."

Mel Roman

What People Like

Award-winning wines
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Relaxed vineyard atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be off the beaten path

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Organized Crime Winery is located in the Beamsville Bench area of Ontario, Canada. It's often visited as part of a larger winery tour along the Niagara Peninsula. Many visitors drive, as it's a popular stop when driving between Toronto and Niagara Falls. Instagram+1

Public transport options to wineries in this region can be limited. It's generally recommended to have a car or arrange for a dedicated wine tour service for convenient access. Instagram

Many visitors opt for organized wine tours or hire a driver to explore multiple wineries like Organized Crime Winery, Commisso Estates, and Fielding Estates efficiently. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always strictly required, booking a tasting in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits, to ensure availability and a smooth experience. Reddit

Tastings usually involve a selection of their award-winning wines. You can often choose a sampler or specific wines to try. Reddit

Yes, events like 'Graze the Bench' are held, featuring incredible wine and food pairings. Check their social media or website for upcoming events. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The winery is known for its relaxed, non-commercial, and intimate atmosphere. It's a small, quiet property perfect for a peaceful wine tasting. Reddit

Absolutely! The patio area offers a very nice view of the surrounding vineyards, making it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy your wine. Reddit

While focused on wine tasting, the relaxed atmosphere and vineyard views can be enjoyable. However, it's primarily geared towards adult wine enthusiasts. Reddit

Its unique name, inspired by local bootlegging history, and its family-run, intimate approach to winemaking set it apart. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the primary focus is wine tasting, they sometimes participate in food pairing events like 'Graze the Bench,' offering special culinary experiences. Instagram

Typically, wineries prefer you to purchase food or pairings they offer. It's best to check their policy directly, but outside food is often discouraged. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The vineyard views from the patio are a prime spot for photos. The winery's unique signage and the picturesque landscape offer great shots. Reddit

The winery's name itself hints at a historical narrative. While not a museum, the rustic charm and vineyard setting provide a great backdrop. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Organized Crime Winery is primarily focused on wine tasting for adults, the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful vineyard views from the patio can be enjoyable for families. The open space might offer a bit of room for children to move around, but it's important to supervise them closely as it is a working winery. Consider visiting during quieter weekday hours to ensure a more peaceful experience for everyone. Reddit

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For true wine lovers, Organized Crime Winery offers a delightful escape. You'll find award-winning wines, with specific recommendations for their refreshing Pinot Gris and surprisingly light Rosé. The knowledgeable and passionate staff are eager to share their expertise, making each tasting an educational and enjoyable experience. Don't miss the chance to learn about the winery's unique historical connection to the region's bootlegging past. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

If you're exploring the Niagara Peninsula, Organized Crime Winery is a fantastic stop for a more intimate wine experience. It's often visited alongside other wineries on the Beamsville Bench. Plan to spend a relaxed hour or two enjoying a tasting on their vineyard-view patio. Remember to check their hours and consider booking a tasting slot, especially if visiting on a weekend. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story Behind the Name

Organized Crime Winery's name is a clever nod to the region's rich history, particularly during the Prohibition era. The Beamsville Bench area, like many wine regions, has tales of bootlegging and clandestine operations. One such story involves Roger Touhy, who reportedly operated a brewery out of a farmhouse, supplying his own taverns and even Al Capone's Chicago Outfit. The four silos on his property served as lookouts to cover the illegal operation. TikTok

This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue and character to the winery, setting it apart from more conventionally named establishments. It's a conversation starter and a unique element that visitors often find fascinating, contributing to the winery's memorable identity. TikTok

A Taste of Award-Winning Wines

Visitors consistently praise the quality of the wines at Organized Crime Winery, with many highlighting their award-winning status. The Pinot Gris is frequently mentioned as a must-try, described as cool, refreshing, and having a clean finish. Reddit For those who might not typically reach for a rosé, the winery's version is noted for being light and exceptionally refreshing, often surprising and delighting drinkers. Reddit

The staff's passion and knowledge significantly enhance the tasting experience. They are attentive and happy to guide visitors through the selection, sharing insights about each wine. This personalized approach, combined with the high quality of the beverages, makes for a truly enjoyable and educational visit, encouraging many to purchase bottles to take home. Reddit

The Intimate Winery Experience

Organized Crime Winery distinguishes itself with a small, quiet, and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike larger, more commercial wineries, it offers a non-commercial vibe that many visitors appreciate. The focus is on a genuine, personal connection with the wine and the people behind it. Reddit

The patio area is a particular highlight, providing a lovely setting with views overlooking the vineyards. This serene environment makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely tasting, allowing guests to savor their wine and the picturesque surroundings. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, like Jill who is often mentioned, further contribute to the welcoming and memorable experience, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for. Reddit

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