Great spa getaways often begin with relaxation, but the most memorable wellness escapes engage all the senses. At White Oaks Resort & Spa, one of Canada’s leading wellness destinations, guests can now pair award-winning spa experiences with one of the country’s most celebrated wine programs.
LIV Restaurant, located within White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, has once again earned recognition from Wine Spectator in its 2026 Restaurant Awards, an international distinction that honors restaurants with exceptional wine lists and thoughtful food-and-wine pairings.
The award recognizes restaurants whose wine programs demonstrate depth, quality, and a commitment to enhancing the guest dining experience. For LIV, it reflects years of dedication to showcasing both the world-class wines of Niagara and outstanding selections from Canada’s premier wine regions and internationally renowned vineyards.
“Our team has worked diligently to curate a wine list that showcases the incredible vineyards of the Niagara Region and Ontario, alongside exceptional wines from across Canada and around the world,” says Ian McRae, Outlets Manager at White Oaks Resort & Spa. “Our thoughtfully composed wine list has been crafted to seamlessly pair with our culinary creations, offering a harmonious dining experience.”
The recognition is particularly meaningful given Niagara-on-the-Lake’s position as one of North America’s premier wine destinations. Surrounded by more than 100 wineries, White Oaks offers guests an ideal base from which to explore the region’s celebrated wine culture while enjoying the comforts of a full-service resort and spa.
At the heart of LIV’s award-winning program is Sommelier Shelly Scott-Young, whose carefully curated wine list features an impressive collection of Niagara VQA wines alongside sought-after labels from France, Italy, California, British Columbia, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, and beyond. The 2026 wine list includes more than 250 selections, with a strong emphasis on local producers such as Kirby Estate, Malivoire, M.W. Cellars, Two Sisters Vineyards, Henry of Pelham, and Le Clos Jordanne.
“We are honoured to receive this award as we recognize our incredible winemakers both locally and afar,” says Scott-Young. “This acknowledgment reflects the collaborative spirit of our team and the enthusiasm of our guests who continue to embrace great wine and great food.”
Guests dining at LIV can expect a wine program that goes far beyond traditional pairings. The restaurant’s cellar highlights Niagara’s diverse terroir, showcasing wines from renowned sub-appellations including Four Mile Creek, Beamsville Bench, Lincoln Lakeshore, Twenty Mile Bench, and St. David’s Bench. The result is a wine experience that celebrates the remarkable evolution of Ontario wine while introducing guests to exceptional producers from around the globe.
For travelers seeking a complete wellness escape, the recognition adds another compelling reason to visit White Oaks. Home to the award-winning Spa at White Oaks, the resort combines spa therapies, fitness and wellness programming, luxury accommodations, and acclaimed dining under one roof. A day of hydrotherapy, massage, or skincare treatments can easily transition into an evening of seasonal cuisine paired with a carefully selected Niagara Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, or sparkling wine.
As wellness travel continues to evolve, culinary experiences are increasingly becoming an essential part of the journey. LIV Restaurant’s latest Wine Spectator recognition reinforces White Oaks’ reputation as a destination where wellness, hospitality, and exceptional food and wine come together in a uniquely Niagara experience.
For wine lovers, spa enthusiasts, and culinary travelers alike, White Oaks continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Canada’s most respected resort destinations.
For more information, visit White Oaks Resort & Spa.
