Wakefield Steam Train travelling along the shores of the Gatineau River. -- Photo by Andrew Van Beek, Special to Sun Media

Father's Day coincides with a special event in Ontario wine country.

The Niagara New Vintage Festival -- which began last weekend (June 10) and continues through to Sunday June 18 -- is featuring tours, tastings, and other events celebrating the first taste of Ontario's newest wines.

More than 25 participating wineries are taking part in the 11th annual event.

New this year is the Dairy Farmers of Canada's tutored Wine and Cheese Seminar Series June 17-18.

Learn more about pairing intricacies of Niagara's new wines and Canada's finest cheeses.

Each seminar will be followed by a tour and tasting at the host winery. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations. The cost is $45 per person.

Throughout the Niagara New Vintage Festival, touring passports will be available for $20 at the participating wineries along the Niagara Wine Route.

For more information, go to niagarawinefestival.com or call the Festival Office at 905-688-0212.

Other options for Father's Day this year include:

CAR SHOWS AND MORE

Dads with an interest in cars and motorcycles will enjoy the 13th Annual Father's Day Show 'n' Shine, June 16-18 on Vancouver Island. Every year the streets of Qualicum Beach are lined with over 700 classic and custom cars, big rigs and motorcycles. This year's new addition is classic fire trucks.

Presented by the Seaside Cruizers Car Club, the show takes place on Sunday June 18 and typically attracts more than 10,000 spectators.

This year's event, says club president Norm Biddlecombe, is going to be the biggest and best yet.

Events and activities leading up to Father's Day include an evening cruise and the nostalgic carhop service at Parksville's A&W with window trays and golden oldies music on Friday night.

Tasting wine at last year's Niagara New Vintage Festival. -- Photo courtesy of NIagara New Vintage Festival

That's followed by a barbeque at noon on Saturday and dancing that night with live music and prizes, and a Shriner's pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. on Father's Day. For more call 250-248-1015

LOCATION TOURS

The Sopranos sites bus tour is a popular outing in New Jersey on Father's Day.

The tour, which departs from New York City, visits over 40 locations from the TV show including the diner where Chris was shot on the steps, the pork store Satriales, and the Bada Bing gentlemen's club. The tour is led by actors who have played small roles on the show.

"The tour generally consists of 70% men," says Georgette Blau of On Location Tours.

"Father's Day weekend is one of our busiest times of the year." For more, check screentours.com

ALL ABOARD IN OUTAOUAIS

If you're looking for a unique outing for Father's Day, consider a trip on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train. Travel along the Gatineau River to the picturesque tourist village of Wakefield on one of the most beautiful railway lines in Quebec.

Tour guides, musicians and singers will enhance your experience along the way.

At your destination, take a guided tour of the village (included in the price) or watch as the 93-ton steamer is pivoted by hand on Canada's last manual turntable.

The half-day excursion is $39 per person for adults, $99 for a family of four.

Check the website (steamtrain.ca) for discounts on ticket prices. For more, call 1-800-871-7246.

SKIP THE TIE, SEND DAD TO A SPA

Ask Dad if he'd be interested in a spa treatment and he might just wince. But suggest a "Men's Half-Time Retreat" and you might get his attention. This cleverly named gift certificate from Elmwood Spa in Toronto could be an ideal present if there's no opportunity to get out of town with dad this weekend.

The five hours of pampering includes a 50-minute Swedish Massage, a scalp or foot massage; a MANicure and more for $280. For details, call 416-977-6751 or check elmwoodspa.com.