Amid a tense social and political climate in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pride is still alive and well this August on a unique tour of wineries across town.

The Wigs & Wine Tour returned to NOTL last Saturday for its second run, hosted by drag artist Kenadie St. James, billing herself the “Queen of Niagara Wine Country.”

The tour takes its participants to four different wineries on a party bus ride featuring an onboard drag show.

St. James said she started doing drag in Niagara with an event to raise money for cancer research at Creekside Estates.

Then, this year, she launched the Wigs & Wine Tour, a concept she came up with herself, particularly after hearing complaints about how the transport between wineries on these tours can be boring.

“I saw other wine tours coming through and thought, ‘What would be more fun than a drag queen on a party bus?’” she said.

So far, she said it’s been a great way to feel the gap of transit time – the inaugural Wigs & Wine Tour on June 17 hosted 30 guests.

“Our last count was 17 (people) for this (second) one – so, a little lighter than our last one,” St. James said.

She’s expecting to book even more guests for the October tour.

“I’m hoping to book around 50 for that one,” she said.

Despite acts of hate against the LGBTQ+ community in NOTL this spring and summer – including one incident less than a week ago – St. James said everyone has been kind and welcoming to the wine tour.

“I am also someone who doesn’t just try to appeal to a specific community, I try to appeal to all communities. I’ve got a little comedy for everybody,” she said.

St. James said she urges everyone to come out and give the experience a try.

“If you’ve never been to a drag show, open your heart and your mind. Come out and see us and have a good time,” she said.

The third installment of Wigs & Wines is Saturday, Aug. 19. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca/e/the-wigs-wine-tour-3-tickets-657286671127?aff=erelexpmlt.