The Niagara Peninsula is the largest VA in Canada, it represents 80 percent of Canada’s grape production.

The Niagara Peninsula is located between two of the Great Lakes, creating a climate moderating effect that, despite the  winter, experiences a climate with lots of sunshine and moderate rainfall. The climate during the growing season is comparable to that of Burgundy, France.  Wines grown in temperate climates like these produce superior fruit  with better aromas and more intense flavours than in warmer climates.  A ledge called the Bench runs parallel to the base of the Niagara Escarpment allowing vineyards to benefit from the lake’s offshore breezes, which are pushed back to the lake when they reach the escarpment, this creates a constant flow of air. It is this air circulation that prevents cold air from settling in low lying areas during periods of frost. This zone is referred to as the Carolinian Forest Zone of Ontario and takes its name from the Carolinas in the United States which have a similar climate. The uniqueness of the Carolina Forest Zone allows it to house more species of rare plants and animals than any other place in Canada.

Lake Ontario cools the summer air so grapes do not ripen too quickly, and then keeps the fall air comparatively warm so that the first frost is delayed, thus extending the growing season.

The vineyards of Lake Erie North Shore are situated in a mesoclimate along the north shore of Lake Erie in Essex, Kent and Elgin counties. The grape growing area mostly stretches along the shoreline of Lake Erie between Amherstburg and Leamington, with a pocket of vineyards around the town of Blenheim. This Viticultural Area produces some excellent Canadian wines.   The Lake Erie warmth along with lots of sunshine creates a great environment for growing grapes.

Pelee Island, is Canada’s most southerly point.  As a result, it enjoys a longer growing season than any other wine region in Canada. The growing season is often thirty days more than any other area in Ontario.

A large variety of grapes can be grown in Ontario. Among the main white varieties are Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Red varieties are Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. French hybrids like Baco Noir and Maréchal Foch are also grown.

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