niagara

Most diverse wines from Canada. Within the Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake has been classified as its own area by the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario). Within the larger appellation are sub-appellations of Niagara River, Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek and St. David’s Bench.

In this vast, fertile area, wineries vary in geology, soil, elevation, and temperature and precipitation variations, all of which have an impact on the wines produced. Because of this diversity in “terroir,” Canadian wines from Niagara-on-the-Lake are varied, covering the range from light and fresh, a little sweet, soft and spicy, to full, tannic and powerful.

Bounded by Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, the climate is temperate and temperatures are generally warmer, allowing the grapes to ripen very well. An earlier start to spring in the wine region means grapes have a longer growing season, resulting in better ripeness at harvest and better depth of flavor in the wines. This additional warmth and longer growing season is especially good for red grapes, but also benefits white grape varieties. In addition, the warm days and cool nights result in wines that have a balance of ripe fruit and acidity, making them excellent food companions.