Niagara Peninsula
— Regional Appellations

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

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Regional STATS

2021-22 Annual
Production (9L Cases)

Number of
Wineries

Growing
Degree Days

Frost Free
Days (-2°C)

July Mean
Temperature

Precipitation

Common Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon Riesling Cabernet Franc Chardonnay Merlot

Regional OVERVIEW

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of two regional appellations within the Niagara Peninsula Appellation. Regional appellations are a collection of appellations with similar character and winemaking experience. Situated below the crest of the Niagara Escarpment and stretching to the Niagara River and the shores of Lake Ontario, this region encompasses four sub-appellations: Niagara River, Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek and St. David's Bench.

Elegant VISTAS, spirited STYLES, inviting wines of ORIGIN

Although there is a great diversity in geology, soil composition, elevation and climate, the wineries of this appellation, and ultimately their wines, share the collective benefits of proximity to the Lake, River and Escarpment.

Characteristics

TOPOGRAPHY

Most of this region is lakeshore plains land, characterized by long, gentle slopes, which become slightly more prominent in proximity to the north-facing Lake Iroquois Bluff. The gentle topography allows the entire region to enjoy generous sunlight exposure from early morning to late evening, which provides heat accumulation during the day and throughout the season, promoting an early start to the growing season. Clear, calm conditions often result in high daily temperature ranges and excellent growing conditions for grapes.

SOIL

Ranging from sandy loam soils to soils primarily consisting of red shale with a high silt and clay content, water-holding capacities vary greatly within this region. Due to the gradual sloping of the landscape toward the lake, these soils tend to be moderately to well-drained with slow surface runoff.

CLIMATE

The geographical attributes of Niagara-on-the-Lake have a meaningful impact on climate. Proximity to the deep waters of Lake Ontario and the fast flowing Niagara River moderates temperatures throughout the viticultural region reducing the risk of late spring and early fall frosts. Vineyards farther from the lake receive somewhat less of the lake's moderating effects and thus experience a higher daily temperature range, with warm days and cool nights. Closer to the sheltering effects of the Niagara Escarpment, spring warming occurs earlier with sun-exposure on east- and south-facing slopes promoting bud break and bloom.

Notable Features

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the heart of Ontario wine culture and a world-renowned wine country destination. The region is becoming well known for its annual celebrations of terroir-focused foods and wines.