Niagara Peninsula
— Regional Appellations
West Niagara
Regional STATS
2023-24 Annual
Production (9L Cases)
Number of
Wineries
Growing
Degree Days
Frost Free
Days (-2°C)
July Mean
Temperature
Precipitation
Common Varieties Cabernet Franc Chardonnay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Vidal Blanc
Regional OVERVIEW
West Niagara is one of three regional appellations within the Niagara Peninsula. Regional appellations are a collection of appellations with similar character and winemaking experience. Situated west of St. Catharines and the Welland Canal, this region encompasses six sub-appellations: Beamsville Bench, Twenty Mile Bench, Short Hills Bench, Lincoln Lakeshore, Creek Shores, and Vinemount Ridge.
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.
Niagara Peninsula
Niagara River
Easterly facing, gentle slopes, long growing season moderated by the Niagara River.
Niagara Peninsula
Niagara Lakeshore
Dominant influence of Lake Ontario, long consistent growing season for flavour development.
Niagara Peninsula
Four Mile Creek
Expansive vineyards, abundant full sunlight, warm intense growing conditions.
Niagara Peninsula
St.David’s Bench
Early warming in spring, gently sloping bench, generous precipitation.
