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
West Niagara is defined by diverse landscapes shaped by glacial activity and the presence of the Niagara Escarpment. The area features a variety of slopes, from the steep cliffs of the Beamsville Bench to the rolling hills of the Short Hills Bench. The land descends gradually northward towards Lake Ontario, creating natural drainage systems through streams and tributaries. These waterways, originating from the Escarpment, play a crucial role in water management, especially during spring melts. The gentle slopes ensure uninterrupted sunlight for vineyards, with the Vinemount Moraine and other ridges providing ideal south-facing exposures for grape maturation.
SOIL
West Niagara’s soils are a complex mix of sedimentary origins, from clay loam to lighter, well-drained sandy soils. The area’s soils are rich in minerals, including fossil-enriched dolomites, which contribute to the unique minerality found in wines from the region. Throughout the area, deep and porous soils allow for excellent root penetration, with natural drainage provided by the topography. Water retention is balanced by steady groundwater flow from the Escarpment, ensuring consistent moisture during dry summers. The variation in soil types, from heavy clay loam to lighter, sandy pockets, provides growing conditions for a range of grape varieties.
CLIMATE
West Niagara benefits from a moderated microclimate due to the influence of both the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. The Escarpment protects the region from strong winds, while lake breezes help regulate temperatures throughout the growing season. Spring warms gradually, delaying bud burst and reducing frost risks, while the fall sees extended warmth due to heat retained by the lake and the slopes. Cooler nighttime temperatures, especially in higher elevations, combined with long daylight exposure, create ideal conditions for grape ripening, fostering balanced acidity and fruit development. The region’s climate is characterized by gradual seasonal transitions, making it suitable for producing high-quality wines.
Niagara Peninsula
Creek Shores
Almost entirely surrounded by water. Temperatures are well moderated with gradual spring warming and bud break.
Niagara Peninsula
Lincoln Lakeshore
Runs along the Lake Ontario shore and is backed by the foot of the escarpment bench on its south boundary.
Niagara Peninsula
Vinemount Ridge
Lies just above and south of the brow of the Niagara Escarpment and covers two prominent geological features - the Fonthill Kame to the east and the Vinemount Moraine on its western edge.
Niagara Peninsula
Beamsville Bench
Niagara Escarpment northwards to Regional Road 81, marking the bottom of the crescent-shaped Lake Iroquois Shore Bluff.
Niagara Peninsula
Twenty Mile Bench
Stretches east to west from Fifteen Mile Creek to west of Cherry Avenue and has a complex topography with a distinctive double bench formation and short varied slopes that roll to the brow of the escarpment.
Niagara Peninsula
Short Hills Bench
The most easterly of the sub-appellations located within the Niagara Escarpment. It encompasses the land rising up from the plain of the peninsula to the Escarpment Brow and situated between Twelve Mile Creek and Fifteen Mile Creek.
