Where Ontario Wine Grapes Grow: Niagara Peninsula & Beyond

Primary Region: Niagara Peninsula

• Located SW of Toronto, between Lake Ontario (north) and Niagara River (east).
• Microclimate: Lake effect moderates winters, extends growing season.
• Soils: Glacial tills, limestone shale, good drainage.
• Produces >80% of Ontario's wine grapes (Vinifera & hybrids).
• Sub-appellations: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Twenty Mile Bench, Beamsville Bench, etc.

Secondary Regions

• Prince Edward County (Lake Ontario NE shore) – limestone, cool climate, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay.
• Lake Erie North Shore (Pelee Island, Essex County) – warmest, red Bordeaux varieties.
• Emerging: Norfolk County, Huron Shores.