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Overview
About
the Wine Route
Escarpment
Wineries
B &
Bs along the Wine Route
Overview
The Niagara Region is one of Canada's
prime agricultural areas. Rich mineral soils and the moderating
effects of Lakes Erie and Ontario are two factors contributing to
the excellent growing conditions.
The Escarpment also creates a microclimate that allows
the growing of vinifera grapes (including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling).
As the ground warms up in spring, cool air is drawn
inland from Lake Ontario. Flowing in a circular pattern down the
Escarpment and along the ground, this cool air delays bud burst
on the vines, preventing potential damage by late spring frosts.
In fall, the air circulation works in reverse. Air is warmed over
the lake and moves inland along the ground. When it reaches the
Escarpment it rises, drawing more warm air in behind it and giving
the region the long, warm fall days needed to develop optimum sugar
content in the grapes.
The composition of the soil in this region was formed
over 12,500 years ago when the glaciers retreated leaving behind
deposits of clay, loam, sand and gravel. The soil mix is enriched
with minerals and trace elements from different strata of bedrock
which provide nutrition to the vineyards and add complexity to the
wines.
With its annual sunshine hours and rainfall,
the Niagara Peninsula enjoys a climate during the growing season
that is very similar to that of Burgundy, France.
About the Wine Route
The Wine Council of Ontario's Wine
Route website features a variety of information that directs
visitors to individual wineries in a particular region; a calendar
of events and promotions; a list of awards won by Ontario wines
in national and international competition; news and information
about the wines of Ontario; and a list of all Ontario wineries.
The site is operated by the Wine Council of Ontario,
which is a non-profit trade association of Ontario wineries. The
council serves to set standards and develop policy and strategies
for the wine industry in Ontario. It acts as a liaison body among
Ontario wineries, grape growers, and government.
For additional information, call (905) 684-8070 ext.
10, Email info@winesofontario.com
or visit the website.
Wineries of Ontario's
Niagara Escarpment
The Escarpment creates a microclimate that allows
for the growing of tender fruit, such as apricots, peaches and premium
wine grapes. As a result, there are a number of wineries and vineyards
located on the Escarpment.
Visit the websites of the wineries:
Bed & Breakfasts along the
Wine Route
There is a wide variety of charming bed & breakfast
establishments in the heart of Niagara's Wine County. Following
are a few featured B & Bs.
The
Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
Silver
Birches by the Lake
The
Colonist House
If your attraction, organization or bed & breakfast
is in the area of the Niagara Escarpment and you would like to submit
your site, please download and print the "Attraction,
B & B, Event or Package Listing Submission Form".
Chardonnay grapes - photo courtesy of the Grape
Growers of Ontario
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