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Ontario’s Wine region is blessed with a ‘cool climate’ that means that at the time of harvest grapes have more concentrated
flavors and balanced acidity levels. Further, the “lake effect” caused by lakes Erie and Ontario protects the precious vines
from frosts in the spring and grants the benefits of an extended growing season in the fall. Add to this the influence of
Ontario’s soils on the quality of grapes; there are many different varieties of grapes that can be produced in the four
viticultural areas of Ontario.
Sandy loam soil is found near the Lake Ontario shore, while silty clay is found on the escarpment bench areas. Because of
the unique quality of these soils the Niagara Escarpment wineries and Lake Ontario have been able to create a microclimate
suitable for the production of World Class Wines.
Wine Tours
To experience some of the most incredible wines you can opt for Niagara on the lake wine country tours. These wine tours
offer you the thrill of enjoying a multi-course lunch or dinner at a scenic winery location. You can choose from beautiful
courtyard settings, bistros with expansive vineyard views, exceptional award winning Niagara on the lake restaurants.
Hillebrand Winery
Hillebrand is one of the best Niagara on the Lake wineries that captures the essence of Niagara’s wine lifestyle in a
stunning and relaxed environment. Hillebrand ice wine was the first icewine to come out of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Icewine is
produced by allowing the grapes to freeze naturally on the vine.
Grapes in this condition acquire the optimum level of
sugar and flavor. Ontario’s Niagara region is currently the largest producer of icewines. Hillebrand also pioneered the
production of Trius in the Niagara region. Trius is a blend of selected best Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
grapes.
Grape And Wine Festival
Wine enthusiasts can also look forward to the Niagara grape and wine festival that takes place in the middle of September
when the area celebrates the annual harvest of the grapes. Over a hundred exciting events take place during this ten day
celebration.
The attendees get the opportunity of wine tasting, sampling the best of the regional cuisine, being entertained by live
concerts and enjoying the pageantry of two outstanding parades. If you’re visiting in late January, the town of
Niagara-on-the-Lake has an Ice Wine Celebration based around the harvesting of the ice wine grapes.
The VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) consists of a set of standards for winemaking excellence from the vineyard right
through to the bottling line. Every Ontario VQA wine earns its position by meeting demanding standards and then undergoes
complete laboratory and taste testing. If a wine has VQA on its label, you can be sure that it represents authenticity and
quality. Perfect grapes, a Passion for winemaking and an Obsession for quality is the essence of VQA certified Ontario wines.
