Niagara County is a wine appellation (AVA) located in northern New York State, not far from Niagara Falls and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester; Lake Ontario forms the northern border. This is a cool climate, ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, while other varieties, such as Vidal, Cawtawba and Concord are also planted in this area.

Although it is situated at a far northern latitude, the zone is almost frost-free, as vineyards are planted on the Niagara Escarpment at elevations over 500 feet. The growing season is quite long making dessert wines, such as Ice Wine from the Vidal variety, a notable success. Several producers also make mead and fruit wines. Many of the wines are available in small lots at the wineries, and they are not available on the greater retail market. Pair the whites and red wines with numerous cheeses, ranging from gruyere and Havarti for the whites to Asiago and aged cheddars for the reds; Roquefort or other blue cheeses are ideal with the dessert wines. (Wine/Appellations)