The Niagara Escarpment is an AVA in New York State; there is also a Niagara Escarpment wine production area across the border in Canada. The AVA is named for the natural cliffs that break up the land into two levels; these were formed by glaciers; the AVA production zone is situated between 400 and 600 feet, about 30 miles east of Niagara Falls. The climate is cool but the nearby lakes retain heat and balance out temperatures. Vineyard soils are largely gravel and limestone. Leading varieties are the aptly named Niagara (this makes a simple, lighter bodied wine, and is also used in jams), Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. There are approximately 20 wineries in the AVA. (Wine/Appellations)