Niagara-on-the-Lake is a wine appellation in Canada, near the southern shores of Lake Ontario; Niagara Falls is located nearby. The lake has a moderating effect on grape growing here, as breezes help prevent frosts in the spring, a critical factor for a this northerly climate.

Principal varieties include grapes ideal for a cool climate, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, while there is also a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon planted, along with Vidal for production of ice wine. Soils here are a combination of limestone and shale.

There are about 20 producers making wine from this territory; a few of them, such as Inniskillin and Jackson Triggs are noted for their ice wines. These products, made from grapes that are frozen (picked in December and January), are remarkable wines with lush, intense fruit as well as high acidity, so while sweet, they are beautifully balanced, and can age for a decade or two in the best instances. Pair these with a fruit tart or blue cheeses, or savor them on their own.

As might be expected, there are some very fine classically made sparkling wines produced here as well; as in Champagne, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the leading varieties. (Wine/Appellations)