You’ll find in this area that wineries range from large, elaborate winemaking facilities to small, family-run estate operations. A day or two of traveling to these picturesque places, will be fulfilling. Some wineries have fabulous views of Lake Ontario from their escarpment perches, while others are nestled along the scenic route of the Niagara River.

Niagara has a cool climate viticulture area, similar to Oregon and Washington State. In fact, Niagara’s vineyards are situated in a latitudinal band between 41 degrees and 44 degrees north, the same bank as the Chianti Classico region in Italy and the Rioja region of Spain.

The Niagara area is known for making wonderful Icewine. This delicious dessert wine is created under strict conditions, and only after the grapes, which are left hanging past harvest and into the winter months, freeze on the vines. Pickers go out at night to gather the frozen berries, which are then pressed for their concentrated juice.

That juice is fermented and aged in half-bottles, which can be enjoyed on special occasions or any time. Go to this web address for an alphabetical listing of all the area wineries. http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/att-wineries.html