Ontario’s grape and wine country has captured the attention of enthusiastic wine lovers worldwide. While Ontario produces a small percentage of the world’s wine output, its quality speaks loud and clear. Led by the emergence of Icewine as its flagship product, Ontario has achieved an international reputation for quality wines, as proven by the many awards, citations and honours achieved in the past 25 years. 

Grape production in Ontario originates from four designated Viticultural Areas: Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County. There are approximately 15,000 acres under vine in these four areas, which all have excellent combinations of the right climate, growing season and soils – terroir – and evolving viticultural practices, to grow high quality grapes.

To view larger image, click map.

Ontario is the largest producer of Vidal in Canada. Vidal (a French hybrid) is the main grape variety used in the production of Icewine, a premium dessert wine. Ontario is the world leader in Icewine production.Ontario’s grape and wine country is classified as a cool climate viticulture region. However, our grape-growing areas in Niagara and southwestern Ontario experience hot summers, which help produce excellent vintages.

Other cool climate grape-growing regions include the Okanagan Valley in Canada’s British Columbia, Oregon and Washington states in the U.S., and New Zealand. Germany, and the Burgundy region in France, are also cool climate regions, particularly suited for growing grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.