Ontario's vineyards work within a short, cool growing season. Winter hardiness and dependable ripening matter, while nearby water moderates cold and can reduce frost risk. The province has three official wine regions: Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.
Icewine, made from grapes left on the vine until winter freezing conditions arrive, is Ontario's best-known style abroad. The range is broader than that: still, sparkling and sweet wines are all made here. Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc lead the still-wine selection. Cooler conditions commonly bring high acidity, lighter body, lower alcohol and mineral notes, while late-harvest wines and Icewine are richer and sweeter.
Niagara Peninsula shows how closely place names can narrow the picture. Lakeshore and inland areas differ with topography and distance from the water. The Niagara Escarpment includes Short Hills Bench, Twenty Mile Bench and Beamsville Bench. On an Ontario bottle, VQA identifies the appellation of origin and where the grapes were grown.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Ontario clear, with a direct route back to the map.
Producer profiles
Producer profiles
Open the full directory when you want every producer currently placed in Ontario.
- Pearl Morissette Estate WineryA Niagara Peninsula estate near Jordan Station, pairing hand-picked Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling with old foudres and cement or stone vessels.