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Why Wine Lovers Need to Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake was a place I always wanted to explore! Sadly, it was always put on my ‘back-burner’ as my love affair for international travel grew. Now that I have a home-base in Ontario, I am able to better explore places in my own ‘backyard’, including Niagara wineries!

After a few days exploring the wineries and falls of Niagara region, I must admit I was ‘fallin’ for Niagara Falls.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

The infamous Niagara Falls has become a global destination, cited as one of the great wonders of the world! More recently, the vast vineyards in the surrounding region have gained international attention for their world renowned wineries.

If this doesn’t have you convinced, here are some reasons why Niagara-on-the-Lake might be one of the best wine regions around!

It’s gorgeous:

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

With a plentiful array of wineries to choose from, all settled on stunning, whimsical backdrops, the Niagara region serves as an obvious choice for a weekend away in Ontario.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

It’s inexhaustible:

According to the Ontario Wine Authority, there were 84 Niagara wineries to choose from in 2015. These range from large award-winning estates such as Inniskillin, to quaint family-owned vineyards such as Hinterbrook or Rancourt. All wines are made with 100% Ontario grown grapes, so you are sure to get a taste of authentic regional wine.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

Also Enjoy Beer? | Check out this Beer Bath Spa in Brantford, ON

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

It has history:

For instance, did you know that Niagara-on-the-Lake was once the capital of Ontario before the war of 1812? At this time, Great Britain and Canada were at war with the USA. When news came that American troops would attack Niagara-on-the-Lake, the capital was moved to Toronto where it’s remained ever since. The area is too beautiful to picture once being a battle field!

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

It has the perfect climate:

What makes Niagara-on-the-Lake such a successful wine region is its climate. The fertile soil, warm summers and cold winters culminate to create the perfect climate for versatile grape production. The region produces varieties such as Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon. More unique to the region are flavourful fruit wines (such as Konzlemann’s delicious peach wine) and the delectable ice wines.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

It is a top producer of ice wine:

Canada is the world’s largest producer of ice wine (dessert wine)! Ice wine requires frigid temperatures for production, making Niagara’s location favourable. Harvest requires a -10 degree Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature, which is typically done during the coldest part of a winter night.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

This is because the grapes need to be frozen just right, so they can be pressed and the juice and sugar can be extracted, leaving the frozen skins behind. But let’s be honest, Canadian winters can get WAY colder than that, which can actually ruin the grapes; if they are too frozen and hard, no juice can be extracted at all.

The solution: giant wind turbines. Those massive fans apparently work to push warm air from above downwards, warming up the ground temperature to essentially incubate the grapes at optimal temperature.

Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

All in all, the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a stunning destination for wine connoisseurs and wine lovers alike, or those who just simply want to bask in sunshine while enjoying lakeside beauty.

Have you been to Niagara on the Lake?

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Niagara wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake - the pink backpack travel blog

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Ha said:
Such a lovely post! I'd love to try wine there!
November 5, 2017 at 4:02 am
Shibani said:
Niagara falls is already on my list and now adding Niagara lake to the list. I'm new to wine and would love to explore more in that :D
November 5, 2017 at 2:56 am
Chad said:
Excellent post!
May 26, 2016 at 6:50 am