Does a place have a taste? Absolutely, especially if that place is Niagara-on-the-Lake! Rich, fertile soil, thanks to the ongoing and unique impact of the Niagara Escarpment, and a one-of-a-kind microclimate make their mark on the grapes and other crops grown here, but the magic doesn’t stop there. The combined efforts of a collection of passionate people are also at play in creating the world-class wines, craft beverages, and farm-to-table cuisine produced here. Meet just a handful of the many Niagara-on-the-Lake Tastemakers whose passion for creating world-class products and experiences sets this pocket of Niagara apart.
Who: Angela and Melissa Marotta, Co-Proprietors
“The beauty of the landscape, the fertility of the land and the history of the area captured our hearts. Here, we were able to create a place that captures a little bit of the romance, architecture, food and wine of Europe here in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
“From day one, our restaurant has always tried to showcase the many artisanal producers of the region. Many of our suppliers from the area are listed on the back of our lunch and dinner menus and we’re delighted that we have been able to continue those relationships today. Seeing the quality and freshness of the product being produced just minutes from the restaurant inspires me the most.”
“When the Wisconsin Glacier melted and receded 12,000 years ago, it turned up the soils throughout the region and left them scattered. So even a small 62-acre parcel (like ours) has varying soil types and textures ideal for growing tender fruit. You can’t find it anywhere else in the world, you have to come here to see it and try the wine and food that we grow in it.”
Besides its excellent wines, Stratus Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake is also well-known for its…
Who: Donald Ziraldo, Co-founder of Inniskillin Wines, Founder of Ziraldo Icewine
“The Niagara wine region itself is really defined by two things: Lake Ontario, which, as one of the Great Lakes, is very deep. The Niagara Escarpment, which creates this microclimate. We get very hot summers, so we get a ripe fruit, but then in the shoulder season in December, January, the temperature drops off dramatically, grapes freeze, and we make Icewine. It’s very unique, and it doesn’t happen many other places in the world.”
From orchestrating cooking clubs to conducting tastings of their signature Icewines, Inniskillin…
Spend some time touring and tasting at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s wineries, craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, and restaurants to experience the unique flavours being created here.
FAQs
Q: What makes wines and crops from Niagara-on-the-Lake unique?
A: The unique growing conditions created by the Niagara Escarpment and the weather patterns driven by Niagara-on-the-Lake’s placement between Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, and the Escarpment have resulted in soil and micro-climate conditions that are perfect for growing grapes and other tender fruit crops.
Q: How many wineries are located in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
A: There are over 40 VQA wineries located in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Q: What’s the best way to experience Niagara-on-the-Lake wines and its farm-to-table cuisine for travellers who are tight on time?
A: Having a meal at a winery with an onsite restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine, such as the MICHELIN-recommended Trius Winery Restaurant, or dining at a farm-to-table restaurant with an extensive Niagara wine list, like Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine, are both great options for visitors who have limited time but want to experience the region’s wines and farm-to-table flavours.
