With its annual sunshine hours and rainfall, the Niagara Peninsula enjoys a climate during the growing season which is very similar to that of Burgundy, France. The vineyards of South West Ontario number over 200 hectares situated in favored micro climates along the north shore of Lake Erie in Essex, Kent and Elgin counties. With its southern exposure complemented by the moderating effect of the lake, this Designated Viticultural Area produces some of Canada's finest wines. Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes affording it the warmest surface temperature of the five. This region has the most sunshine hours in Canada and as a result its fruit goes to market weeks before other parts of the province.
Soil structures vary from gravelly loam to clay and sandy loam.
The climate of Lake Erie North Shore during the growing season is comparable to that of Bordeaux, France. Pelee Island Pelee Island, marginally nearer the Equator than Rome, is Canada's most southerly point. As such, it enjoys a longer growing season than any other wine region in Canada - thirty days more than the mainland. Situated in Lake Erie 15 miles off the mainland, Pelee Island has 200 hectares under vine production out of a total area of 4,047 hectares. Canada's first commercial wine-growing operation began here in 1866 when a winery called Vin Villa opened its doors.